Coast Redwood ‘Cantab’ 80/100cm

Sequoia sempervirens

£178.13

Sequoia sempervirens ‘Cantab’, discovered at Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, features distinctive short, wide needles and a pyramidal habit. This elegant cultivar combines rich green foliage with strong architectural form.

The leaves are very similar to Coast Redwood ‘Prostrata’.

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Grown in Britain

Sequoia sempervirens ‘Cantab’ emerged from a serendipitous discovery at Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, where it was found growing as a witch’s broom on an established Coast Redwood. This chance finding has given us one of the most distinctive redwood cultivars, characterized by its unique foliage and growth pattern.

What immediately sets ‘Cantab’ apart is its remarkable foliage – short, wide needles that create a dense, richly green appearance. These distinctive needles bear a striking resemblance to those found on Sequoia sempervirens ‘Prostrata‘, creating a lush, textural display that differs markedly from typical Coast Redwood foliage. Each branch carries this compact, verdant growth, contributing to the cultivar’s overall architectural presence.

While its origins lie in a witch’s broom – typically associated with restricted growth – ‘Cantab’ shows impressive vigour and develops a handsome pyramidal form. This combination of distinctive foliage and strong architectural habit makes it particularly valuable for creating focal points in considered garden designs.

The cultivar demonstrates how exceptional forms can emerge from established specimens, adding to the rich diversity of Coast Redwood varieties. Its dense growth ensures year-round interest, while its strong vertical form provides structural elegance in both formal and informal settings.

Whether used as a specimen tree or as part of a larger planting scheme, ‘Cantab’ brings sophistication and character to the garden landscape. Its unique foliage characteristics and architectural form make it an intriguing choice for gardeners seeking something special within the Coast Redwood family.

Position Sequoia sempervirens ‘Cantab’ in full sun or partial shade. Ensure well-draining soil conditions. While hardy once established, young specimens benefit from shelter against harsh winds. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. The natural pyramidal form requires minimal pruning. Apply an annual spring mulch to preserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

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Coast Redwood – Sequoia sempervirens Care Guide

The Coast Redwood – Sequoia sempervirens is one of the world’s most magnificent trees, capable of reaching extraordinary heights in its native California. In UK gardens, while not achieving the same dramatic proportions, it still grows into an impressive specimen, typically reaching 20-35 metres. This evergreen conifer is characterised by its straight trunk, distinctive reddish-brown bark, and dense, dark green foliage that creates a stunning vertical accent in larger gardens. Despite its imposing stature, it’s surprisingly adaptable to UK conditions when given appropriate care.

Soil Requirements
Coast Redwoods thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. While they prefer deep, loamy soils rich in organic matter, they can adapt to various soil types provided drainage is adequate. Regular addition of organic matter helps maintain soil quality and moisture retention, which is crucial for optimal growth.

Watering Guidelines
Young trees need consistent moisture during their establishment period, typically the first 2-3 years. Water deeply once weekly, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. While mature specimens develop some drought tolerance, they perform best with regular moisture, particularly during dry spells. Container-grown trees require more frequent watering, but always ensure pots have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Seasonal Maintenance

Spring (March-May)
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser if needed, and refresh the organic mulch layer to a depth of 7-10cm, keeping it clear of the trunk. Check for any winter damage and monitor for early signs of pest activity.

Summer (June-August)
Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during hot, dry periods. Minimal pruning is required, but remove any dead or damaged branches. Ensure the base remains clear of competing vegetation.

Autumn (September-November)
Gradually reduce watering as growth slows. Apply a fresh layer of mulch to protect roots through winter. This is a good time to assess the tree’s structure and plan any necessary maintenance.

Winter (December-February)
Young trees may need protection from severe frost and cold winds. Water only during dry spells when there’s no frost. Monitor for snow damage on branches, particularly in heavy snowfall areas.

Additional Care Notes
Coast Redwoods create their own microclimate as they mature, often collecting moisture from fog and mist through their foliage. They prefer locations with some shelter from strong winds, especially when young. While generally pest-resistant, regular monitoring helps catch any issues early.

These magnificent trees require careful placement due to their potential size. Consider their ultimate height and spread when planting, ensuring they have space to develop their natural form. While they can be pruned to control size to some extent, they’re best suited to larger gardens where they can achieve their natural grandeur. Their evergreen nature means they provide year-round interest and can serve as excellent screening trees or distinctive focal points in appropriate settings.

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