Dawn Redwood Tree 20/40cm (P9)

Metasequoia glyptostroboides

£11.87

A living fossil in the garden, the Dawn Redwood offers graceful, bright green needles and a magnificent pyramid form. This stunning deciduous conifer provides seasonal drama with autumn colours and attractive winter bark.

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Grown in Britain

For those seeking a truly special garden tree, the Dawn Redwood offers unmatched charm and character. Its feather-soft foliage creates a bright green haven from spring to summer, while the naturally pyramidal form adds architectural beauty to larger garden spaces.

This remarkable tree carries an extraordinary heritage. Hidden from the modern world until 1944, it survived in small numbers in China’s forests. Though now a beloved garden tree worldwide, its wild populations still need protection, making each planted specimen particularly meaningful.

Height isn’t this tree’s only virtue. The delicate needles provide constant movement and light play throughout summer. When autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into warm bronze-orange shades before falling, creating nature’s own light show.

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.

Plant your Dawn Redwood in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. While it grows well in most soil types, it particularly enjoys rich, slightly acidic to neutral soils. Water regularly when young and during dry spells, though established trees become quite drought tolerant. No regular pruning is needed as it naturally forms an elegant shape. A yearly feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring will keep it growing strongly. The tree is fully hardy throughout Britain but appreciates some shelter from strong winds while young.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres

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Dawn Redwood – Metasequoia glyptostroboides Care Guide

The Dawn Redwood – Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a magnificent deciduous conifer that, despite its prehistoric origins, makes a stunning addition to UK gardens. Once thought extinct and known only through fossils, it was rediscovered in China in the 1940s. These fast-growing trees can reach impressive heights, potentially exceeding 20 metres in UK conditions, though they typically grow smaller in gardens. With their elegant pyramidal shape, feathery foliage that turns bronze in autumn, and distinctive fluted trunk, Dawn Redwoods offer year-round interest and are surprisingly adaptable to various garden conditions.

Soil Requirements
Dawn Redwoods require well-draining soil to prevent root rot and other water-related issues. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0) and thrive in rich, loamy conditions with high organic matter content. Annual addition of compost or well-rotted manure helps maintain optimal soil quality and supports healthy growth.

Watering Guidelines
Young Trees (1-3 years) need consistent moisture to establish a strong root system. Water deeply once or twice weekly during the growing season, ensuring water reaches the root zone (45-60cm deep). Create a watering basin around the trunk to aid water penetration. Established trees are more drought-tolerant but benefit from deep watering during extended dry periods. Container-grown specimens require more frequent watering, as pots dry out faster than ground soil.

It’s important to note you cannot really over water a Dawn Redwood.

Seasonal Maintenance

Spring (March-May)
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support new growth, and refresh the organic mulch layer, keeping it away from the trunk. Remove any winter damage and monitor for emerging pest issues.

Summer (June-August)
Maintain consistent soil moisture and perform any necessary light pruning for shape. Keep the base clear of grass and weeds, and watch for signs of drought stress, particularly during hot spells.

Autumn (September-November)
As the tree prepares for dormancy, reduce watering frequency. Clear fallen leaves to prevent pest harbourage and apply a fresh layer of mulch before winter sets in. This is also the last opportunity for any necessary pruning.

Winter (December-February)
While mature trees are generally hardy, young specimens may need protection from severe frost with horticultural fleece. Water only during dry, frost-free periods, and regularly check the tree’s structure while dormant.

Additional Care Notes
Dawn Redwoods are relatively low-maintenance once established, but proper care during the first few years is crucial for long-term success. They work well with shade-tolerant understory plants and can create striking vertical features in larger gardens. Regular monitoring for signs of stress, disease, or pest issues will help ensure the tree remains healthy and continues to thrive in your garden.

Remember that while these trees can grow quite large, they respond well to pruning and can be maintained at a more manageable size for smaller gardens. Their fast growth rate (potentially 50cm+ annually in good conditions) means they can quickly establish themselves as striking landscape features.

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