Which cryptomeria should I get

9 years ago

I am trying to choose between the straight species cryptomeria or cryptomeria Yoshino. I want one that would stay less wider that takes up less space overall. Only these 2 options so don't suggest other cultivars. Also, where can I find the straight species cryptomeria, I can't find them online anywhere I look. Everything is either Yoshino or other cultivared cryptomerias.

Featured Answer

DeanW45

9 years ago

I don't know about being an "expert," but I have many, many Cryptomeria cultivars in my garden, including five Yoshino which I use as screens. As everybody here has noted, they growth fast, and I would estimate that the 2-3 feet per year rate is about right. I have one in a spot with good moisture and full sun that probably grows faster than that, though. It was about eight feet tall when I planted it in 2010, and it's easily 30 feet fall now. I'd give you an exact height, but my triangulation skills are pretty shoddy. Only my dawn redwood grows faster.

As to the question of how big the Yoshino will ultimately get, I don't know. There are many planted around Atlanta, but most seem to be poorly situated. The biggest culprit is extreme crowding issues due to being planted too close together when young. I'm not sure I've seen one 60 feet tall, but others may have. For many years, Leyland cypress was the conifer screen of choice around here. It's only more recently that Cryptomeria have become popular (and for good cause, if I may opine).

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Comments (6)

Garen Rees
9 years ago
Either one will take up a good amount of space. They are fast large growing trees. I remember reading that 'Yoshino' grows faster than the species. The 'Yoshino' has been selected for its nice form and color and since it is a clone you know what your going to get. The species will be from seed of coarse so form and color are going to vary. Never know what your going to get, but that can be fun too.

I would probably go for the 'Yoshino'.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
they grow aggressively fast ... if this is part of your pot dream for your property some time in the next 5 years.. or some such

ken
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Heruga (7a NJ)
Original Author
9 years ago
Guess I have to go with Yoshino then. Not growing this in a pot though. Since it grows super fast might as well plant it in the ground when I get my house
Heruga (7a NJ)
Original Author
9 years ago
Also I would like to ask any cryptomeria expert. I am quite confused on the growth rate of the yoshino. It states 2-3 ft per year. Then that means in 60 years it has the potential to grow to 180 ft tall?? I have never seen or heard of a cryptomeria getting that tall outside of its native range. Anyway someone in this forum said that conifer growth rates won't slow down until they get to extreme age and 60 is not extremely old. So if what he says is right then a cryptomeria would continue to grow 2-3 ft per year for at least 60 years straight? Of course site locations matter but let's say it's in an ideal location in full sun.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=cryptomeria+forest&t=ffcm&ia=images&iax=1