The “Black Dragon” tree (Cryptomeria japonica “Black Dragon”) is a semi-dwarf cultivar of the Japanese cedar, a slow-growing coniferous evergreen. The slow growth rate and smaller size of the tree make it suited to container growing. It can also be planted in the ground.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
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.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Full sunlight exposure is ideal for the Black Dragon Cryptomeria, but this plant may survive in partial shade too.
Watering and Fertilizing
The Black Dragon Cryptomeria will need water once per week or more during establishment. After that time, this plant will need very little water and will survive most moderate droughts. In summer, you should water this plant about once per week, but otherwise, the water needs for a Black Dragon Cryptomeria will remain quite low. You can feed this plant twice per year, once in spring and once in fall, using a fertilizer that has plenty of nitrogen and will help acidify the soil.
Planting Instructions
Although the Black Dragon Cryptomeria can survive in partial shade, it will perform better when it grows in full sunlight. It can also survive in a wide range of soils, including dry soils. Plant this small shrub by digging a hole that is as deep as the root ball is tall and about twice as wide. At times, it can help to tie this tree to a stake during establishment to ensure that it grows straight throughout its life.
Pruning
You’ll find that the Black Dragon Cryptomeria is very easy to please when it comes to pruning. In fact, this plant will remain healthy and develop a neat conical form with no need for pruning at all. This means that during most years, your pruning tools won’t be necessary for maintaining your Black Dragon Cryptomeria. Occasionally, if you find dead, damaged or diseased limbs, you should remove them, but your pruning work won’t extend beyond that.
Pollination
The Black Dragon Cryptomeria carries sets of both male and female cones and relies on wind to conduct its pollination. This bisexual nature means that, in theory, it is possible for the Black Dragon Cryptomeria to reproduce either by self-pollination or by cross-pollination with another plant. However, the cultivation of this shrub has led it to be sterile, meaning that it cannot grow new plants from its seeds. Anyone who wants to create more Black Dragon Cryptomeria plants will need to do so via cuttings.
Propagation
The most reliable way to propagate a Black Dragon Cryptomeria is to take a cutting from a living plant. The cutting should be about four inches long with plenty of leaves. Remove some of the bark front the cutting and about half of the leaves. Then, apply a root hormone to the cutting and store it in moist soil in a warm area for a few weeks. After that time, your cutting should have developed roots and may be ready to plant in your garden.
Pests and Diseases
Another very convenient aspect of the Black Dragon Cryptomeria is that this plant is resistant to both pests and diseases. In most cases, you won’t need to worry about infections or infestations for the entirety of this plant’s life. Additionally, the Black Dragon Cryptomeria is also resistant to deer browsing—an issue that can cause defoliation on many of the most attractive plants in your garden. This lack of pests, diseases and animal issues contributes to the overall low maintenance needs of this plant.
III. Uses and Benefits
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!
