Japanese Cedar

This is one of my very favourite conifers; I would not have a garden without one. Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans' is a form of the 'Japanese cedar' which was introduced from Japan by the plant collector Thomas Lobb in 1854. It can make a small tree or large shrub which responds well to clipping as it retains its foliage throughout life, this foliage is highly attractive, being soft and feathery and changing through many shades of red-bronze to a dramatic rich purple during autumn and winter. It is worth noting that there is a smaller form called 'Elegans Compacta' though I would say it is slower growing rather than smaller at maturity, however that is my personal opinion.