The Giant Redwood is one of the most magnificent trees for your garden. These impressive conifers bring a touch of Californian grandeur to any space. They grow into stately specimens that future generations will talk about. The soft, fibrous bark ranges from rich cinnamon to chocolate brown. This adds wonderful texture and interest all year round. The blue-green needles create a dense, pyramidal shape. They look superb in both small and large gardens.
Young trees grow steadily at about 30-60cm each year. This makes them perfect for creating living landmarks. These remarkable trees first came to Britain in 1853. Victorian gardeners loved them and planted them widely in parks and grand estates. In the wild, they grow massive. However, garden-grown specimens are much more manageable. They typically reach 20-35 metres over many decades.
The soft, spongy bark naturally resists fire. The tree makes small cones about the size of a chicken’s egg. Your Giant Redwood will create a wonderful sense of permanence. It offers a majestic backdrop for other plants. It provides a perfect home for wildlife too.
They’re surprisingly easy to grow in our climate. They thrive in most soil types with good drainage. The evergreen foliage stands proud against grey winter skies. In summer, their cooling shade creates perfect spots for garden seating.
The Giant Redwood, holds several impressive records:
- Largest Trees: Giant sequoias are among the largest living organisms on Earth, with some specimens reaching astounding heights of over 95m or more.
- Oldest Trees: While not as old as the bristlecone pine, giant sequoias are still some of the oldest trees on the planet, with some individuals estimated to be over 3,000 years old.
- Largest Volume: In terms of sheer volume, the giant sequoia is unparalleled. Its massive trunks and thick branches contribute to its impressive girth and immense overall size.
- Largest Tree by Volume: The “General Sherman” tree, located in California’s Sequoia National Park, holds the title of the largest tree by volume. It boasts a volume of approximately 52,500 cubic feet (1,487 cubic meters).
- Largest Tree by Circumference: The “General Grant” tree, found in Kings Canyon National Park, California, is known as the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” and holds the title of the second-largest tree by volume, but it has the largest base circumference of approximately 107 feet (32.6 meters).
- Largest Grove: The Giant Forest, situated in Sequoia National Park, contains a significant concentration of giant sequoias and is one of the most iconic and extensive groves of these majestic trees.
These records make the Sequoiadendron giganteum an awe-inspiring species, attracting nature enthusiasts and conservation efforts to preserve these remarkable giants for generations to come.
Plant your Giant Redwood – Sequoiadendron giganteum in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. While adaptable to most soil types, they prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Water regularly when young, particularly during dry spells, though established trees become remarkably drought tolerant. No regular pruning is needed as they naturally form their classic shape. A yearly feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring will support healthy growth. Although hardy when mature, young trees benefit from shelter against strong winds.
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
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