Dawn Redwood ‘Golden Oji’ / ‘Gold Rush’ 20/40 (P9)

Dawn Redwood ‘Golden Oji’ – Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a spectacular bright yellow cultivar that brings luminous colour to gardens throughout the growing season. This young specimen, currently 20-40cm tall and supplied in a P9 pot, offers an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the classic golden-leaved Dawn Redwoods at an early stage of development. The vibrant yellow foliage creates an amber glow that brightens shaded areas, making it an invaluable addition for gardeners seeking year-round interest in their planting schemes.

The foliage of ‘Golden Oji’ emerges in spring with intense golden-yellow needles that maintain their brilliant colour throughout summer, provided the plant is positioned correctly. Unlike some golden conifers that can tolerate full sun, this particular cultivar performs best when sheltered from direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate foliage. If you’re looking for a golden Dawn Redwood for sunnier positions, consider ‘Amber Glow’ instead, which has been specifically bred for better sun tolerance. The soft, feathery needles of ‘Golden Oji’ are arranged in neat rows along deciduous branchlets, and as autumn approaches, they deepen to rich bronze and copper tones before dropping for winter—a characteristic that sets Dawn Redwoods apart from most other conifers.

This deciduous conifer develops an elegant conical habit with age, creating a striking architectural presence. The bark becomes increasingly attractive as the tree matures, developing rich reddish-brown tones with deep furrows and a fibrous texture. During winter, the bare silhouette reveals the beautiful branching structure, proving that this tree offers interest throughout all four seasons.

Very commonly also known as ‘Gold Rush’.

Growing a Dawn Redwood ‘Golden Oji’

Plant your Dawn Redwood in a position that receives dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade. The soil should be moisture-retentive, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral, though the species is adaptable to various soil types provided they don’t dry out completely. Dawn Redwoods naturally grow beside streams and in damp valleys in their native China, so they particularly appreciate consistent moisture at their roots.

Water young plants regularly during their first two growing seasons, especially during dry spells. Once established, they become more drought-tolerant, though they’ll always perform best with adequate moisture. Apply a generous layer of organic mulch around the base each spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it away from the trunk itself.

Feed annually in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser or well-rotted compost. Minimal pruning is required—simply remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. The natural form is graceful and symmetrical, so avoid heavy pruning which can spoil the shape.

Dawn Redwoods are fully hardy throughout Britain and cope well with cold winters. They prefer sheltered positions protected from strong winds, which can damage the soft foliage. Container-grown specimens can remain in pots for several years before requiring planting out, making them suitable for patios and smaller gardens during their youth.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
4–8 metres