My Joe Kozey just retired on me. This genus just doesn't like neutral sandy soils. Its a shame as its a nice plant as you described with its dense habit.

Thanks Will and sorry other Will for your loss. I really like this one too. It might be because it's the only Sciadopitys verticillata that I have but I'm also a sucker for the narrow growers. I love the unique, thick, rubbery needles of this species.

Here's a repost of a photo of mine taken June 1, 2013. Can never have enough conifer photos.
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A bit off topic, but do you still have that amazing little Sciadopitys verticillata seedling that was turning pink in the winter? Were you able to determine if it was happening because it was malnourished or are you still keeping it under evaluation? Just curious as that would make one striking tree.

On my to-get list. Have always liked this one. HLG has a nice one in its collection.

@whaas

Sorry to hear of your Sciadopitys loss. The neutral sandy soils may not be the cause but rather an aggravating factor. Sciadopitys is not very drought tolerant (it's native to high precipitation areas in Japan) & sandy soils in Wisonsin will be comparatively dry.

Good point as it has something to do with it but let me elaborate.

I've grown 'Joe Kozey', 'Mitsch Select' and 'Wintergreen'. All three have perished slowly and died early fall. I was able to pull the plants right out of the ground so they likely died from insufficient water (as I pull back on the watering after year 1 and 2) but its because they wouldn't put out any roots.

I've had this issue (plants not puttting out roots) with other plants that prefer acidic soils and have fiborous root systems, ie Rhodies. I have sandy soil with 7.3 ph.

I'm going to try another cultivar at some point but put in a more moist location to see what happens. I've already did this with one of my Rhodies that hasn't died. See if I can pull it out late spring next year.

I refuse to fertilize or amend soil so it is what it is.