Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmorin Gold' / Vilmorin Gold Japanese cedar

Cryptomeria japonica 'Vilmorin Gold' is a dwarf, globose selection of Japanese cedar with uniform, symmetrical branching and nice light yellow foliage that is best when grown in full sun. Young plants may tend to burn if the soil gets to dry in summer, but once fully established, plants are quite bulletproof. If grown in too much shade, this conifer will be mostly green and not as attractive. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 24 inches (60 cm) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of around 2 inches (5 cm).

This cultivar originated as a color sport, selected and named in the mid-1980s by Gordon Haddow at Kenwith Nursery, Bideford, United Kingdom. It's cultivar name implies that Haddow found the sport on a specimen of 'Vilmoriniana.'