Great Plant Pick: Cryptomeria japonica ‘Spiralis,’ granny’s ringlets

Published 1:30 am Saturday, March 2, 2019

What: Cryptomeria japonica “Spiralis,” with the nickname granny’s ringlets, are bright apple green in color, somewhat like the skin of a Granny Smith. This cultivar of the native Japanese cedar is slow-growing and semi-dwarf at 6 to 8 feet in 10 years. The habit is generally mounding when young, but can be variable and eventually is more upright as it matures, often developing a leader; however, it can be pruned to keep its rounded form and from reaching 20 to 30 feet in 25 years. A handsome conifer year-round, “Spiralis” is especially attractive in winter.

Where: This semi-dwarf Japanese cedar thrives in full sun to light shade and grows best on a site with well-drained soil that is humus-rich, sandy or loamy and slightly acidic.

Size: The mounding conifer grows to be 25 feet tall and 25 feet wide when mature.

Care: During dry weather, provide regular to occasional watering.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Pick