Knaptonensis Japanese Cedar. This is a very dwarf cultivar similar to 'Tansu', but its new growth is completely white, devoid of chlorophyl, giving the plant an overall silver dusted appearance. As the growth hardens off, it begins to turn green, but it always has the "frosted" look as the new growth continues to appear. Even further north it is best sited in morning sun and afternoon shade. When located in too much shade, one will not get the frosted appearance. In the Deep South, one must plant it in part shade as its new growth will burn in full sun. This is one of the best accent dwarf conifers and is very similar to 'Nana Albospica' but more dwarf. The American Conifer Society says: "This cultivar originated as a witch's broom found in 1930 on a specimen of Cryptomeria japonica 'Nana Albospica' by Murray Hornibrook on Madre Island in Lago Maggiore, Italy. The cultivar name refers to Knapton, an English village in Norfolk county, United Kingdom." If left to its own devices, it will take on a somewhat upright growth habit. But remember, nothing ever stops growing, even though we may call them dwarf. The plant pictured is what one should expect to receive.
Zones 5-9
