The Dawn Redwood captivates gardeners with its graceful presence and year-round appeal. This stunning conifer develops a perfect pyramid outline naturally, while its delicate, bright green foliage creates a ethereal canopy through the warmer months.
Few trees have such an intriguing past. Once thought vanished forever, this living fossil was rediscovered in 1944 in a remote area of China. While it now graces gardens across the globe, its wild populations remain preciously rare and protected.
The tree’s beauty goes far beyond its impressive height. Feathery needles create constant movement in the gentlest breeze, while catching and reflecting sunlight in magical ways. The autumn transformation brings rich bronze-orange tones before the needles drop, creating a spectacular 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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