- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 8 - 10 Feet
- Mature Spread 5 - 6 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 9
Elegant dark-green needles, a broadly pyramidal shape, and flowing branches define the spirit of this cedar. An especially fast grower, expect this tree to grow 6 to 12 inches annually. Its upright and compact form makes for a stunning focal point, or accent tree, especially combined with red bark. The Black Dragon Japanese Cedar combines the best characteristics of old-growth cedar trees and new cedar variants!
The lush needles deliver fragrant evergreen scents throughout your landscape all year round. Deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and hardy in zones 5-9, this cedar can be grown and easily maintained in almost the entirety of the continental United States! A perfect specimen tree, it also works well in mass planting or as part of a privacy shield. Additionally, Black Dragon Japanese Cedar can be grown in a container and placed on a porch or a walkway as a statement piece. When grown in tandem with Japanese Maples and Junipers, this conifer works in harmony to create a zen-like feeling in your landscape with color and texture that lasts all year round.
Black Dragon Japanese Cedar Care
Plant Black Dragon in a free-draining area that receives full sun and is safe from strong winds. If it is being grown to its full height, plant it in an area without overhangs or utility lines. If planted with the intention to keep it smaller through pruning, there are more options for placement underneath or near covered structures. Directly after planting, water this cedar about twice a week, sometimes three times if it has been particularly dry. This will enable the tree to develop a deep and healthy root system. Once the cedar is properly established, reduce watering to only during the summer and extended dry periods, about once a week. Feed it yearly with an organic tree fertilizer during the spring. Mulch near the base of the tree, taking care to avoid 2-3 inches around the trunk.
This tree does not require pruning unless shaping is desired. When shaping this tree, do so in the early spring before new growth appears. If there is a particularly dense area of branches, trim back some of the foliage to allow for better circulation; this will aid the tree in resisting fungal infections due to moisture retention.
Black Dragon Japanese Cedar Spacing
With a height of 8-10 ft and a spread of 5-6 feet, plant this tree with enough room to grow to its maximum size. If planting a new row, add an additional 3 to 4 feet to allow for better circulation, totaling 8 to 10 feet. This evergreen will bring a timeless yet progressive feel to your landscape.
Black Dragon Japanese Cedar Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 8 - 10 Feet |
Mature Spread: 5 - 6 Feet |
Spacing: 5 - 6 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: N/A |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer, Disease, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: N/A |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Specimen or Focal Point |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Black Dragon Japanese Cedar |
Other Name(s): Black Dragon Japanese Cedar |
Scientific Name: Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon' |
- SKU:
- 1231005277-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

Best in Class Warranty
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Free 1-Year Plant Warranty
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.