Black Dragon Japanese Cedar

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

8-10 Feet

Mature Spread

5-6 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 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.