Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Cryptomeria japonica ‘Little Champion’
Little Champion Japanese Cedar
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 feet
- Width
- 3 to 4 feet
- Flower color
- Inconspicuous
- Foliage color
- Dark green, with bronze tones in winter
- Bloom time
- Not applicable
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; minimal pruning required
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Provides shelter for small birds and wildlife
About this plant
Cryptomeria japonica 'Little Champion' produces small, inconspicuous reproductive cones in spring, although its foliage and form provide the primary ornamental interest. Short, awl-shaped needles are held tightly along curved branchlets, creating distinctive rope-like sprays of bright green foliage. New growth emerges fresh green before deepening to emerald, with bronzy to purplish tones sometimes developing during colder winter weather. Dense branching naturally forms a compact, rounded mound with a soft yet intricate texture that remains attractive throughout the year.
Discovered by Wout Huizer in Boskoop, Netherlands, as a witch's broom mutation of Cryptomeria japonica 'Gracilis', 'Little Champion' was introduced around 1992. Its naturally rounded form makes it particularly effective in rock gardens, conifer collections, foundation plantings, courtyards, and containers, where it provides year-round structure without requiring regular shaping.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Rock Gardens · Containers · Foundation Plantings
Companion plants
Gaura · Weigela · Salvia · Baptisia · Lilies · Mexican feather grass
Design tip
The naturally rounded form brings a sense of order without looking clipped or overly formal. Its fine, feathery foliage contrasts especially well with broad-leaved shrubs and perennials, while bronze winter tones provide a subtle seasonal change without sacrificing evergreen structure.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
