Gyokuryu Japanese Cedar

Gyokuryu Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Gyokuryu')

Gyokuryu Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Gyokuryu') is a vigorous, upright evergreen conifer with dense, rich green foliage and a refined pyramidal habit. This fast-growing selection provides excellent screening, structure, and year-round greenery, making it a popular choice for privacy hedges, windbreaks, and large-scale plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Gyokuryu' stands out for its lush, dark green foliage that maintains its color through all seasons, including winter. Its foliage is finer-textured than many other Cryptomeria cultivars, creating a softer appearance despite its bold stature. The tree matures into a tall, symmetrical form, typically reaching 15 to 20 feet in height, with a moderate to fast growth rate under ideal conditions.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils
• Water: Moderate; benefits from consistent moisture while young
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Bold vertical structure makes it a commanding presence in large landscapes
• Screening: Dense growth habit is ideal for evergreen privacy hedges and windbreaks
• Foundation Planting: Works well near large buildings or walls as an architectural backdrop
• Mixed Evergreen Borders: Pairs well with broadleaf evergreens and other conifers for contrast
• Naturalized Areas: Provides fast, evergreen coverage in larger informal plantings

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during establishment; tolerates occasional dryness once mature
• Pruning: Rarely needed; may be lightly shaped if desired
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Use mulch to conserve moisture and insulate roots
• Protection: Shelter from strong winter winds in exposed locations

Why Choose Gyokuryu Japanese Cedar?

• Dense Evergreen Foliage: Maintains rich green color year-round
• Fast-Growing: Establishes quickly to provide privacy and structure
• Refined Form: Uniform pyramidal habit fits formal or natural designs
• Versatile: Suitable for screening, specimen planting, or mixed borders
• Focal Point: Strong vertical element ideal for drawing the eye in larger landscapes

Cryptomeria japonica 'Gyokuryu' delivers fast-growing structure, rich evergreen color, and versatile form�an ideal focal point or screening solution for gardeners seeking year-round performance and visual impact.