Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans Aurea’ – The Green Japanese Cedar lives up to its name with bright lime summer foliage that shifts to chartreuse or yellowish-green in the colder weather. ‘Elegans Aurea’ is much slower growing than other Japanese Cedars and it also does not bronze in winter. Plant in a site protected from cold winds. Grows 10-12′ high. Zone 6.

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Vilmoriniana’ – This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner is miniscule in comparison to other Japanese Cedars, making it a good choice for the rockery. It is a dense domed-shaped conifer with densely-packed green foliage that shifts to a bronze-red in winter. Given its slow growth rate it also has potential as a bonsai specimen. Height 2-3′. Hardy to zone 6.

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Cristata’ – The Cockscomb Cryptomeria is a great specimen conifer with eye-catching foliar crests or fasciations that are one of a kind pieces of botanical art. ‘Cristata’ has a pyramidal form and prefers part to full sun, with well drained soil. Keep a close watch for branch breakage after heavy snowfalls. Matures at 20′ high. Hardy to zone 6.

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans’ – The most common cultivar of Cryptomeria which was introduced into western gardens from Japan around 1854. It features feathery bluish-green foliage that shifts to a dramatic bronze-red when exposed to the colder winter weather. A good choice for informal hedging or screening, as it can be contour pruned. Grows 15 to 20′ high. Hardy to zone 6.

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan-sugi’ – A less common Crytpomeria cultivar with feathery creamy-yellow new growth that contrasts nicely against the older green foliage. It has an upright, broad pyramidal form with slightly pendent branches. Small rounded female cones are also borne near the branch tips. ‘Sekkan-sugi’ grows 15 to 20′ high and is hardy to zone 6.