Japanese Cedar

About this plant

The Cryptomeria japonica 'Radicans', commonly known as Japanese Cedar, is a superior choice for landscapes demanding a stately yet adaptable evergreen. Unlike its species, 'Radicans' boasts a more upright, columnar form with gently arching, slightly pendulous branches, giving it an elegant, soft appearance. Its evergreen foliage, a rich, deep green that can take on bronze or purple hues in winter, provides year-round beauty and exceptional texture. This cultivar is particularly prized for its vigorous growth and remarkable resistance to deer, making it an excellent selection for privacy screens, windbreaks, or as a distinguished specimen tree. Its dense habit offers superb screening capabilities, quickly establishing a lush, green barrier that enhances any property. The 'Radicans' is also more cold-hardy and adaptable to various soil conditions than other Cryptomeria varieties. Ideal for creating a sophisticated backdrop or as a prominent feature, the Japanese Cedar 'Radicans' brings a touch of refined elegance to your garden. Its low-maintenance nature, coupled with its striking aesthetic and resilience, ensures a lasting and impactful presence in your outdoor space.

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

Thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Water regularly during dry periods, especially when young, to establish a strong root system. Minimal pruning is required, primarily to remove any dead or damaged branches or to maintain a desired shape. Fertilize in spring with a balanced evergreen fertilizer. Protect from harsh winter winds in exposed locations when young.

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.