Key Takeaways
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Japanese gardens often feature evergreen trees for their year-round beauty and cultural significance.
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Key evergreens include species like the Japanese Box, Sacred Sakaki, and the Box-Leaved Holly.
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Each evergreen has unique care requirements and contributes differently to the garden’s aesthetics.
Introduction: The Allure of Japanese Gardens with Evergreens
The allure of Japanese gardens lies in their ability to evoke a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, blending various elements of nature into a harmonious whole. Central to achieving this aesthetic are evergreen trees, which provide year-round color, structure, and a sense of permanence.
Each tree has been carefully selected for its unique characteristics, suitability for different garden sizes, and ease of care, ensuring that readers can find the perfect match for their specific needs and garden conditions.
Disclaimer: The plant list and variety descriptions included in this article are based on recommendations from Yoko Kawaguchi as found in ‘Authentic Japanese Gardens’ book. This article serves as a reference guide and does not intend to infringe upon the intellectual property rights of the author or publisher.
Selection of Top Evergreen Trees in Japanese Gardens
Let’s delve into the world of these magnificent trees, where beauty meets resilience.
|
Scientific & Common Name |
Description |
USDA Hardiness Zone |
Size |
Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Buxus microphylla var. japonica (Japanese box; tsuge)  |
Evergreen shrub native to Japan, used for hedges and topiaries, wood used for making combs |
6 through 9 |
Up to 5 m (16 ft 3 in) |
Very slow growth; care needed in transplanting; prefers half-shade; likes lime; mulch to prevent shallow roots from drying out |
|
Cleyera japonica (sakaki)  |
Broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree, sacred in Shinto religion, used around shrines and in tea gardens |
7 through 8, warmer areas of 6 |
3 x 3 m (10 x 10 ft) |
Prefers rich, deep, acid soil and shade; can be pruned hard for broad hedges; suitable as underplanting |
|
Daphniphyllum macropodum (yuzuriha)  |
Evergreen tree with leaves in whorls, used for New Year’s decorations, suitable for mass planting |
7 through 9 |
Up to 15 m (49 ft) |
Frost hardy; prefers rich soil and half-shade; no pruning needed; dislikes root disturbance |
|
Dendropanax trifidus (kakure-mino)  |
Evergreen tree used around shrines and in tea gardens, very slow-growing |
7 through 9 |
10 m (32 ft 6 in) |
Frost hardy; prefers moist shade; dislikes being pruned and root disturbance; suitable for north-facing gardens |
|
Ilex crenata (box-leaved holly/Japanese holly; inu-tsuge)  |
Small, round, glossy leaves, important for topiary in Japan, slow-growing but vigorous |
6 through 9 |
5 x 4 m (16 ft 3 in x 13 ft) |
Prefers partial shade and moist conditions; avoid winter wind; if soil is alkaline, give an annual feed of acid fertilizer |
|
Ilex integra (mochi-no-ki)  |
Evergreen tree used near shrines, can be transplanted even when quite big |
8 through 9 |
7 to 8 m (23 to 26 ft) |
Young plants half hardy; established plants tolerate down to -10°C/14°F; prefers moist, rich soil and sun; prune heavily in early summer |
|
Ilex latifolia (luster-leaf holly; tarayo)  |
Large, serrated leathery leaves with male and female plants for red berries production |
7 through 9 |
6 to 7.5m (20 to 25ft) |
Can be hard pruned or clipped for a dense screen; best pruned late winter-early spring; frost hardy |
|
Ilex pedunculosa (long-stalk holly; soyogo)  |
Upright habit with both male and female plants needed for red autumn berries |
5 |
Up to 6m (20ft) |
Prefers moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade; tolerant of air pollution and some sea-air |
|
Ilex rotunda (kurogane holly/round-leaf holly; kurogane-mochi)  |
Slow-growing evergreen, female plants produce red berries in winter, popular for bonsai |
6 through 9 |
9 to 15m (30 to 50ft) |
Prune lightly Nov-Dec, then hard late spring; tolerates partial shade |
|
Lithocarpus edulis (Japanese stone oak; mate-bashii)  |
Fast-growing, suitable for hedging or mass planting |
7 through 9 |
10 m (32 ft 6 in) |
Hardy; sun or partial shade; tolerates heavy pruning |
|
Pittosporum tobira (Japanese mock orange; tobera)  |
Dense evergreen with fragrant white flowers and red seeds in winter |
8 through 11 |
2 to 9m (6 to 30ft) |
Tolerant of sea air and some dryness; no pruning required; cultivars with variegated leaves available |
|
Osmanthus x fortunei (Fortune’s osmanthus; hiiragi-mokusei)  |
Upright with holly-like leaves, fragrant white flowers in late summer to autumn |
7 through 9 |
5 m (16 ft 3 in) |
Frost hardy; half-shade or complete shade; prune; tolerates sea air; suitable for hedges |
|
