Mushroom Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica 'Mushroom'

Nature Hills Nursery

Naturally Mounded Form Requires Minimal Pruning for Formal Garden Appeal
Thrives in Zones 6-9
Grows 3-4 ft Tall and Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Salt Tolerant

$92⁸⁰

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Out of stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen performs best in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light to maintain its tight, mounded shape. In hotter climates, afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent the soft needles from scorching or bronzing during the summer heat.
Soil: Aim for moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in organic compost or aged arborist chips to improve drainage, as "wet feet" will quickly lead to root rot and foliage decline.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, water deeply twice a week to ensure the root ball settles and expands into the surrounding soil. Once established, this cedar is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during dry spells can cause the inner needles to brown and drop prematurely. Aim for a consistent "damp sponge" feel in the soil rather than letting it bake hard between waterings.

Pruning Tips

The Mushroom Japanese Cedar naturally maintains a globe-like habit and rarely requires heavy pruning. If you need to tidy it up, do so in early spring before new growth begins, as it produces foliage on "old wood" but responds best to light shaping while dormant. Think of pruning like a light trim rather than a buzz cut; only remove the tips of branches to encourage density and prevent the center from becoming too thin.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer because this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late-season growth is highly susceptible to winter burn, which can ruin the plant's pristine appearance for the following year.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Compact/Dwarf, Low Maintenance, Heat Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3-4 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Botanical Name	Cryptomeria japonica 'Mushroom'
Species	japonica
Cultivar	Mushroom
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

So unique, the Mushroom Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Mushroom') is a curious mounded, almost perfectly rounded evergreen that sweeps the ground! The bright green new growth darkens for the summer before transforming into gorgeous bronzy purple winter foliage!

The airy soft foliage is a delight to have in the landscape! But it's that umbrella-shaped growing form that really takes the cake! Barely needing any maintenance to keep it in its tidy, formal mound, Mushroom is so easy to care for while delivering formal and whimsical garden décor without taking up much space or blocking views)!

Spring brings unique yellowish bottlebrush pollen at the ends of your branches which become unique little round cones in the fall for added interest! Japanese Cedars are heat and humidity tolerant throughout USDA growing zones 6 to 9 and only grow to a neat and tidy 3-4 feet in height and width. The arching, cascading growth rambles and spills over itself into a compact ball that sweeps the ground!

Planting and Application:

Mushroom Japanese Cedar is a gorgeous dwarf form with such whimsy to how it grows that we’re sure you'll want to make room for it in many locations around the garden! Seldom bothered by deer and tolerant of sun and part shade, there are few areas where you can’t use a few of these curious plants! Even a large planter or patio pot will contain the genuine beauty of this dwarf evergreen tree! Mix and match with other Cryptomeria for a unique rounded and surreal garden border!

More shrub-like in appearance due to the smaller form and rounded canopy, use these accents and focal points around formal and informal garden beds and borders. This is a classic specimen in an Asian-inspired garden and Rock Garden! Or as evenly spaced accents along a path or walkway. Use in show-stopping groups in a mixed border or to highlight your foundation plantings with evergreen year-round appeal!

Unique Mounded Rounded Mushroom-Shaped Evergreen
Compact & Dwarf Form
Green Soft Needles & Bronzy Purple Winter Color
Year-Round Whimsical Appeal
Specimens, Focal Points, Low Groupings & Rows

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Japanese Cedars thrive in full sun and partial shade so long as they are planted in well-drained soil with moderate moisture availability. The slower growth will never outgrow its environment or make you work for all this unique character! These can be pruned as needed to keep a more uniform shape or could be allowed to grow more naturally and free-form. Should you need to do any pruning, wait until the very early spring to nip out crossing/rubbing branches or clean up the interior for air circulation. Water well going into winter, this is especially important in the colder zones where the soil freezes. Protect from drying winter winds in the colder zones.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Moderate, Consistent Moisture Needs
Any Rich Well-Drained Soil
Slow-Growing = Low Maintenance!
Prune If Needed In Late Winter/Early Spring

Rounded mounded umbrella-shaped dwarf evergreen, the Mushroom Japanese Cedar will add that special touch to your landscape this year, but only if you order this fantastic new variety today at NatureHills.com!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the Mushroom Japanese Cedar suitable for?

The Mushroom Japanese Cedar thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9. This heat and humidity tolerant evergreen performs well across a wide temperature range. Plant it in full sun to part shade for best results.

How big does Mushroom Japanese Cedar get at maturity?

Mushroom Japanese Cedar reaches 3-4 feet in both height and width at maturity, forming a compact, rounded mound. This dwarf evergreen is perfect for small spaces, containers, or as accent plantings where you want year-round structure without blocking views. Shop at Nature Hills for this unique specimen.

Does Mushroom Japanese Cedar stay small enough for containers?

Yes, Mushroom Japanese Cedar works well in containers since it only reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide. Its compact, mounded form makes it perfect for large planters or patio pots. Choose a substantial container to accommodate its mature size.

What are the light requirements for Mushroom Japanese Cedar—full sun or partial shade?

Mushroom Japanese Cedar thrives in both full sun and partial shade conditions. This adaptable evergreen tolerates a wide range of light exposures in zones 6-9. Plant it wherever you need a 3-4 foot rounded accent, as it performs well in most garden locations.

What type of soil does Mushroom Japanese Cedar need?

Mushroom Japanese Cedar thrives in well-draining soil and adapts to various soil types in zones 6-9. This heat and humidity tolerant evergreen isn't picky about soil conditions. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, available at naturehills.com.

How much water does Mushroom Japanese Cedar require after planting?

Water deeply twice weekly for the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, Mushroom Japanese Cedar is quite drought tolerant due to its heat and humidity tolerance in zones 6-9. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water when dry.

Is Mushroom Japanese Cedar low-maintenance, or does it need much pruning?

Mushroom Japanese Cedar is extremely low-maintenance and barely needs any pruning to maintain its natural rounded form. This dwarf evergreen naturally grows into a perfect 3-4 foot mounded shape without intervention. Simply remove any dead or damaged branches in late winter if needed.

What is the best spacing for planting multiple Mushroom Japanese Cedars?

Space Mushroom Japanese Cedars 4-6 feet apart for individual specimen display, or 3-4 feet apart for a continuous border effect. Since they mature to 3-4 feet wide, this prevents crowding while allowing their unique mounded form to shine. Plant closer for quicker visual impact in formal settings.

Mushroom Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica 'Mushroom'