The Coast Redwood – Sequoia sempervirens represents nature’s pinnacle of vertical achievement. These 20/40cm specimens in plastic free cells mark the beginning of an extraordinary journey – from modest saplings to potential giants. While their wild cousins reach heights of 116 meters, making them Earth’s tallest living things, young plants adapt surprisingly well to container culture, offering flexibility for different garden situations.
Earning the coveted RHS Award of Garden Merit underscores their value in British gardens, while their endangered status highlights the importance of cultivation. These trees demonstrate remarkable versatility, thriving in containers during their early years before developing into stately specimens. Their rapid growth rate and potential longevity of over two millennia make them living connections to both past and future.
Beyond their ornamental value, Coast Redwoods are champions of carbon sequestration, storing more CO2 than any other tree species. This environmental significance, combined with their prestigious heritage and adaptability to garden conditions, makes them outstanding choices for forward-thinking gardeners seeking to create lasting natural legacies.
Sequoia sempervirens – Coast Redwood, holds several remarkable records:
- Tallest Tree: Coast Redwoods are renowned for being the tallest trees on Earth. The current record-holder for the tallest living tree is “Hyperion,” standing at an astonishing height of approximately 379 feet (116 meters). However, new discoveries may lead to the identification of even taller specimens.
- Largest Living Organism: The Coast Redwood forests form one of the largest living organisms on the planet due to their interconnected root systems, known as “clones.” These clones cover extensive areas and consist of genetically identical trees sharing a common root system.
- Oldest Tree: While not the oldest species, some individual Coast Redwoods have lived for over 2,200 years, making them some of the longest-living trees on Earth.
- Largest Groves: The Coast Redwood forests in California, particularly in areas like Redwood National and State Parks, host some of the most extensive and iconic groves of these majestic trees, creating awe-inspiring landscapes.
- Fastest Growth Rate: Coast Redwoods exhibit impressive growth rates, with young trees adding significant height each year. This rapid growth contributes to their towering stature.
- Carbon Sequestration: Due to their massive size and long lifespan, Coast Redwoods are effective carbon sinks, sequestering substantial amounts of carbon dioxide, making them valuable assets in combating climate change.
- Sequoia sempervirens has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
These cell-grown Sequoia sempervirens require immediate planting, either directly or into suitable containers. For container growing, choose a pot at least 3-5 litres with good drainage holes, using a quality, well-draining compost mix. Position in full sun or partial shade, avoiding exposed, windy sites. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture while establishing, particularly during dry spells. If growing in pots, check moisture levels regularly as container plants dry out more quickly than those in the ground. While hardy once established, provide winter protection during the first year, especially for container-grown specimens. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage strong growth. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.
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