Sciadopitys
( sye - ah - DOP - ih - tiss )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis species of evergreen trees is commonly called Kōyamaki Tree, Japanese Umbrella Pine or Parasol Fir, and is native to south-central and southern regions of Honshu, Japan. These evergreens need full sun (with afternoon shade in warmer climates) and regular water to perform well in the garden. They can reach up to 100 to 120 feet tall in their native habitats, though in cultivated landscapes are commonly 25 to 40 feet tall and 25 to 30 feet wide at most. These are slow growers that are handsome and symmetrical when young. At maturity, these trees take on a more open, drooping habit. Scale leaves grow along branches, and dark green needles grow in whorls at branch and twig tips. Cones are produced by mature trees; both male and female cones are produced on the same tree. Use Japanese Umbrella Pine as a specimen in the landscape or in containers or patios and walkways. They are popular in Asian and Zen gardens, rock gardens, conifer gardens, and are also common bonsai subjects. The genus Sciadopitys is the sole extant (living) member of the Sciadopityaceae plant family. These trees grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Caring for sciadopitys
Sciadopytis should be planted in a spot in the garden or landscape that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sun exposure daily. They need ample light to perform well and have dense foliage. Space trees about 15 to 20 feet apart; dwarf or compact cultivars can be spaced between 4 and 6 feet apart. These trees prefer soil to be well-draining, and have a pH of between 5.0 and 6.5 (slightly acidic). Ensure the planting site has good drainage, and if it does not, amend with organic matter or sand before installation. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of trees after planting, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Young trees will need regular waterings to help establish a deep, strong root system. Once established, these trees are considered to be relatively drought-tolerant, and can get by with little water, but do prefer the occasional deep watering for optimal health. Avoid overwatering these trees, as they can develop issues with root rot.
These trees are cold-hardy and can tolerate a wide range of climates, though young trees may need some protection from extreme cold or late springtime frosts, when new foliage can be damaged by low temperatures. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Japanese Umbrella Pine trees are not heavy feeders. Minimal pruning is needed; simply remove dead, damaged, or diseased plant parts and shape as necessary. The best time to prune these trees is in late winter or early springtime before new growth is pushed out for the year. These trees are slow growers, and too much pruning can make trees look spindly and unhealthy. Never prune back into old wood, as plant material will not regrow from bare stems. Japanese Umbrella Pines typically survive for 150 years or more under good growing conditions
These trees are cold-hardy and can tolerate a wide range of climates, though young trees may need some protection from extreme cold or late springtime frosts, when new foliage can be damaged by low temperatures. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Japanese Umbrella Pine trees are not heavy feeders. Minimal pruning is needed; simply remove dead, damaged, or diseased plant parts and shape as necessary. The best time to prune these trees is in late winter or early springtime before new growth is pushed out for the year. These trees are slow growers, and too much pruning can make trees look spindly and unhealthy. Never prune back into old wood, as plant material will not regrow from bare stems. Japanese Umbrella Pines typically survive for 150 years or more under good growing conditions
Propagation
Sciadopytis, or Japanese Umbrella Pine, trees can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. To propagate your Japanese Umbrella Pine, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Sciadopitys by Cutting
Propagating Sciadopitys by Seed
Propagating Sciadopitys by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- In late summer or fall, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch semi hardwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the needles off of the lower 2/3rds. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about three months have passed, your cutting should be starting to root. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new tree.
Propagating Sciadopitys by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a sealable bag or other container partially filled with sand or peat moss, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- Harvest your seeds. Seeds are contained inside of the cones that drop from the tree. Collect cones from the ground, and place them in a paper bag in a cool, dark, dry place while they continue to open and release seeds. After a few weeks, most seeds should be loose, and at that point, they can be removed from the bag.
- Sciadopitys seeds need to be cold-stratified before planting. To accomplish this, place the seeds in a sealable bag or other container filled with sand or peat moss (or a mix of the two). Moisten the substrate and place the bag or container in the refrigerator for 12. This will improve the chances that seeds will germinate. After this period has passed, take the seeds out and lay them on a flat surface.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 18 months or more from sowing depending on growing conditions. Seeds are notoriously erratic, even after treatment.
- Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Sciadopitys produces male and female cones. Only female cones produce seeds, and each cone contains between
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Sciadopitys seeds are ellipsoid and compressed, with marrow marginal wings that help with wind dispersal.
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Problems and Pests
Sciadopitys trees are considered resilient in most landscapes, but they can suffer from issues with the following pests and diseases from time to time:
- Spider Mites
- Scale Insects
- Mammal Browsing (Deer and Rabbits)
- Root Rot
- Honey Fungus
- Winter Burn/Windburn
- Yellowing or Browning Needles
Gallery
Japanese Umbrella Pines provide year-round evergreen foliage and height to mixed beds.
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Cultivar 'Golden Rush' is one of many with golden or variegated foliage.
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Cultivar 'Winter Green' has a uniform, pyramidal habit.
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Videos
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Resources
Sciadopitys verticillata (Japanese Umbrella Pine, Parasol Fir, Parasol Pine, Umbrella Pine)
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 598, Sciadopitys verticillata