Osmanthus heterophyllus (holly osmanthus; hiiragi)  |
Dense round shrub with spiny, leathery leaves, fragrant white flowers on female plants |
7 through 9 |
4 to 8 m (13 to 26 ft) |
Frost hardy; tolerates shade and sea air; can be pruned; suitable for hedges |
|
Quercus glauca (ring-cup oak; ara-kashi)  |
Slow-growing live oak with serrated lance-shaped leaves, good for hedges, windbreaks, screens |
7 through 9 |
Up to 9m (30ft) |
Frost hardy; leaves turn from purple-crimson to glossy green and glaucous blue-green underneath |
|
Quercus myrsinifolia (bamboo-leaf oak/Chinese evergreen oak/Chinese ring-cupped oak; shira-kashi)  |
Slow-growing live oak with glossy lance-shaped leaves emerging bronze-red |
7 through 9 |
6 to 12m (20 to 40ft) |
Shade tolerant; prune for a dense hedge in July and November; traditionally used as windbreaks; plant shrubs 30cm apart for a 1m tall hedge, 50cm apart for a 1.5m tall hedge |
|
Quercus phillyraeoides (ubame-gashi)  |
Slow-growing, dense live oak with glossy ovate leaves and fissured brown-grey bark |
7 through 10 |
6 to 9m (20-30ft) |
Suitable for hedges; prune late autumn; stop main leading stem at required height and cut back lateral branches to desired length; prefers acid to neutral soil |
|
Ternstroemia gymnanthera (mokkoku)  |
Frost hardy to half hardy in the UK; dislikes temperatures below -5°C/23°F; ripe wood tolerates colder conditions |
7 through 10 |
5 to 10 m (16 to 32 ft 6 in) |
Partial or complete shade; prefers rich acid soil; in early summer remove the longest central stem from each new growth |
How Evergreens Shape the Garden’s Year-Round Beauty
Evergreens play a pivotal role in maintaining the beauty of a Japanese garden throughout the year. In winter, when deciduous trees have shed their leaves, evergreens stand tall and green, offering a vivid reminder of life’s persistence. In summer, they provide cool, shaded havens, inviting visitors to pause and reflect.
Conclusion
Evergreen trees are the backbone of Japanese gardens, providing structure, color, and an ever-present connection to nature throughout the seasons. This article’s selection of the top evergreen trees for Japanese gardens offers a wide range of options for gardeners and designers to choose from, whether they are creating a new garden from scratch or enhancing an existing one. By considering the specific characteristics and care requirements of each tree, readers can create a garden that not only reflects the principles of Japanese garden design but also suits their personal aesthetic and practical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Japanese gardens and their evergreen trees often spark curiosity and wonder. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions to help you understand and care for these natural treasures.
What are the care requirements for Japanese box trees?
The Japanese box, or Buxus microphylla var. japonica, is a hardy evergreen that’s ideal for hedges and topiary. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Prune in late spring to shape and maintain dense foliage.
Is the sakaki suitable for small Japanese gardens?
Yes, the sakaki, or Cleyera japonica, is quite suitable for small Japanese gardens. Its compact size and slow growth rate make it an excellent choice for limited spaces. Plus, its glossy evergreen leaves add year-round interest. Just ensure it’s planted in well-draining soil and positioned where it can receive partial shade to protect it from intense afternoon sun.
Can the yuzuriha be grown in cooler climates?
Daphniphyllum macropodum, known as yuzuriha, is generally hardy but prefers a milder climate. In cooler regions, it’s best to plant yuzuriha in a sheltered location, such as against a south-facing wall, to protect it from harsh winds and frost. Mulching around the base can also help to insulate the roots during winter.
What is the symbolic meaning of the mochi tree in Japanese culture?
In Japanese culture, the mochi tree, or Ilex integra, is a symbol of good fortune and longevity. It is traditionally associated with the New Year and is used in decorations to invite prosperity and ward off evil spirits. The mochi tree’s evergreen nature represents the continuity of life and the enduring spirit of nature.
How does the planting of evergreens affect the Zen aspect of a Japanese garden?
Evergreens are fundamental to the Zen aspect of a Japanese garden. Their perennial nature provides a sense of stability and calm, essential qualities for meditation and reflection. The subtle textures and deep greens of evergreens also help to evoke a deeper connection with nature, fostering a tranquil environment that encourages inner peace.
By carefully placing evergreens around stones, water features, and pathways, one can create a harmonious balance that aligns with the principles of Zen. This thoughtful arrangement encourages visitors to slow down, contemplate, and find solace in the simplicity and beauty of the garden.
