Coast Redwood ‘Loma Prieta Spike’ 100/120cm (10L)

Coast Redwood ‘Loma Prieta Spike’ – Sequoia sempervirens is a narrow, upright form of the famous Californian redwood, named after the Loma Prieta area of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is chosen for its slim, spire-like outline with graceful weeping branches. The soft, flattened needles are arranged in neat sprays along the branches. They are deep green with paler undersides and give a feathery texture that stays on the tree all year. As the plant matures, the trunk develops the fibrous, reddish-brown bark that redwoods are known for, adding warm colour during the winter months.

This plant is supplied at 100/120cm tall in a 10L pot. It is an established young tree, ready to plant out and start building height. Its upright habit makes it a good choice as a vertical focal point, for framing a view or entrance, or for adding evergreen structure to a large border. Like all coast redwoods, it is a long-lived conifer that will eventually become a substantial tree. Allow generous space away from buildings, drains and overhead cables.

Coast redwoods are well suited to the mild, damp conditions found across much of the British climate. In their native habitat they rely on coastal fog for moisture, so regular rainfall and cool summers suit them well. Once established, they grow steadily and need very little attention. They also tolerate pollution and are rarely troubled by pests or diseases.

Care Guide

Position: Plant in full sun or partial shade. A sheltered spot is best, because cold, drying easterly winds can brown the foliage, especially on young trees. Avoid frost pockets where possible.

Soil: Choose moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Neutral to acidic soil is ideal, although most reasonable garden soils are suitable. Avoid ground that becomes waterlogged in winter, and very shallow, dry chalk.

Planting: Dig a hole twice the width of the 10L root ball and the same depth. Loosen the soil at the base, then set the tree at the same level it sat in its pot. Backfill with soil improved with well-rotted organic matter and firm it in gently. For the first couple of years, a short stake will help the tree stay steady in exposed sites.

Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist for the first two growing seasons, particularly during dry spells in spring and summer. Redwoods dislike drought when young, so an occasional deep soak is better than frequent light watering.

Mulching and feeding: Each spring, apply a 5–7cm layer of bark mulch or leaf mould around the base. Keep it a few centimetres clear of the trunk. This helps the soil hold moisture and keeps weeds down. A slow-release general fertiliser in early spring will support healthy growth.

Pruning: Little pruning is needed. Remove any dead or damaged shoots in late winter. If a competing leader appears, cut it out to keep the single, upright shape. Coast redwoods can regrow from older wood, which is unusual among conifers.

Winter care: Established trees are hardy in most gardens. In the first winter, protect young plants in exposed positions with horticultural fleece during prolonged hard frosts.