*some images are of mature trees and shrubs
Black Dragon Cryptomeria
Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon'Description
The Black Dragon Cryptomeria is easily one of our favorites. Its unique, dark, evergreen foliage and natural layered branches will transform your boring landscape into botanical garden! If you love Japanese Maples, you will love the Black Dragon Cryptomeria. It is a perfect complement to your Japanese Maples, adding stunning color and texture contrast while giving off that same lovely Zen vibe.
New foliage emerges bright green. As the greenery matures it darkens to a deep, dark green that is almost black. You will be hard-pressed to find another tree with this fantastic color. Wildlife and birds will love nestling in the layered, dense branches and feasting on the small pinecones of this Cryptomeria. At a max height of 10 feet and spread of 6 feet this compact evergreen will fit in just about anywhere!
This Cryptomeria thrives in full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Like most evergreens, the cryptomeria prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic, fertile soil. However, this tree is fairly adaptable to any soil that drains well, including clay and sand. This conifer does not require pruning. The Black Dragon Cryptomeria is pest and disease resistant as well as deer and drought tolerant once established.
These popular Evergreen trees for sale are a top choice for your landscape! Buy yours today!

Shipping Restriction | AZ |
Soil Type | Acidic, Adaptable, Well Drained |
Sunlight | Full, Partial |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 6-8 Feet |
Mature Width | 4-6 Feet |
Fall Color | Green |
Bloom Color | Pink |
How To Care
The Black Dragon Cryptomeria can be planted anytime of the year as long as extreme temperatures are avoided. This small tree grows in planting zones 5-9.
This Cryptomeria thrives in full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Like most evergreens, the Cryptomeria prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic, fertile soil. However, this tree is fairly adaptable to any soil that drains well, including clay and sandy soils. Water deeply once or twice weekly for the first couple months after planting. Once established this Cryptomeria is fairly drought tolerant. Water once weekly in summer and in dry periods for best results. Fertilize with an acidic slow release fertilizer in spring. If your soil is nutrient poor, fertilize in fall as well. Generally this tree does not require pruning. If you choose to shape your tree, do so in early spring.
The Black Dragon Cryptomeria rarely encounters pests or disease when properly cared for. This evergreen is deer tolerant.
Shipping Restriction | AZ |
Soil Type | Acidic, Adaptable, Well Drained |
Sunlight | Full, Partial |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 6-8 Feet |
Mature Width | 4-6 Feet |
Fall Color | Green |
Bloom Color | Pink |
Landscape Ideas
The Black Dragon Cryptomeria is touted for its deep green, almost black mature foliage. This unique color and this Cryptomeria's attractive, natural shape shine in the landscape. Plant as a focal or specimen tree in a lovely Japanese-inspired Zen garden. Mix with Japanese Maples and Junipers for outstanding year-round color and texture. You'll want to add a bench! This tree is perfect for a rock garden. Plant every 4 feet for a truly unique hedge or border. This compact evergreen is perfect for a small urban garden. Don't have anywhere to plant? No worries! Try a container. The Black Dragon Cryptomeria is truly stunning in planters. This Cryptomeria is sure to add another dimension to your landscape! Our Canadian Hemlock is also a great option.
For additional options, be sure to browse our Thuja Green Giant as well as our Privacy and Evergreen tree collections.
Shipping Restriction | AZ |
Soil Type | Acidic, Adaptable, Well Drained |
Sunlight | Full, Partial |
Drought Tolerance | Good |
Mature Height | 6-8 Feet |
Mature Width | 4-6 Feet |
Fall Color | Green |
Bloom Color | Pink |
Shipping Details
You can still order now, but due to cold weather and the risk of cold damage in transit, we will delay shipping to areas indicated on the map and below:
- Orders in Growing Zones 3-4 will ship May 1st
- Orders in Growing Zones 5-6 will ship mid April
- Orders in Growing Zones 7-10 will ship immediately
Some plants are not available for immediate shipment, and delayed delivery is noted.
We will return to normal shipping in the spring.
If you live within a delayed shipping zone and would like your plant shipped immediately, please contact customer support at support@plantingtree.com
Inventory is moving fast! Order now to reserve your plants. Due to cold weather and the risk of cold damage in transit, we will delay shipping to areas indicated on the map and below. We do this so your plant has the best opportunity to thrive in your landscape.
- Orders in Growing Zones 3-4 will start shipping May 1st
- Orders in Growing Zones 5-6 will start shipping mid April
- Orders in Growing Zones 7-10 will ship immediately
Some plants are not available for immediate shipment, but are available for pre-order and this will be indicated on the product page.
We will return to normal shipping schedules in the spring.
If you live within a delayed shipping zone and would like your plant shipped immediately, please contact customer support at support@plantingtree.com
*Orders ship in 1-3 days. West Coast orders may be held until the following Monday to prevent additional transit time.
AMOUNT OF ORDER | SHIPPING COST |
Less than $15 |
$11.95 |
$15 - 23.99 |
$13.95 |
$24 - $39.99 |
$16.95 |
$40 - 79.99 |
$19.95 |
$80 - 98.99 |
$22.95 |
$99 - 118.99 |
$26.95 |
$119+ |
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