This library and any plant lists generated from it reflect plants we’ve carried or could obtain over the past 12–18 months, not our current inventory or availability.
“Fire Wise” plants are not fireproof. These plants, when maintained properly, have a higher fire resistance reducing fire danger. This list is built on the recommendations of local governments and the Diablo Firesafe Council
Compressa Japanese Cedar
Cryptomeria japonica 'Compressa'
Height: 15 inches
Spread: 15 inches
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 5b
Other Names: Borodo-Sugi Japanese Cedar
Description:
A mounded dwarf shrub that is very dense with a fine texture; dark glossy green foliage turns red-brown in late fall and winter; very slow growing, excellent for accenting in a rock garden or borders
Ornamental Features
Compressa Japanese Cedar is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its interestingly mounded form. It has attractive dark green evergreen foliage. The tiny glossy needles are highly ornamental and turn antique red in the fall, which persists throughout the winter.
Landscape Attributes
Compressa Japanese Cedar is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a mounded form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.
This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Compressa Japanese Cedar is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- Rock/Alpine Gardens
- General Garden Use
- Container Planting
Planting & Growing
Compressa Japanese Cedar will grow to be about 15 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 inches. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.
This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
Compressa Japanese Cedar makes a fine choice for the outdoor landscape, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a canvas of foliage against which the thriller plants stand out. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
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