Cryptomeria japonica 'Dinger' / Dinger Japanese cedar

Cryptomeria japonica 'Dinger' is a very slow-growing, bushy, globose cultivar of Japanese cedar with interesting awl-like foliage radiating in all directions. Typical rate of growth in most areas is around 2 to 3 inches (5 - 7.5 cm) per year in all directions. After 10 years in the garden, one can expect an interesting green globe, 20 to 30 inches (50 - 75 cm) tall and wide.

This cultivar originated as a witch's broom on a specimen of C. japonica 'Araucarioides' found at the Dennenhorst Pinetum in Boslaan, Lunteren, The Netherlands; and introduced to the nursery trade in 2004 by Hulsdonk Nursery, Poppel, Belgium. Iseli nursery of Boring, Oregon introduced it to the American market around 2018. The plant is named in honor of Henri Louis Dinger (1897 – 1985), Dennenhorst's founder. This interesting new cultivar would be a welcome addition to any and all dwarf conifer collections.

Cryptomeria japonica 'Dinger' at the Jean Iseli Memorial Garden, Boring, Oregon.
Photo by David Olszyk

Comments

David Rothenberg

I have had a Cryptomeria 'Dinger' for about 7 years It is thriving and has two aspects on which I should appreciate comment. It is nearly a metre tall and over a metre wide — rather larger than most observers have reported. Some of the stems have turned brown in the central part, remaining green at both the tips and the junction with the main plant ; New green growths; true to type have sprouted from the brown segments. Any comment would be appreciated.

Regards, David Rothenberg

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