TREE OF THE MONTH – November - Dawn Redwood

(Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

The Dawn Redwood will grow at an extremely fast rate, often exceeding two feet per year, especially if sited on moist areas in full sun. Tolerant on a variety of soils however, this conifer is unusually deciduous, so each winter, after the flat, feathery needles turn from luscious green to deep flame orange, they are purged, revealing a complex branch architecture. The tree stem grows deep convolutions and is covered in a fibrous dark red bark. Male catkins and female flowers appear in May. The small, spherical green cones rarely appear in the cooler climes of the UK. Incredibly, the Dawn Redwood was rediscovered in central China by botanists circa. 1940 after believing its extinction was caused by the Ice Age millions of years earlier! Deservedly, Native American tradition suggests the tree is a sacred emblem of endurance and wisdom. Also known as a ‘water fir’ due to its love of wet soils, it proudly and majestically rises from the ground, especially on riverbanks or damp parklands and arboretums. Let us plant some for you!

Heritage Tree Gift Service

Whether you would like an exciting centre-piece for your garden, a commemorative tree to remember a loved one by, a gorgeous Wisteria heralding the onset of late Spring, interesting driveway hedging or roadside screening, a tree-lined walk-way to open up a vista, or a bespoke tailor-made design by Hugo, please CONTACT US to discuss your desires. We will source, deliver and install many varieties of gift trees, and shrubs, for your individual project, of all imaginable sizes - anything from the adaptable Field Maple; stunning in autumn, a contorted corkscrew Hazel in a terracotta pot on the terrace, an eye catching white stemmed Birch (or three) on the horizon, a pretty weeping Cherry cascading beside a water feature, or a characterful Olive Tree overlooking your estate. Please ask us! With over thirty five years planting knowledge on the Chiltern Hills and soils of the surrounding areas, expert advice is guaranteed. Allow us to inspire you!