Coast Redwood ‘Emily Brown’ 40/60cm (5L)

The Coast Redwood ‘Emily Brown’ is a magnificent columnar conifer that brings the majesty of California’s giant redwoods to British gardens in a more manageable, upright form. This exceptional cultivar, selected at the Saratoga Horticultural Research Foundation and named after Emily Brown, stands out with its remarkably narrow, columnar growth habit and striking bright light green foliage that creates a vertical accent of fresh, luminous colour throughout the year.

What makes ‘Emily Brown’ particularly special is its strongly upright branching structure, creating an elegant, narrow silhouette that’s perfect for adding height without taking up excessive ground space. The bright light green needles are softer and more vibrant than typical Coast Redwoods, bringing a fresh, youthful appearance to the tree that persists through all seasons. This fast-growing cultivar quickly establishes itself, making it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens, living boundaries, or as a stunning specimen tree where vertical impact is desired.

This 40-60cm plant in a 5-litre pot is at an ideal size for establishing in your garden, with a well-developed root system ready to grow vigorously once planted. Coast Redwoods are surprisingly adaptable to British conditions, thriving in our temperate climate with its mild winters and regular rainfall. The natural habitat of Sequoia sempervirens along the foggy California coast has prepared this species well for our maritime climate.

For optimal growth in British gardens, plant ‘Emily Brown’ in a sheltered position with moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil enriched with organic matter. These trees appreciate consistent moisture, particularly during their establishment phase and throughout summer months. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade, though brighter positions will encourage the most vibrant foliage colour and fastest growth. The sheltered positioning is particularly important in exposed gardens, as young trees benefit from protection against harsh winds whilst developing their structure.

Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first two to three years after planting. Apply a generous layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress competing weeds. Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support vigorous growth. Pruning is rarely necessary due to the naturally columnar habit, though you can remove any wayward branches in late winter if required to maintain the narrow form.

‘Emily Brown’ is remarkably low-maintenance once established, with good resistance to pests and diseases. The tree’s naturally tidy growth habit means minimal intervention is needed, allowing you to simply enjoy its architectural presence as it matures into a stately feature that will be admired for generations.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
4–8 metres