A bold, dark evergreen with twisty texture and a moody silhouette that brings year-round drama to the landscape
FEATURES:
- Deep green to nearly black foliage for dramatic contrast in every season
- Twisted, corded texture that looks sculptural and architectural up close
- Naturally dense habit that creates strong evergreen presence and privacy
- Excellent specimen conifer for focal beds, entries, and high-visibility corners
- Stands out against lighter greens for a layered, designer look in mixed plantings
- Strong winter interest with dark color and unique texture when the garden is bare
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Dark foliage is a cheat code for making a landscape look more expensive. Pair this with one or two plants that have lighter or golden foliage nearby, and suddenly the whole bed has depth and contrast, even when nothing is blooming.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Mature Height: 10-15' tall
- Mature Width: 6-8' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Partial Shade
- Spacing: 6-8' apart
Black Dragon Japanese Cedar
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon'
Regular price| Quantity | Automatic Savings |
|---|---|
| Buy 2 | Save $200 |
| Buy 3 | Save $500 |
| Buy 4 | Save $800 |
| Buy 6 | Save $1800 |
| Buy 10 or more | Save $4000 |
Plant with Confidence when choosing Big & Tall Trees and Hedges!
A bold, dark evergreen with twisty texture and a moody silhouette that brings year-round drama to the landscape
FEATURES:
- Deep green to nearly black foliage for dramatic contrast in every season
- Twisted, corded texture that looks sculptural and architectural up close
- Naturally dense habit that creates strong evergreen presence and privacy
- Excellent specimen conifer for focal beds, entries, and high-visibility corners
- Stands out against lighter greens for a layered, designer look in mixed plantings
- Strong winter interest with dark color and unique texture when the garden is bare
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Dark foliage is a cheat code for making a landscape look more expensive. Pair this with one or two plants that have lighter or golden foliage nearby, and suddenly the whole bed has depth and contrast, even when nothing is blooming.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Mature Height: 10-15' tall
- Mature Width: 6-8' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Partial Shade
- Spacing: 6-8' apart
Why plant Black Dragon Japanese Cedar?
Black Dragon Japanese Cedar is for the customer who wants an evergreen with attitude. The foliage is a deep, moody green that can read almost black in the landscape, and the texture is what really sets it apart, twisted, corded, and dense, like the plant was designed by a sculptor who listens to jazz and refuses to explain themselves. (In other words: iconic.)
It brings year-round structure and winter interest in a way most evergreens can’t, because it’s not just “green.” It’s contrast, depth, and texture all at once, perfect for making other plants look brighter and more intentional by comparison.
How to use Black Dragon Japanese Cedar in the landscape?
Plant it as a specimen evergreen where the dark foliage and twisty texture can be appreciated from close range, near an entry, along a front walk, or as an anchor in a foundation bed. It also works well in a spaced grouping for privacy screening, especially when paired with lighter green evergreens to create layered contrast. Use simple, low plantings around the base so the unique texture remains the feature, and place it where it gets consistent moisture and protection from harsh drying winds for the best long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
This conifer does not produce showy blooms. It may form small cones, but it’s grown for evergreen color, dense form, and its distinctive twisted foliage texture.
It’s selected for very deep green foliage that can read nearly black, especially in cooler weather or when planted near lighter greens for contrast. Color can vary slightly with light and season.
Pruning is typically minimal. Remove dead or damaged growth as needed, and avoid heavy shearing so the natural twisted texture and dense habit remain the feature.
