Radicans Japanese Cedar

Radicans Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Radicans')

Radicans Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Radicans') is a fast-growing, evergreen conifer valued for its tall, pyramidal form and soft, bluish-green foliage. This cultivar offers excellent year-round screening, wind protection, and structure in both residential and commercial landscapes.

Distinctive Features

'Radicans' is known for its rapid growth, typically reaching 30 to 40 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide at maturity. The foliage has a delicate, feathery texture and a blue-green hue that intensifies in cooler months. Its dense branching and uniform shape create a graceful vertical accent, while the soft needles are more tolerant of cold and wind than many other cultivars of Cryptomeria. Bark peels slightly to reveal reddish tones that add interest in winter.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil
• Water: Moderate; appreciates regular watering, especially in the first few years
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Upright, symmetrical form adds height and elegance to the landscape
• Privacy Screening: Dense growth habit makes it a superb natural screen
• Windbreaks: Effective at blocking wind in larger properties or open areas
• Background Planting: Provides a dark green backdrop for flowering shrubs and perennials
• Specimen Tree: Stands out in lawns or large beds as a vertical anchor

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly during establishment; reduce frequency as it matures
• Pruning: Rarely needed; can be lightly trimmed in early spring to maintain shape if desired
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring
• Mulching: Maintain a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Protection: More tolerant of wind than other Japanese Cedars, but avoid overly exposed sites in colder zones

Why Choose Radicans Japanese Cedar?

• Fast Growth: Quickly creates privacy and structure in the landscape
• Soft Blue-Green Foliage: Adds texture and year-round color
• Cold Tolerant: Withstands winter better than many other cultivars
• Low Maintenance: Naturally uniform with minimal pruning required
• Focal Point: Graceful form makes it an ideal specimen or vertical accent

Cryptomeria japonica 'Radicans' offers dependable height, texture, and privacy with a refined appearance, making it a standout choice for gardeners and landscapers seeking fast-growing evergreens with year-round impact.