‘Snow Flurry’, also marketed under the names ‘Pat McCracken’ and ‘McCracken’s White’, represents a significant advancement in Dawn Redwood cultivation since its introduction in 2005. This remarkable cultivar, discovered and introduced by Pat McCracken in North Carolina, has garnered attention for its distinctive cream-white variegated foliage and upright growth habit.
The variegation pattern creates a stunning visual effect, appearing as if a light dusting of snow has settled on the tree’s feathery foliage. After its initial introduction in the United States, the cultivar gained broader recognition and distribution in Europe through the propagation efforts of the Edwin Smits Nursery in the Netherlands starting in 2009. The combination of its unique foliar characteristics and strong vertical growth makes it an exceptional choice for creating focal points in landscape designs, offering year-round interest and a striking contrast to traditional green foliage plants.
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, lime-green feathery leaves unfurling along the branches. The foliage deepens to a lovely soft green through summer, creating gentle, dappled shade beneath. Autumn brings the real show, with the entire tree glowing in shades of amber, copper and 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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