This little treasure is a dwarf form of the tallest tree in the world – the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens “Kelly’s Prostrate”). They grow along the coast of northern California and a ways up into Oregon. They can grow up to 380 feet tall and live for 1,200 to 1,800 years or more. This dwarf cultivar is only 2′ tall and measures about 8′ long and 7′ wide. I bought it in a 10 gallon pot and it was 3-4′ across then, but only 8″ tall. That was in June, 2010 so it’s been in the garden for exactly 8 years, and My how it has grown! It loves the moist peaty soils we have here, and I spray it often because the leaves are used to getting much of their moisture from fog in their native habitats. I paid more for it than any other plant I’ve ever purchased – over $200!! And, yes, I am a bit crazy, at least for this plant! 🙂
I’ve loved redwoods since I was a kid and we don’t have the room for the huge species so this is the perfect choice for us. It’s covered with fresh new growth right now and looks incredibly attractive. It even smells like redwoods! We’ve had friends think it was a giant fern because of its soft aspect. It’s one of several unusual dwarf conifers we have in our little Nature Sanctuary. But this one is the prize for me. I hope you find it as beautiful as I do.
Save the Redwoods!
Steve
Gardening in Greenwood 