I would like to hear about anyone's experiences as well. I have Gyoku Ryu and Globosa Nana as well. Am planning on ordering three Gracilis from PDN(today actually)- anyone growing them already? Have seen pictures of Sekkan Sugi and would like one of those but have not seen it for sale locally yet. Was going to get a Yellow Twig but they sold out before I could order.

Can you tell I'm interested? LOL

Shari

I have a globosa nana in its pot for about a year now. It has grown beautifully with regular watering but I think it thrives (for now) because of good drainage. That means you need to take particular care in siting it and probably planting it high. This crypto has doubled its size over the past year and just soft and beautiful. It deserves a special location to be seen, touched and appreciated.

Oops..what I have is 'elegans nana' not globosa nana. Elegans has finer textured foliage and grows larger than globosa. Really pretty and soft textured.
Sites I've googled on cryptomeria all recommend planting in WELL DRAINED soil and keeping the area moist.

I haven't paid any attention to the cultivars (I have so many loblolly pines, I don't have all that much need for evergreens), but I really like the species. There was a beautiful specimen at the entrance to the west garden at the Arboretum.

I have found a great site with pictures from the NC Aboritum in Raleigh. Enjoy!Linda NC

Here is a link that might be useful: Cryptomeia

Here's another site with more pictures, also from NC Raleigh. I have someone coming to plant trees for me next week and I have decided to add a Deodora Cedar in one of my beds. Linda NC

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/trees-new/common_namesa_e.html

Brenda and I recently debated the merits of Cryptomeria so she told me I should weigh in. I love my C. 'Black Dragon' and am also growing 'Sekkan Sugi' and 'Spiraliter Falcata', which echoes the form of the Harry Lauder's walking stick next to it. They look great together this time of year, if you like twisty. In addition to the sources you mentioned, in the Triangle area Architectural Trees has a good selection of cryptomerias. Also try The Unique Plant in Chapel Hill, but neither of those does mail order.

Here is a link that might be useful: Architectural Trees

Almost forgot, I recently planted C. 'Majiro' (from the arboretum) which has white variegation at the tips. And I've got a really dwarf, slow growing C. 'Ryokogu Coyokyu' in the front bed. It's Brenda's favorite kind of Cryptomeria. (not really)

Well, my favorite Cryptomeria would be a faster growing one. I have Cristata - which is very interesting ordnarily in form, but even more so after the deer have bonsai-ed it in bizarre spots. I have another that I don't remember the name. Between the deer and the natural dwarfing effects of my clay soil, I definitely will never be bothered with having to prune back these beauties. I read somewhere that 'Ben Franklin' was faster growing? Anyone know?

I looked up Cristata, very nice. Did you get it locally?

I can't remember where I got it, but it was local. It was back 4-5 years ago when I thought I would just remember names in my head without writing them down - what stupidity. My best recollection is that I got it at Zone 7 in Cary, now called Garden Supply. It was 2 feet tall then, 3 feet tall now. They still have a wide supply of unusual evergreens, but like all Cary merchants, prices have risen as the population has swelled.

Thanks for the links and sources everyone.

Sharil, I've got Gracilis on my list. I may get it this spring. For a long time I stayed away from the crypts that get 30/50 ft and the ones that stay so small. I'm still not crazy about the ones that stay tiny, but I think I can find a place for a couple of the taller ones.

Karen, I finally found a picture of 'Spiraliter Falcata' .. I love the look of it, but with it being so thin does it have any problems with winter burn? Not a problem if it does, would just have to site it right. I read that it only grows abt 2 inches a year. Do you know how tall it will get? I also love the Majiro, but can't find it anywhere!

I've been told that some of the crypts need protection from winter winds. Anyone seeing any problems with that?

Brenda, I don't know anything about Ben Franklin, but Yoshino is a very fast grower. It gets 30 to 50 feet. Araucarioides will get about 15 feet (8 ft wide). Not as fast as Yoshino, but it's creeping along pretty well. I think it about doubled in size in three years. They have a mature one on the grounds at PDN, ask someone to point it out to you if you get the chance. It was my first Crypt and I love it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Crypt pics

Camellia Forest says Spiraliter Falcata will be 5' in 10 years. That pretty much fits with what I've read elsewhere. I've never had any winter burn on mine, although it gets windy up on top of the hill here. The Majiro came from the arboretum and I think they noted that it's not easy to find. I hope I don't do anything stupid and kill it.

Thanks karen, I'll keep looking for the Majiro. It's just a matter of time before someone decides it's worth offering.

I recently took out a line of variegated privets the previous owners planted. They regularly required pruning during the summer to stay in bounds. Out they went! I planted instead Cryptomeria 'Black Dragon'. These should reach a reasonable size with minimal trimming and look great all year. A beautiful deep green with shimmery new growth at the tips. Between them are planted 'Daisy' gardenias, also not requiring much in the way of pruning. Should make a good looking, summer fragrant bed with room for annuals in front all year.