Cryptomeria

The genus Cryptomeria is formed by a single species, Cryptomeria japonica, which originated in China and Japan, where it is known as "sugi". It is a coniferous evergreen tree of rapid growth. The crown is almost pyramidal, elongated and sparse. The trunk is broadened at the base, then flat and erect. The bark is very characteristic of a reddish-brown color, soft and fibrous, peeling off in longitudinal stripes. The needles are blue-green, awl-shaped, square in cross-section, about 1.5 cm long, arranged in a spiral, each of the needles is curved in a characteristic way inside. Not too prominent (hence the name of the genus: from the ancient Greek "criptos" - "hidden" and "meros" - "part") flowers are collected in single-sex inflorescences. Male and female strobils (flowers) are twisted at the ends of the shoots. Rounded female form cones (megastrobils) with a diameter of 2 cm along the branches; at first green, in the mature state-brown, they stay on the plant for a long time. Many decorative forms and varieties are obtained from this species, for example, Elegant', the needles of which acquire a bronze color in winter. Of the dwarf varieties, 'Compressa',' Elegant Dwarf', 'Spherical' are common Dwarf', 'Bandai-sugi', 'Hindai-sugi', 'Spiral' and 'Vilmoriniana', which differ from each other in the color of needles, crown shape and appearance.

The genus Cryptomeria is formed by a single species, Cryptomeria japonica, which originated in China and Japan, where it is known as "sugi". It is a coniferous evergreen tree of rapid growth. The crown is almost pyramidal, elongated and sparse. The trunk is broadened at the base, then flat and erect. The bark is very characteristic of a reddish-brown color, soft and fibrous, peeling off in longitudinal stripes. The needles are blue-green, awl-shaped, square in cross-section, about 1.5 cm long, arranged in a spiral, each of the needles is curved in a characteristic way inside. Not too prominent (hence the name of the genus: from the ancient Greek "criptos" - "hidden" and "meros" - "part") flowers are collected in single-sex inflorescences. Male and female strobils (flowers) are twisted at the ends of the shoots. Rounded female form cones (megastrobils) with a diameter of 2 cm along the branches; at first green, in the mature state-brown, they stay on the plant for a long time. Many decorative forms and varieties are obtained from this species, for example, Elegant', the needles of which acquire a bronze color in winter. Of the dwarf varieties, 'Compressa',' Elegant Dwarf', 'Spherical' are common Dwarf', 'Bandai-sugi', 'Hindai-sugi', 'Spiral' and 'Vilmoriniana', which differ from each other in the color of needles, crown shape and appearance.

Cultivation

Cryptomeria should only be grown outdoors, mostly in parks and gardens. It is particularly well suited for coastal, moderately humid climates. In very cold climates, it can be grown in tubs, protecting it from the winter cold for the first 4-5 years, then planted in the open ground. 2-3 times during the spring-summer period, it should be fed, adding 10 g of complex fertilizer to a bucket of water. Cryptomeria is planted permanently in October-November or March-April. When planting, you can use a full mineral fertilizer. The plant does not make special demands on the soil, although it prefers fertile and slightly acidic, with a certain level of humidity.

Cryptomeria should only be grown outdoors, mostly in parks and gardens. It is particularly well suited for coastal, moderately humid climates. In very cold climates, it can be grown in tubs, protecting it from the winter cold for the first 4-5 years, then planted in the open ground. 2-3 times during the spring-summer period, it should be fed, adding 10 g of complex fertilizer to a bucket of water.

Cryptomeria is planted permanently in October-November or March-April. When planting, you can use a full mineral fertilizer. The plant does not make special demands on the soil, although it prefers fertile and slightly acidic, with a certain level of humidity.

Location

These plants prefer to grow in the open sun. If they are planted in a slightly shaded area, their growth slows down.

Temperature

Cryptomeria is not a very stable coniferous plant. In cold climates, the needles turn brown in winter, which gives cryptomeria a slightly pathetic appearance, but in spring the tree regains its green color. The minimum air temperature is -5 °C, the maximum is about 30 °C.

Watering

Cryptomeria is sensitive to prolonged drought, so watering is a very important factor, especially for newly transplanted young specimens, and in the driest periods - for adult plants.

Care

Pruning is done only for the sake of removing dry branches.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds, in culture also by cuttings. Sowing is carried out in February in a good soil in a cool place. In April, the seedlings can be taken out into the fresh air; they are transplanted when the seedlings reach a height of 7-8 cm. They will be ready for permanent transfer in 2-3 years. In summer, cuttings 5-10 cm long are taken and planted for rooting in a mixture of peat and sand in equal parts, placed in a cool place. After rooting, cuttings are planted one at a time in 10-centimeter cups. They are transplanted into larger and larger pots, and after a couple of years they are finally planted.

Diseases

With the exception of drought sensitivity, cryptomeria is quite resistant to environmental conditions, pest and disease damage. Sometimes the leaves of young plants are affected by gray rot, which leads to a slowdown in growth. This disease is cured by treating the plant with an appropriate fungicide.

Acquisition

Cryptomeria can be found in large, well-stocked specialized nurseries and horticultural centers. Plants are chosen by paying attention to the size. If the final landing site is a small garden, then it is better to choose dwarf varieties. The most suitable time for buying and planting in a permanent place is October-November and March-April. Don't worry about the many needles that have turned brown over the winter period.