Japanese Cedar 'Black Dragon'

I grew this plant for several years and am giving it a negative rating because there are many alternative varieties that are much nicer t...Read Morehan this. It was hardy and grew fine here (southern Michigan, zone 5) but I didn't think it was a very attractive variety when compared to other dwarf forms. It has nice color in Spring and Summer but has too many ugly cones and had sort of a dark rusty color in Winter. If this were the only dwarf form available I'd give it a positive rating but there are several smaller varieties that I would pick over this.

I was looking for an attractive, low-maintenance evergreen to plant x 2 whiskey barrel (halves) at the end of my driveway. Found two att...Read Moreractive Black Dragons at a local nursery and figured they would look great, especially with Christmas lights.

I'm extremely pleased with my choice! For the record no fungus present, but one of the two trees I chose from the three available came with resident spider/web. I figured this was an added bonus to keep pests away and so far no regrets!

I inherited this plant in the landscape of my new home. I've only recently discovered what it is. My tree has had a very ugly looking f...Read Moreungus or mold and it's covered with spider webs. It's been this way for several years now, but whatever it is, it hasn't killed the tree.
Any insight?
Also, mine is tall and straggly, with gaps between the limbs. I would love a prettier cone shape. Any hints on how to make it prettier?

Planted in a southern exsposure spring07, zone 8 with partial shade in early evening.