Japanese Cedar 'Elegans'

About this plant

Elevate your landscape with the refined elegance of Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans', commonly known as Japanese Cedar. This exceptional cultivar is celebrated for its distinctive soft, feathery foliage that transitions beautifully in color, from a vibrant green in summer to intriguing bronzy-purple hues in winter, adding dynamic visual interest to any garden setting. Ideal for creating a sophisticated focal point, an elegant screen, or a lush backdrop, 'Elegans' maintains a captivating, loosely pyramidal form. Its fine texture and moderate growth rate make it a versatile choice for both spacious estates and more intimate garden designs, providing natural beauty and architectural presence without overwhelming the space. Hardy and relatively low-maintenance, this Japanese Cedar is a testament to enduring beauty. It's an excellent investment for those seeking a plant that delivers year-round appeal and a touch of botanical artistry.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade. Protect from strong winter winds. Little pruning is required, but can be shaped in late winter or early spring if desired.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.