Dawn redwood
Metasequoia glyptostroboides · Cupressaceae
📷 Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around dawn redwood and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Foliage
- Deciduous (needles that fall in autumn)
- Mature height
- 25 m and above
- Growth
- Very fast
- Hardiness
- Excellent (down to -25°C)
- Origin
- China (Hubei province)
- Exposure
- Full sun
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Chinese redwood is deciduous (the only Cupressaceae that loses its needles): plant it in moist, organic-rich, well-drained soil. It tolerates regularly flooded zones from spring to autumn, but can decline quickly if conditions worsen.
The common mistake
Treating it like a drought-tolerant conifer: it's the opposite—spring/summer water deficit stresses it and noticeably slows growth, so avoid underwatering.
The pro's trick
Mulch generously when planting (bark, dead leaves) to preserve soil moisture; unlike firs, this redwood loves cool, mulched feet.
Care
Exposure
The Dawn Redwood thrives in full sun to develop its optimal columnar silhouette. It also tolerates partial shade but grows more slowly. Avoid strongly windy locations that may weaken its form.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to establish the root system well. Once established, its needs are moderate: keep the soil moist without waterlogging. In case of prolonged drought, water more, especially in summer.
Soil
The Dawn Redwood prefers rich, deep, well-draining soil, slightly acidic to neutral. Improve heavy soil with compost or potting soil at planting. It appreciates moist soil but fears standing water.
Pruning and shaping
No strict pruning is necessary; this tree forms naturally into an elegant cone shape. Remove dead or diseased branches as needed in late winter. If branching becomes too thick, thin it out lightly to maintain good transparency.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. A supply of organic matter (compost) on the surface is generally sufficient to support growth. Avoid excess nitrogen which would reduce hardiness.
Diseases and pests
The Dawn Redwood is not very sensitive to common pests. Monitor soil moisture to prevent root rot. In case of prolonged waterlogged soil, rot may occur; improve drainage in that case.
Did you know?
The Dawn Redwood was considered extinct and existed only in fossils until 1944, when botanists rediscovered it living in a remote region of China. It is one of the rare 'living fossil plants': this deciduous conifer fascinates scientists because it recalls prehistoric forests. Today it is cultivated in botanical parks worldwide as a living remnant of the Mesozoic era.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.