Dawn Redwood Tree 60/80cm (Cell)

Dawn Redwood – Metasequoia glyptostroboides is one of the great botanical stories of the twentieth century, a deciduous conifer known only from fossils until living trees were found growing in central China in the 1940s. Every specimen in cultivation today descends from that rediscovery, which makes planting one a small piece of living history. Supplied at 60/80cm tall as a cell-grown plant, it settles in quickly and starts putting on noticeable growth within its first couple of seasons.

The appeal of the Dawn Redwood lies in its combination of speed, form and seasonal change. Growth is strongly conical, with a straight central leader and tiered branches that sweep slightly upwards at the tips. The soft, feathery foliage emerges in spring as a fresh pale green, deepens through summer, then turns shades of russet, copper and foxy red before dropping in late autumn – an unusual trait among conifers. Winter reveals the real character of the tree: fibrous, cinnamon-brown bark that becomes deeply fluted and buttressed around the base of the trunk as the years pass, with curious armpit-like hollows beneath the branch joints.

Dawn Redwood is a tree for space. It suits large gardens, parkland planting, estate avenues and damp ground where few other large trees thrive. It copes well with heavy clay and seasonally wet soils, tolerates occasional flooding, and is often planted beside lakes, ponds and slow-moving water. It is also surprisingly tolerant of urban air and exposure once established, provided it has moisture at the roots.

Care Guide

Plant between autumn and early spring while the tree is dormant, choosing a site in full sun or very light shade. Moisture-retentive soil gives the best results; avoid thin chalk and sites that bake dry in summer. Clear a metre-wide circle of weeds and grass, dig a square hole no deeper than the root plug, and firm the soil gently around it so the top of the plug sits level with the surrounding ground.

At 60/80cm the young tree benefits from a cane and a spiral guard or mesh shelter, as rabbits, deer and strimmers are the main hazards at this stage. Mulch with 5/8cm of composted bark or well-rotted manure each spring, keeping it clear of the stem to prevent rot.

Watering matters most in the first three British summers – a thorough soaking once a week during dry spells is far better than frequent light sprinkling. Established trees rarely need irrigation except in prolonged drought. Apply a balanced general fertiliser in early spring on poor soils; rich ground needs nothing.

Pruning should be minimal. Remove any competing leaders while the tree is young to maintain a single straight trunk, and take out dead or damaged wood in late winter. Lower branches can be lifted gradually if you want clearance beneath. The tree is fully hardy throughout Britain, though late spring frosts may scorch new growth on young plants in frost pockets; it recovers readily.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
4–8 metres