Little Champion Japanese Cedar

Little Champion Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica �Little Champion�)

Little Champion Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica �Little Champion�) is a compact, globe-shaped evergreen conifer prized for its fine texture, dense form, and year-round visual interest. Its low stature and neat, mounding habit make it a perfect choice for small gardens, foundation beds, and container plantings.

Distinctive Features

�Little Champion� grows slowly into a tidy, rounded ball with soft, bright green foliage that darkens slightly in winter, sometimes taking on a subtle bronze hue. Typically reaching just 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, it maintains a uniform shape with little to no pruning. Its foliage is feathery and plush, creating a delicate but durable presence in the landscape.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil
• Water: Moderate; consistent watering is ideal, especially in the first few seasons
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Compact shape and soft texture draw attention in small garden spaces
• Foundation Planting: Low-growing habit suits entryways, walkways, and patios
• Rock Gardens: Adds evergreen form and texture among stones and dwarf perennials
• Container Gardening: Excellent in pots or troughs for year-round structure
• Mixed Borders: Pairs well with flowering shrubs and groundcovers

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during establishment; becomes more tolerant with age
• Pruning: Rarely needed due to its naturally rounded shape
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Maintain mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
• Protection: Provide wind protection in colder zones to prevent foliage burn

Why Choose Little Champion Japanese Cedar?

• Compact Growth: Dwarf size is perfect for small spaces and tight planting areas
• Year-Round Interest: Evergreen foliage holds its color and form through all seasons
• Low Maintenance: Naturally rounded habit requires no shaping
• Soft Texture: Fine, feathery foliage offers contrast against coarser plants
• Focal Point: Ideal for containers, entryways, and accent planting in formal gardens

Cryptomeria japonica �Little Champion� offers refined structure and evergreen charm in a compact form, making it an excellent focal point or low-maintenance accent for gardens of all sizes.