Cryptomeria japonica ‘Rein’s Dense Jade’ offers a distinctive presence in diverse garden settings. This particular cultivar of Japanese Cedar is highly valued for its unique aesthetic qualities. Its compact habit and rich foliage provide year-round interest, distinguishing it from other evergreen options.
Distinctive Features
‘Rein’s Dense Jade’ Japanese Cedar is characterized by its compact, dense growth habit and elegant pyramidal form. It typically reaches a mature height of 8 to 25 feet and a spread of 4 to 12 feet. Its growth rate is medium, often adding about 9 to 15 inches per year.
The foliage is a rich, dark green, often described as jade-like, emerging lighter green in spring. This fine-textured foliage consists of soft, scale-like needles that lie close to the branchlets, creating a unique braided or rope-like appearance. During colder winter months, the deep green color transforms into bronze or purple-plum hues, providing seasonal interest. The peeling reddish-brown bark also adds ornamental value.
Planting and Ongoing Care
This conifer thrives in locations receiving full sun to partial shade, though it performs best with part to full sun exposure. Protection from harsh, drying winds is recommended, especially in winter. It prefers average to moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. While it prefers acidic to neutral conditions, it tolerates a range of pH levels including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Consistent soil moisture is important, particularly during establishment, and it should not be allowed to dry out completely.
During the first growing season, regular watering helps the plant establish a strong root system. Established plants benefit from consistent moisture during prolonged dry periods. Fertilization can be done in early spring using a balanced evergreen fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
‘Rein’s Dense Jade’ is a low-maintenance tree due to its naturally refined shape. If pruning is desired for shaping or to remove dieback, it is best done by trimming only the new growth of the current season. This cultivar is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 8, though some sources indicate a broader range.
Landscaping Versatility
‘Rein’s Dense Jade’ is a versatile choice for various landscape designs. Its dense, pyramidal form serves effectively as a specimen plant, creating a strong vertical accent. It also works well in foundation plantings, providing year-round structure around homes and patios.
This cultivar’s compact size and slow growth rate make it suitable for smaller gardens, mixed borders, and rock gardens, where its fine texture can contrast with stones. It can also be utilized in hedges or screens for boundaries or privacy, and is a good candidate for container gardening.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While generally robust, ‘Rein’s Dense Jade’ Japanese Cedar can encounter a few common issues. Environmental stressors like harsh winter winds can cause foliage to bronze or “burn” in exposed locations. Providing a sheltered planting site or temporary winter protection can help mitigate this.
Japanese Cedars are generally considered deer resistant. However, they can occasionally be susceptible to issues such as bagworms or spider mites, which can be managed with appropriate horticultural oils or insecticides if infestations become severe. Poor drainage can lead to root rot, so ensuring well-drained soil is important for prevention.