Trees

Cryptomeria japonica 'Gyokuryu'

Gyokuryu Japanese cedar

Gyokuryu Japanese cedar (supplier spelling Gyokruya). Photo © Iseli Nursery, customer plant-resale promotional use; cropped from supplier plant sign with embedded copyright retained.

Gyokuryu is an evergreen Japanese cedar with short, dense dark-green needles and a pyramidal outline in Clemson Extension's cultivar description. Reported mature forms and sizes differ among arboretum collections, so check the individual nursery plant before choosing a permanent site.

At a glance

Sun: Sun to partial shade
Size: Height: 10–15 ft after about 10 years (Clemson Extension); older plants may grow larger · Width: 5–7 ft after about 10 years (Clemson Extension)
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zone 6 minimum

Sizes & prices

#7$124.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Form: Variable among plants sold under this name; inspect individual plant.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate in published collections.
Use: Evergreen specimen or focal accent.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Species is listed as resistant to deer damage, not deer-proof.
Drought: Established species trees tolerate dry periods, but water during prolonged drought; dwarf and container plants need closer moisture monitoring.
Wet soil: Prefers moist soil with good drainage.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen dark green needles; winter bronzing varies by source and growing conditions.
Cones: Small woody cones; species cones and fallen foliage are not usually a significant litter problem.

Growing & care

Pruning: Usually little shaping is needed. If necessary, shorten stray young shoots to a leafy side branch in early spring, retaining the cultivar's natural outline.
Soil: Rich, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soil.
Issues: Allow air circulation; leaf spot and blight can occur. Monitor mites in dry weather.

Sources & photo credits

Clemson Cooperative Extension

JC Raulston Arboretum

dawesarb.arboretumexplorer.org

Iseli Nursery

NC State Extension

www.udel.edu

University of Florida IFAS

University of Missouri Extension

Photo: Photo © Iseli Nursery; cropped from supplier plant sign, embedded copyright retained, no enlargement. · Iseli customer plant-resale promotional photo grant

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.