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Dwarf Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana'

Nature Hills Nursery
  • 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
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Plant Size

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.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


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

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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.

Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is Dwarf Japanese Cedar hardy in?
  • Dwarf Japanese Cedar is hardy in USDA zones 6-9. This resilient evergreen tolerates both deer browsing and salt spray, making it adaptable to various climates. Plant in well-draining soil with partial to full sun for best results.

How tall and wide will Dwarf Japanese Cedar grow at maturity?
  • Dwarf Japanese Cedar 'Globosa Nana' reaches just 2-4 feet tall and wide at maturity. Its slow, deliberate growth creates a naturally dense, mounded dome shape that looks expertly manicured without pruning. Perfect sizing for containers or foundation plantings where space matters.

Does Dwarf Japanese Cedar prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?
  • Dwarf Japanese Cedar thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It performs best with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its dense, compact form and vibrant seasonal color changes. Choose a sunny spot for the most intense winter bronzing.

How fast does Dwarf Japanese Cedar grow per year?
  • Dwarf Japanese Cedar grows very slowly, typically 2-4 inches per year. This deliberate growth rate is actually a benefit, as it naturally maintains its perfect dome shape without pruning. Plan for a mature size of 2-4 feet tall and be patient with this low-maintenance beauty.

Is Dwarf Japanese Cedar deer resistant?
  • Q: Is Dwarf Japanese Cedar deer resistant? Yes, Dwarf Japanese Cedar is tough enough to resist deer browsing. Its fine-textured foliage and compact 2-4 foot size make it an excellent choice for deer-prone areas. Use it confidently in foundation plantings or borders where deer pressure is common.

Can you ship Dwarf Japanese Cedar to my location during winter months?
  • Winter shipping depends on your location and current temperatures in your area. Dwarf Japanese Cedar is cold-hardy and actually develops its beautiful bronze-burgundy winter color in freezing weather. Check your local forecast and avoid shipping during extreme cold snaps below 10°F.

Does Dwarf Japanese Cedar need to be pruned regularly?
  • The Dwarf Japanese Cedar naturally grows in a perfect dense, mounded dome that looks expertly manicured without any pruning. Its slow, deliberate growth means minimal maintenance is required. Light shaping in late winter is optional if you want to maintain a specific size or form.

Will Dwarf Japanese Cedar tolerate clay soil or does it need well-draining soil?
  • Dwarf Japanese Cedar prefers well-draining soil and can struggle in heavy clay that stays waterlogged. While it's quite adaptable once established, clay soil should be amended with compost or sand to improve drainage. Plant it in a slightly raised bed or mounded area to ensure proper water flow away from the roots.
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