Cryptomeria - The Black Dragon Tree Creates A Striking Back Drop

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The Cryptomeria is a stunning evergreen confier for any style garden or landscape area. The Black Dragon is a popular tree to use as a back drop or privacy area. The Black Dragon will grow well in zones five through nine. The tree is frost hardy and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is a fast grower, and will mature twelve feet high and up to six feet wide. This specie loves well drained soil and will be pleased with any natural rain. One of the unique features of this plant family is its unique textured pine needles.

Leaves in spring are light brilliant green tones and as the temperatures warm up, the needles turn into a rich, deeper green color. There are male (pollen) and female (seed) cones on one tree. In spring these cones release a wealth of pollen into the air. The Cryptomeria is native to Japan and China, but many cultivators are grown all over the world. In Japan, this specimen is used for lumber, but also recognized in many historical gardens and groves.

















There are so many different ideas for planting the Black Dragon, or any other of the varieties of this plant family. In the examples of landscape design section, there is a simple design I did for a client on suggestions for a berm area, and the Cryptomeria being a great option. The Black Dragon staggered along a berm with some other evergreen trees or ornamental shrubs, creates a colorful appearance. Propagation is from seed, but also can be grown from cuttings for the cultivators.

The Cryptomeria family has a dwarf variety called the Globosa Nana. This is a a great choice as another option if you are planting along a foundation. The Globosa Nana has shiny bright blueish green needles. It grows around three feet tall and two to four feet wide. Some people call this the funky shrub as the tiny long leaves have a wild look to them. This dwarf will grow well in full sun or part shade. A great plant in zones five through seven. Feel free to search for other plant specimens on the Google search box or search for plants right here on this site.