Giant Redwood ‘Philip Curtis’ 20/40cm (5L)

The Giant Redwood ‘Philip Curtis’ is a magnificent cultivar of Sequoiadendron giganteum that brings the grandeur of California’s ancient forests to British gardens. This particular selection is prized for its exceptionally dense, compact growth habit and striking blue-green foliage that maintains excellent colour throughout the year. The soft, fibrous bark develops the characteristic reddish-brown hue as the tree matures, creating a stunning focal point that commands attention in any setting.

This 20-40cm specimen arrives in a 5-litre pot with an established root system, ready to begin its journey towards becoming a truly spectacular garden feature. ‘Philip Curtis’ exhibits a naturally narrower, more columnar form than the species, making it particularly suitable for medium to large gardens where space may be at a premium. The dense branching creates an almost solid appearance, with the thick, scale-like foliage forming a textured surface that catches the light beautifully.

Giant Redwoods are remarkably adaptable to British conditions, thriving in our temperate climate with surprising ease. They prefer a position in full sun where they can develop their characteristic conical shape, though they’ll tolerate partial shade when young. The soil should be deep, fertile, and well-drained – these trees despise waterlogged conditions but appreciate consistent moisture, especially during their establishment phase. Once settled, they demonstrate excellent drought tolerance thanks to their extensive root systems.

Plant your Giant Redwood in a sheltered position initially, though mature specimens become incredibly wind-resistant. The fibrous, spongy bark provides natural insulation against frost, and established trees are fully hardy throughout Britain. During the first two growing seasons, water regularly during dry spells, applying a generous soaking rather than frequent light watering to encourage deep root development.

Feed annually in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser, spreading it around the root zone but keeping it away from the trunk. A mulch of well-rotted organic matter applied in spring helps retain moisture and suppress weeds whilst gradually improving soil structure. No pruning is required – indeed, it’s best avoided as these trees naturally maintain their perfect symmetry. Remove only dead or damaged branches if absolutely necessary.

‘Philip Curtis’ creates an outstanding specimen tree that will be admired for generations. Its stately presence provides year-round structure, whilst the evergreen foliage offers valuable winter interest when much of the garden lies dormant. The tree’s impressive stature and longevity make it a living legacy, connecting your garden to the ancient groves of the Sierra Nevada.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
4–8 metres