A unique collection of trees and shrubs - UK natives, deciduous, conifers & evergreens.

The Japanese Red Cedar ‘Sekkan-sugi’ is a striking evergreen tree that brings a touch of oriental elegance to UK gardens. This cultivar of Cryptomeria japonica is famed for its unique golden-yellow foliage, making it a brilliant choice for gardeners looking to add year-round colour and structure to their outdoor space.

‘Sekkan-sugi’ grows at a moderate rate, typically adding about 20-30cm per year. It can reach heights of 8–10 metres over time, with a narrow, conical shape that adds vertical interest to the garden. This compact form makes it suitable for medium-sized gardens or as a stunning specimen tree in smaller spaces.

The tree’s standout feature is its foliage. The needles emerge a bright golden-yellow in spring, creating a striking contrast against other green plants. This colour persists throughout the year, becoming slightly deeper in winter, providing constant interest in the garden. The soft, feathery texture of the foliage adds to its ornamental value.

‘Sekkan-sugi’ is hardier than it might appear. It’s well-adapted to the UK climate and can handle both full sun and partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types. Not only that, but it’s also relatively tolerant of urban conditions, making it a good choice for town gardens.

Gardeners love this tree for its unique colour and form. You can use it as a stunning specimen plant, where its golden foliage will create a focal point. Or plant a few to create a colourful screen or windbreak. It looks fantastic in both modern and traditional garden designs, adding a touch of exotic beauty year-round.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Japanese Red Cedars can provide good shelter for birds, especially in winter. The dense foliage offers protection from harsh weather and predators.

For gardeners after a low-maintenance, eye-catching evergreen that brings year-round colour to their garden, Japanese Red Cedar ‘Sekkan-sugi’ is an excellent choice. Its beautiful golden foliage and elegant form add a touch of magic to any garden, creating a focal point that’s sure to impress throughout the seasons.

Japanese Red Cedar ‘Sekkan-sugi’ prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, but it’s adaptable to various soil types. When you first plant it, water regularly for the first growing season to help it establish. After that, it appreciates consistent moisture but can tolerate short periods of drought. Feed it with a slow-release, balanced fertiliser in spring. Pruning isn’t usually necessary unless you want to maintain a specific shape or size. If you need to prune, do it in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Ultimate height
8–12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres

🇬🇧 UK Grown.