Cryptomeria japonica 'LITTLE DIAMOND'

Cryptomeria is a monotypic genus which includes only one species: cryptomeria japonica – Japanese cedar. It is an evergreen conifer native to Japan and southeastern China, usually characterized by fresh green needles, seldom beige or yellow, a somewhat exotic appearance. Their existence on our planet dates back to the Jurassic period (208-144 million years ago) which is a heck of a long time to ignore it. We have tested every known and available variety in C.E. continental climate (USDA zone 5b) and they all do very well here.

Following the success Little Champion variety, Little Diamond is another dwarf Japanese cedar variety with a spherical habit. It originated in the Netherlands in 1990, and its beauty inspired the growers to train it into a gorgeous little tree with a single trunk. Since Little Diamond grows slowly, it naturally produces a beautiful, compact, and dense canopy with evergreen, tiny, scale-like needles that are rather soft which makes you want to touch them every time you walk past. Their colour is bright green spring through autumn, only in winter it can turn bronze in some locations (depending on the conditions).

As a standard tree, it is important to remember that the canopy always grows faster than the trunk, which is not able to support its weight by itself. That's why we strongly insist on providing a strong support for the first 3-5 years. Use the same staking set as you would for standard high-standard alley trees. Place the pen just below the canopy so that its weight can be evenly distributed. This eliminates the risk of it being broken by a strong wind or after heavy rain. Nevertheless, we recommend removing wet and heavy snow from the crown in winter.

Little Diamond cryptomeria grows slowly into a globose shape. There is no need to prune it, but its size can be controlled by early spring shearing, after all frosts. Japanese cedar will grow in almost any well-drained soil, but for best results grow it in fertile, deep, always moist soil. Partial shade is best, and it can take full sun, too, if in constantly moist soil. It requires no fertilizing or pest protection. Sometimes you can see spot dry needles and branches deep inside the canopy which is normal in places where sun does not get to. Just remove them and have no fear of a disease. It is very hardy - it will withstand at least -29 °C without protection (USDA zone 5).

Last update 04-08-2023