Add year-round drama to your landscape with Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon', an exceptional Japanese Cedar prized for its rich, deep green foliage that matures to an almost black appearance. Its dense, upright, columnar form makes it an outstanding specimen tree, privacy screen, or evergreen accent for gardens of any size.

Unlike larger Cryptomeria varieties, 'Black Dragon' remains compact and slow growing, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, entryways, Japanese gardens, and mixed evergreen borders. Its unique texture and dark foliage create striking contrast with lighter-colored shrubs and flowering perennials throughout every season.

Cold hardy, deer resistant, and easy to maintain, this elegant evergreen provides lasting beauty with very little care.

Key Features

• Dramatic dark green to nearly black evergreen foliage
• Dense, upright columnar growth habit
• Excellent specimen or accent tree
• Ideal for privacy screens and hedges
• Year-round color and texture
• Slow-growing and easy to maintain
• Deer resistant
• Great for Japanese and formal gardens

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon'

Common Name: Black Dragon Japanese Cedar

Plant Type: Evergreen Conifer

Foliage Color: Deep Green to Nearly Black

Bloom Season: Non-Flowering

Mature Height: 6–8 Feet

Spread: 2–4 Feet

Growth Habit: Upright, Narrow, Columnar

Light Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Soil Requirements: Moist, Well-Drained Soil

Hardiness Zones: USDA 5–9

Characteristics: Evergreen, Slow Growing, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Architectural Form, Year-Round Interest

Garden Uses

Perfect for:

• Privacy screens
• Evergreen hedges
• Foundation plantings
• Japanese gardens
• Asian-inspired landscapes
• Modern landscapes
• Specimen plantings
• Entryway accents
• Mixed evergreen borders
• Small gardens
• Containers (when young)

Planting Partners

Pairs beautifully with:

• Hinoki Cypress
• Japanese Maple
• Pieris japonica
• Hellebores
• Heuchera
• Hosta
• Hakone Grass
• Boxwood
• Dwarf Alberta Spruce
• Azaleas

Care Tips

• Plant in full sun to partial shade for best foliage color.
• Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
• Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Requires little pruning; lightly shape if desired.
• Protect from drying winter winds in colder climates.