Black Dragon Cryptomeria for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on November 10, 2022

Planting instructions

Although the Black Dragon Cryptomeria can survive in partial shade, it will perform better when it grows in full sunlight. It can also survive in a wide range of soils, including dry soils. Plant this small shrub by digging a hole that is as deep as the root ball is tall and about twice as wide. At times, it can help to tie this tree to a stake during establishment to ensure that it grows straight throughout its life.

Watering and nutrients

The Black Dragon Cryptomeria will need water once per week or more during establishment. After that time, this plant will need very little water and will survive most moderate droughts. In summer, you should water this plant about once per week, but otherwise, the water needs for a Black Dragon Cryptomeria will remain quite low. You can feed this plant twice per year, once in spring and once in fall, using a fertilizer that has plenty of nitrogen and will help acidify the soil.

Pollination

The Black Dragon Cryptomeria carries sets of both male and female cones and relies on wind to conduct its pollination. This bisexual nature means that, in theory, it is possible for the Black Dragon Cryptomeria to reproduce either by self-pollination or by cross-pollination with another plant. However, the cultivation of this shrub has led it to be sterile, meaning that it cannot grow new plants from its seeds. Anyone who wants to create more Black Dragon Cryptomeria plants will need to do so via cuttings.

Pruning

You’ll find that the Black Dragon Cryptomeria is very easy to please when it comes to pruning. In fact, this plant will remain healthy and develop a neat conical form with no need for pruning at all. This means that during most years, your pruning tools won’t be necessary for maintaining your Black Dragon Cryptomeria. Occasionally, if you find dead, damaged or diseased limbs, you should remove them, but your pruning work won’t extend beyond that.

Pests, diseases and animals

Another very convenient aspect of the Black Dragon Cryptomeria is that this plant is resistant to both pests and diseases. In most cases, you won’t need to worry about infections or infestations for the entirety of this plant’s life. Additionally, the Black Dragon Cryptomeria is also resistant to deer browsing—an issue that can cause defoliation on many of the most attractive plants in your garden. This lack of pests, diseases and animal issues contributes to the overall low maintenance needs of this plant.

Achieving maximum results

It is true that the Black Dragon Cryptomeria is not too picky about where it grows. However, there are some growing conditions that will help ensure that your plant not only survives but thrives. Mainly, you should ensure that your Black Dragon Cryptomeria grows in acidic, well-draining soils with good nutrient content if you wish to achieve maximum results. However, regardless of the growing conditions, it will remain a slow-growing plant throughout its life—a fact you cannot change no matter how you care for this plant.

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