Angelica Japanese Cedar

Angelica Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Angelica')

Angelica Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Angelica') is a distinctive, upright evergreen conifer known for its fine-textured foliage that undergoes dramatic seasonal color shifts. This cultivar adds rich texture and visual interest to landscapes year-round, particularly in colder months when its foliage transforms to deep bronze-purple tones.

Distinctive Features

'Angelica' is celebrated for its soft, feathery needles that emerge bright green in spring and summer before transitioning to intense purple-bronze hues in winter. The foliage grows in dense, vertical sprays that create a columnar to pyramidal habit, making the plant both elegant and structural. Its slow to moderate growth habit makes it well-suited for foundation plantings or as a vertical accent in mixed borders.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
• Water: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture but not soggy conditions
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Color-shifting foliage and upright form draw attention in all seasons
• Foundation Planting: Adds soft texture and vertical structure near buildings
• Mixed Borders: Offers contrast when paired with broadleaf evergreens or flowering shrubs
• Screening: Dense habit makes it useful in informal evergreen screens
• Winter Interest: Rich foliage color enhances dormant landscapes

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during establishment; more drought-tolerant once mature
• Pruning: Rarely needed; prune only to shape or remove dead or damaged growth
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Use mulch to protect roots and retain soil moisture
• Protection: Plant in sheltered areas to protect from harsh winter winds in colder zones

Why Choose Angelica Japanese Cedar?

• Seasonal Color: Foliage shifts from green to bold purple-bronze in winter
• Elegant Texture: Soft, fine needles add contrast to bolder plant forms
• Compact Habit: Ideal for smaller gardens or foundation spaces
• Year-Round Appeal: Evergreen foliage provides structure in every season
• Focal Point: A unique conifer that stands out with both form and color

Cryptomeria japonica 'Angelica' delivers striking foliage and vertical interest, making it a bold focal point and a reliable evergreen for mixed borders, foundations, and seasonal contrast in the landscape.