The Dawn Redwood ‘Chubby’ is a charming compact variety that brings the majesty of redwoods to smaller gardens. This lovely tree grows into a neat pyramid shape, showing off bright green foliage that looks fresh and vibrant throughout the growing season. In spring, the new growth appears with a beautiful blue tinge that makes this tree really stand out.
Unlike its giant relatives, ‘Chubby’ grows slowly and stays at a manageable size, typically reaching around 5 metres over many years. This makes it perfect for gardens where space might be limited but you still want something special. The soft, feathery needles create wonderful texture in the garden, moving gently in the breeze and catching light beautifully.
The autumn show is particularly lovely when the foliage turns to warm bronze colours before falling. Even in winter, the tree keeps its charm with an attractive branching pattern and reddish-brown bark that adds interest to the garden during the colder months.
This tree works brilliantly as a focal point in borders or lawns. Its neat shape means it won’t take over your garden, while still providing height and structure all year round. The dense foliage creates a lovely backdrop for other plants and adds a sense of permanence to garden designs.
It’s important to know that these trees are deciduous, dropping their leaves in late autumn and remaining bare until early spring. This makes them quite different from other redwoods, but offers a wonderful display through the year.
Spring begins with fresh, blue-grey feathery leaves unfurling along the branches. The foliage maintains its steely blue hue through summer, creating an eye-catching contrast against surrounding greenery. Autumn brings a subtle shift as the blue tones warm slightly to bronze before the leaves fall.
The winter reveal is just as lovely, showing off the tree’s elegant shape and beautiful fluted bark. The branches sweep upwards in a natural pyramid, creating a striking silhouette against winter skies. This neat, architectural form means it works well even in smaller gardens.
Dawn Redwoods are easy to grow and maintain. They prefer moisture-retentive soil but will cope with most conditions once established. Plant in full sun or partial shade, in a spot with enough space for their eventual height. They’re hardy throughout Britain and don’t mind exposed sites. Water regularly in the first few years and add a thick mulch around the base each spring. No regular pruning is needed as they naturally form an elegant shape.
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