Dwarf Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana'

Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9 for reliable Southern and Coastal performance.
Maintains a dense, naturally rounded "dome" habit reaching only 2-4 feet tall without the need for pruning.
Features unique color-shifting foliage that transitions from cool blue-green to a warm rusty-red or burgundy in winter.
Highly resilient specimen with high resistance to deer, salt, heat, and common pests.

$92⁷⁴ $104⁶⁶

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Evergreen, Compact/Dwarf, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Container Friendly, Hedge/Screen, and Disease resistant

Specifications

Botanical Name

Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana'
Height

4-8 ft
Width

4-5 ft
Growing Zones

5-9
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Slow
Leaf Color
- Green
Fall Color

Evergreen
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun to ensure the densest foliage and best winter color. While it handles partial shade, the plant may lose its tight, mounded habit and look a bit thin in deep shade.
Soil: This cedar thrives in moist, slightly acidic soil that drains away quickly. If you have heavy clay, mix in some aged compost or peat moss to improve drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, water your cedar deeply once or twice a week to help it build a resilient root system. Mature plants are quite drought resistant, but they still appreciate a thorough soak during long dry spells to prevent the foliage from stressing. Consistent moisture is key to keeping the needles lush and vibrant throughout the heat of summer.

Pruning Tips

This cultivar is a self-grooming plant that naturally maintains its rounded dome shape without any help from you. If you notice a stray branch or minor winter damage, simply snip it back in early spring before the new growth starts. Think of it like a quick tidy-up rather than a structural haircut since the plant looks best in its natural form.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your cedar with a balanced, slow release fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid applying high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall because this encourages soft new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost. A single spring application provides all the nutrients needed for the plant to maintain its slow and steady growth rate.

A Kaleidoscope of Seasonal Color

While most conifers stay static, the 'Globosa Nana' is a living canvas. Throughout the spring and summer, the shrub is clothed in soft, awl-shaped needles of a striking bluish-green. As the temperatures drop, this plant undergoes a dramatic transformation, bronzing into a rich rusty-red or deep burgundy. This winter interest provides a warm, textural contrast against the stark whites and greys of the dormant season, making it a must-have for winter-themed gardens.

Naturally Perfect Form

Growth is slow and deliberate, resulting in a dense, mounded dome that looks like it has been expertly manicured. Reaching a mature height of just 2 to 4 feet, it is the ideal size for modern landscapes where space is at a premium. The fine texture of the foliage and the slightly drooping branchlets create a soft, inviting appearance that begs to be touched, yet the plant is tough enough to resist deer and salt spray.

Versatile Landscape Solutions

The Dwarf Japanese Cedar is a workhorse in the garden. Use it as a structural foundation planting to anchor your home's corners, or mass several together to create a low-maintenance, year-round border. Its compact nature makes it a perfect candidate for large patio containers or as a focal point in a Zen or rock garden. Because it is resistant to most pests and diseases, you can spend less time worrying about your plants and more time enjoying the serene, evergreen beauty they provide.

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Dwarf Japanese Cedar turn brown and die in the winter?

No! The rusty-red or bronze color you see in the winter is a natural characteristic of the 'Globosa Nana' cultivar. It is a protective color change and the needles will return to their lush blue-green hue once spring temperatures arrive.

How fast does this shrub grow?

This is a slow-growing evergreen. It typically grows only a few inches per year, which is why it maintains its compact shape so well without frequent pruning.

Is 'Globosa Nana' deer resistant?

Yes, this plant is considered highly deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for rural areas or neighborhoods where deer browsing is a common problem.

Can I grow this in a container?

Absolutely. Because of its slow growth rate and naturally rounded habit, the Dwarf Japanese Cedar performs exceptionally well in large pots on patios or entryways.

Does it need a lot of water?

It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. While it can handle some drought once it is mature, it should not be allowed to dry out completely for long periods, especially during extreme summer heat.

Dwarf Japanese Cedar

The compact size if this shrub works perfect for my landscape

Dear Jane,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback about the Dwarf Japanese Cedar! We’re delighted to hear that its compact size fits perfectly into your landscape. It’s such a versatile shrub, and its neat, manageable growth habit makes it a favorite for many gardeners who want beauty without excess maintenance.

If you ever need tips to keep your cedar thriving—like the best watering practices or how to protect it during harsh winter months—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help you get the most from your plants.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Dwarf Japanese Cedar

The compact size if this shrub works perfect for my landscape

Dear Jane,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback about your Dwarf Japanese Cedar! We’re delighted to hear that its compact size fits perfectly into your landscape design. These charming shrubs are indeed a great choice for adding beauty without overwhelming your space.

If you ever have questions about care or need tips on maximizing its growth potential—like ensuring it gets dappled sunlight and well-drained soil—we’re always here to help. Feel free to reach out anytime for personalized plant advice!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Dwarf plant

Looks almost like a dwarf Cryptomeria. Growing pretty fast now.

Hello Milldy,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on your Dwarf Japanese Cedar! It’s great to hear that it’s growing well and resembling a dwarf Cryptomeria – both are truly lovely and versatile conifers. Since your cedar is thriving and growing quickly, just a quick tip: make sure it’s planted in well-draining soil with partial shade to ensure it continues to flourish without stress. If you’d like, we also have care guides available on Cryptomeria and Japanese Cedars that might offer some extra helpful insights as your tree grows.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further advice — we’re always here to help you nurture your green friends!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Dwarf plant

Looks almost like a dwarf Cryptomeria. Growing pretty fast now.

Hello Milldy,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on your Dwarf Japanese Cedar! It’s great to hear that it’s growing well and that you’ve noticed its resemblance to a dwarf Cryptomeria—that’s a keen observation. Both species do share similar textures and growth habits, which makes your Dwarf Japanese Cedar a wonderful, compact addition to your garden.

If you’re looking to maintain its shape and keep that healthy growth streak, occasional pruning and ensuring it gets adequate sunlight without harsh afternoon exposure can be really helpful. Also, regular watering during dry spells and well-draining soil will give your cedar the best conditions to thrive. If you want, check out our plant care guides on Japanese Cedars for detailed tips tailored to ensure flowers and foliage stay vibrant.

Thanks again for choosing Nature Hills and sharing your experience with us. We’re here if you need any more advice or help along the way!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Dwarf plant

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Dwarf Japanese Cedar

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