The Black Dragon Cryptomeria is easily one of our favorites. Its unique, dark, evergreen foliage and natural layered branches will transform your boring landscape into botanical garden! If you love Japanese Maples, you will love the Black Dragon Cryptomeria. It is a perfect complement to your Japanese Maples, adding stunning color and texture contrast while giving off that same lovely Zen vibe.

New foliage emerges bright green. As the greenery matures it darkens to a deep, dark green that is almost black. You will be hard-pressed to find another tree with this fantastic color. Wildlife and birds will love nestling in the layered, dense branches and feasting on the small pinecones of this Cryptomeria. At a max height of 10 feet and spread of 6 feet, this compact evergreen will fit in just about anywhere!

This Cryptomeria thrives in full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Like most evergreens, the cryptomeria prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic, fertile soil. However, this tree is fairly adaptable to any soil that drains well, including clay and sand. This conifer does not require pruning. The Black Dragon Cryptomeria is pest and disease resistant as well as deer and drought tolerant once established.

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Why Is My Cryptomeria Turning Brown?

If there has been a drought, it is possible that the cryptomeria may have some browning and drop some needles. A large number of pine scale could cause yellowing in the foliage as well, diagnose and treat with insecticide. Keeping foliage dry will help prevent fungal infections.

What Are Good Companion Plants For Black Dragon Cryptomeria?

Underplanting this tree with a colorful groundcover like dianthus would create contrast and make it a focal point in the landscape.

How Fast Does This Tree Grow?

Expect 6-8 inches of growth per yer from this tree untill it reaches a mature height of 6-8 feet.

The Black Dragon Cryptomeria can be planted anytime of the year as long as extreme temperatures are avoided. This small tree grows in planting zones 5-9.

This Cryptomeria thrives in full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Like most evergreens, the Cryptomeria prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic, fertile soil. However, this tree is fairly adaptable to any soil that drains well, including clay and sandy soils. Water deeply once or twice weekly for the first couple months after planting. Once established this Cryptomeria is fairly drought tolerant. Water once weekly in summer and in dry periods for best results. Fertilize with an acidic slow release fertilizer in spring. If your soil is nutrient poor, fertilize in fall as well. Generally this tree does not require pruning. If you choose to shape your tree, do so in early spring.

The Black Dragon Cryptomeria rarely encounters pests or disease when properly cared for. This evergreen is deer tolerant.

The Black Dragon Cryptomeria is touted for its deep green, almost black mature foliage. This unique color and this Cryptomeria's attractive, natural shape shine in the landscape. Plant as a focal or specimen tree in a lovely Japanese-inspired Zen garden. Mix with Japanese Maples and Junipers for outstanding year-round color and texture. You'll want to add a bench! This tree is perfect for a rock garden. Plant every 4 feet for a truly unique hedge or border. This compact evergreen is perfect for a small urban garden. Don't have anywhere to plant? No worries! Try a container. The Black Dragon Cryptomeria is truly stunning in planters. This Cryptomeria is sure to add another dimension to your landscape!

For additional options, be sure to browse our Dwarf tree and Evergreen tree collections.