What: Cryptomeria japonica “Spiralis,” with the nickname granny’s ringlets, are bright apple green in color, somewhat like the skin of a Granny Smith. This cultivar of the native Japanese cedar is slow-growing and semi-dwarf at 6 to 8 feet in 10 years. The habit is generally mounding when young, but can be variable and eventually is more upright as it matures, often developing a leader; however, it can be pruned to keep its rounded form and from reaching 20 to 30 feet in 25 years. A handsome conifer year-round, “Spiralis” is especially attractive in winter.
Where: This semi-dwarf Japanese cedar thrives in full sun to light shade and grows best on a site with well-drained soil that is humus-rich, sandy or loamy and slightly acidic.
Size: The mounding conifer grows to be 25 feet tall and 25 feet wide when mature.
Care: During dry weather, provide regular to occasional watering.
— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Pick
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