Cryptomeria

Japanese Cedar – Best Cryptomeria Trees In New Zealand!

Growing trees such as Japanese Cedar in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used to provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the best and largest variety of Japanese Cedar trees, and the right one for your space. These Cryptomeria have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Cryptomeria, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Cryptomeria Questions

1. Are cryptomeria fast growing?

Cryptomeria are fast growing trees and can grow 1-1.5 m per year in ideal conditions. They are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of soils and climates. They are also relatively drought tolerant once established. Cryptomeria are a good choice where a fast-growing tree is required to act as a windbreak, privacy screen, or as a specimen.

2. How long does it take for Cryptomeria to grow?

Cryptomeria are fast growing trees and can grow 1-1.5 m per year in ideal conditions. However, it is important to note that the growth rate of cryptomeria trees can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

• Climate: Cryptomeria trees grow best in warm, humid climates.
• Soil: They prefer a well-draining soil.
• Sun exposure: Cryptomeria trees need full sun.
• Water: Water trees regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertiliser: Trees should be fertilised once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer such as https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/tree-and-shrub-fertiliser

If you provide your cryptomeria tree with the ideal conditions, it should grow quickly and reach its full height and width within 10-20 years. With proper care, your cryptomeria tree will thrive.

3. Does Cryptomeria turn brown in winter?

It is normal for Cryptomeria trees to turn brown in winter. This is especially true for older trees and trees that are planted in colder climates. The browning is caused by a combination of factors:

• Cold weather: Cryptomeria trees are not as cold tolerant as some other conifers. During cold winters, the leaves and needles of cryptomeria trees can turn brown and autumn.
• Drought stress: Cryptomeria trees are relatively drought tolerant, but they can become stressed during periods of prolonged drought. Drought stress can also cause the leaves and needles of cryptomeria trees to turn brown.
• Windburn: Cryptomeria trees that are exposed to strong winds can develop windburn. Windburn can cause the leaves and needles of cryptomeria trees to brown.

If you notice that your cryptomeria tree is turning brown in winter, there is no need to be alarmed. Most cryptomeria trees will recover in the spring when the weather warms up.

4. What are common problems with Cryptomeria?

Some common problems that can affect Cryptomeria include:

Fungal Diseases:

• Leaf blight and leaf spot: These fungal diseases cause browning and spotting of the needles, often starting on the lower branches and spreading upwards. They can be exacerbated by wet conditions and poor air circulation.
• Cercospora needle blight: A common fungal disease that causes browning and premature needle drop, often starting on the lower branches and spreading upwards. It's favored by warm, humid weather.
• Rhizosphaera needle cast: Another fungal disease that causes yellowing and casting of needles, typically starting on the inner branches and working outwards. It's often associated with drought stress or poor soil conditions.

Pests:

• Scale insects: These sap-sucking insects attach themselves to the bark and foliage, weakening the tree and causing yellowing or browning of needles. They can also produce a sticky honeydew that attracts ants and promotes sooty mould growth.
• Adelgids: These tiny insects feed on the sap of Cryptomeria, causing needle distortion, stunted growth, and dieback. They often produce a white, woolly covering on the needles.
• Spider mites: These small, spider-like pests suck sap from the needles, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventually browning and needle drop. They thrive in hot, dry conditions.

Environmental Stresses:

• Drought: Cryptomeria trees prefer moist, well-drained soils and can suffer from drought stress, leading to needle browning, wilting, and premature needle drop.
• Winter damage: While generally cold-hardy, Cryptomeria can be susceptible to winter damage, such as needle browning and dieback, in areas with harsh winters or extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Salt damage: Cryptomeria can be sensitive to salt spray in coastal areas, causing leaf burn and dieback.

Other Issues:

• Root rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soils can lead to root rot, causing the tree to decline, with symptoms like wilting, yellowing needles, and stunted growth.
• Dieback: This condition involves the progressive death of branches from the tips back, often caused by stress factors like drought, pests, diseases, or root damage.
• Poor growth: Slow growth or stunted appearance can be caused by various factors, including inadequate sunlight, nutrient deficiencies, root competition, or pests and diseases.

5. What is the lifespan of a Cryptomeria tree?

Cryptomeria trees are known for their impressive lifespans. Cryptomeria japonica: The most common species boasts a remarkable lifespan of up to 1000 years, or even 2000 years in optimal conditions. This makes it one of the longest-living coniferous trees in the world. Other Cryptomeria species, like C. fortunei and C. kawakamii, typically have shorter lifespans, ranging from 300 to 500 years.