For a totally organic approach, many gardeners use commercial manure on the soil around shrubs such as Cryptomeria Black Dragon. Try to cure the problem before adding fertilizer. If a plant is struggling due to a disease or root problems, the fertilizer will only add stress to it's life. Never fertilize a plant with a chemical fertilizer if the plant looks sick or wilted. This is a very loose estimate, so please read the directions on the fertilizer before applying it. A very large established Japanese Cedar in the ground will take 2 - 3 cups of holly-tone spread around the drip line of the branches (not next to the trunk). When fertilizing Japanese Cedars grown in containers, be careful to apply a fertilizer that will not burn the roots (such as a slow release or a liquid fertilizer). Cryptomeria Black Dragon is very easy to grow however it may be helpful to know that a very small plant which is planted in the ground will take about 1/8 - 1/4 cup of espoma organic shrub-tone fertilizer. If over-fertilization is severe, the plant may just wilt and die. When roots are burned, the first sign is often scorched looking leaves. 'Fertilizer burn' can occur when too much fertilizer is applied, resulting in a drying out of the roots and damage or even death of the rose.It is much, much better to err on the side of too little fertilizer than too much.

Over-fertilization can be much more detrimental than under-fertilization. The amount of chemical fertilizer used per plant will vary with the size of the plant and it's root system. As mentioned one spring application of a balanced fertilizer should more than suffice. In the South, a late summer into September application would be about right. Fertilizing at this time may stimulate new growth that will be too tender to withstand the winter. Fall is the time for hollies to begin preparing for dormancy. Don't fertilize Cryptomeria Black Dragon after August in the North. If you are looking for a fertilizing routine tailored to your specific conditions, a soil sample should be taken and the fertilizer and trace elements matched to the needs of your soil. A less expensive fast release fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 will work just as well if applied twice during the summer. However, slow-release is certainly not the only way to fertilize plants such as Cryptomeria Black Dragon although truth be told I feel its the best. If you can find a fertilizer formulated for shrubs and trees, this fertilizer would work well on Cryptomeria Black Dragon. There are many slow-release fertilizers on the market. If you choose to use chemical fertilizers on your Cryptomeria Black Dragon, applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring is probably the simplest solution. Organic additions to the soil can also be combined with a shot of chemical fertilizer for maximum effect. Since an organic method of applying manure and/or compost around the roots, produces excellent results and also improves the condition of the soil, this would be an excellent first line of attack.

Either chemical fertilizers or organic matter can be used successfully. When selecting a fertilizer for your Cryptomeria Black Dragon, if soil Ph is not an issue a simple balanced fertilizer can be used such as Tree-tone. Cryptomeria Black Dragon benefits from an fertilizer which can help raise the acid level of the soil such as Holly-Tone by Espoma.

Cryptomeria Black Dragon favors nutrient rich soil and ample fertilization. Plants such as Cryptomeria Black Dragon grow best if they are fertilized once in the spring and again in early summer. Soaker Hoses can also be used to water when planting a long hedge. can be used to help aid in this process and also provide plants with a good soaking due to the slow release of the water into the root-zone of the plant. Water at the base of the plant near the soil line only. We like to tell folks that when watering Cryptomeria Black Dragon or any plant for that matter its best not to water the foliage of the plant. You’ll want to water the bushes regularly after planting until they’ve been well established. Water using the counting method for the first few weeks. Check the plant daily for the first week or so and then every other day there after. For example a one gallon pot would be watered until you count to 5 a three gallon pot would be 15 and so on. A general rule of thumb is to count to 5 for every one gallon of pot size. Most of the water you put on the plant at first will run away from the plant until the soil is soaked. After back filling and lightly compacting the 50/50 mix of existing soil and compost give the Cryptomeria Black Dragon a good deep watering.

Black dragon landscape