A truly outstanding choice for garden plantings, the Dawn Redwood combines graceful beauty with fascinating history. The bright green, feathery foliage creates a soft, welcoming canopy throughout the growing season, while its pyramid shape develops naturally without fussy pruning.
This tree’s survival tale is remarkable. Thought extinct until a small grove was discovered in China in 1944, it represents one of botany’s most exciting finds. Although now widely cultivated in gardens across the world, wild populations remain endangered, giving each garden specimen special significance.
The tree’s charms extend well beyond its architectural form. Delicate needles move constantly in summer winds, creating a dancing display of light and shade. As summer fades to autumn, the foliage transforms into warm bronze-orange tones before falling, marking the changing seasons.
The winter months showcase the attractive reddish-brown bark, which peels to reveal fresh cinnamon colours beneath. Unlike most conifers, these trees are deciduous, creating distinct seasonal interest throughout the year.
Spring brings renewal as fresh, bright green needles emerge, clothing the symmetrical branches in a soft, feathery covering. The straight trunk and regular branching pattern create a natural focal point that brings structure and presence to any garden setting.
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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