Sequoiadendron giganteum
Wellingtonia, Mammoth tree, Big tree, Sierra redwood
- Height × spread
- 4.5m – 100m × 1m – 20m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a single species genus. The magnificent tree is available in a number of hybrid forms, a far greater number if you live in the Americas. The cultivars include the weeping varieties such as the curious 'Pendulum' with pendulous branches that hang as shaggy arms, and a bent head or even heads. Forms with golden or golden-tipped foliage exist. In addition there are blue foliage varieties such as the imaginatively named 'Exceptionally Blue', cream tipped forms such as 'Beautiful Jop', and white tipped ones such as 'Albospicum'. Slow growing dwarves exist and even globular varieties like 'Globus' or the skinny 'Strictum'. The species remains unequivocally perfect.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cone, Weeping
- Height
- 4.5m – 100m
- Spread
- 1m – 20m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.