Coast redwood
Sequoia sempervirens · Cupressaceae
📷 Allie_Caulfield from Germany · CC BY 2.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around coast redwood and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Sequoia sempervirens
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Type
- Evergreen tree
- Mature height
- 60 m and above (world's tallest tree)
- Growth
- Fast to very fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy to around -15 °C
- Origin
- Northwest coast of California (United States)
- Longevity
- Over 2,000 years
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Giant sequoia demands plenty of water and dreads summer drought: thick mulch (10 cm) is essential. Oceanic or mountain climate preferred—avoid Mediterranean conditions.
The common mistake
Growing it in dry or Mediterranean climates without constant intense watering: it slowly declines and yellows.
The pro's trick
Thick 10-15 cm mulch at all times, keep it away from the trunk.
Seasonal watch
July-September: water deeply every 7-10 days if there's no rain.
Care
Sunlight
The coast redwood appreciates full sun or partial shade. It tolerates shade better than most conifers, but develops more vigorously in sunlight. Protect it from strong winds that could damage its fine, dense foliage.
Watering
This tree requires regular watering, especially during its growth phase and dry periods. Young redwoods need consistently moist but well-drained soil. Once established, the tree tolerates water variations better, but thrives in humid coastal regions.
Soil
The coast redwood prefers rich, deep, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Adding organic matter (compost, peat) at planting encourages establishment. It dislikes compacted soils and appreciates good root aeration.
Pruning and training
No pruning is necessary for the coast redwood, which naturally develops a beautiful conical form. Only remove dead, diseased, or problematic branches. Avoid cutting the central leader to preserve its characteristic vertical growth.
Feeding
In ordinary fertile soil, no fertilizer is essential. For young specimens or poor soil, apply balanced fertilizer or compost in spring. Favor organic matter applications rather than concentrated chemical fertilizers.
Health and pests
The coast redwood is generally not very susceptible to pests and diseases. Watch for rot caused by stagnant moisture or poor drainage. Excellent drainage and good foliage aeration prevent most fungal problems.
Did you know?
The coast redwood holds the absolute record for the world's tallest living tree: Hyperion, discovered in 2006 in California, reaches over 115 meters in height! These giants can live for over 2,200 years and form an ancient forest of exceptional ecological value, protected as a national park.
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
- Giant sequoiaSequoiadendron giganteum
- JuniperJuniperus communis
- Northern WhitecedarThuja occidentalis
- Bald cypressTaxodium distichum
- Lawson cypressChamaecyparis lawsoniana
- Italian cypressCupressus sempervirens
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.