{"product_id":"black-dragon","title":"Black Dragon","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"pageSummary\" class=\"layoutA\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Dragon Cryptomeria\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCryptomeria japonica\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 'Black Dragon') is a distinctive compact evergreen prized for its exceptionally dark green foliage, dense growth, and unique pyramidal form. Growing approximately 6-10 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, it develops an upright, somewhat irregular habit that gives it a bold architectural appearance in the landscape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew growth emerges bright green before maturing to a deep, rich green that can appear nearly black in certain light, creating excellent contrast against lighter-colored plants. Its soft, feathery foliage provides year-round texture and color without the sharp needles associated with many other conifers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Dragon is an excellent choice for foundation plantings, mixed evergreen borders, small privacy screens, Asian-inspired gardens, or as a dramatic specimen. Its slower growth and manageable mature size make it particularly useful where a full-size Cryptomeria such as Yoshino would become too large.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMore About Black Dragon Cryptomeria\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLow Maintenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlow to Moderate Growing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvergreen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDark Green Foliage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear-Round Interest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoundation Planting, Mixed Border, Small Screen, Accent, Specimen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompact, Upright Pyramidal Habit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoft, Feathery Foliage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Architectural Accent\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeer Resistant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: 6-10 Feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpread\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: 4-6 Feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness Zone\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: 5-9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCharacteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeason of Interest: Year Round\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Moisture: Average to Moist, Well Draining\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttributes: Evergreen, Compact, Upright, Pyramidal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoliage Color: Bright Green New Growth Maturing to Deep Dark Green\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare \u0026amp; Maintenance Tips\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant in full sun to part sun. Black Dragon develops its densest growth and richest foliage color when provided with plenty of sunlight but can tolerate some light shade. It prefers fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soil with consistent moisture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Black Dragon prefers average moisture and should be watered during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Avoid prolonged drought and consistently waterlogged soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and evergreens in early spring if needed. Adding compost or organic matter around the root zone can also help maintain healthy growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery little pruning is required. Black Dragon naturally develops a dense, somewhat irregular pyramidal form that contributes to its character. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed. Light shaping can be performed in late winter or early spring if desired.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hunterdon Tree and Shrub","offers":[{"title":"3 Gallon","offer_id":50525981606128,"sku":"Black Dragon","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0746\/5680\/9200\/files\/images_24.jpg?v=1790194896","url":"https:\/\/hunterdontree.com\/products\/black-dragon","provider":"Hunterdon Tree \u0026 Shrub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}