Metasequoia is a genus of one species of deciduous, monoecious, coniferous
tree from valley forests of Central China. Metasequoia had been described
from fossils by the Japanese but was believed to have been extinct until a
small grove was discovered growing in Central China in 1941. Seeds were then
introduced to the rest of the world where the Metasequoia tree has spread
rapidly through cuttings.
The Dawn Redwood has 2 ranked, flattened needle like leaves 1-3.5cm long
that are a pale green turning to red in the Autumn. Particularly admired for
its thick, fibrous, orange-brown bark. Can reach heights of 40 metres when
mature.
Bonsai cultivation notes
Position: Full sun. Fully hardy.
Feeding: Fortnightly through the Spring and summer after new leaves appear.
Repotting: Every second year when buds extend, repot in Hollow Creek Farm Double Screened Bonsai Soil mix , this
tree will benefit from inorganic matter in its soil mix as too dry a mix will slow growth. However still allow for good drainage. Be sure to add Hollow Creek Farms Micro Plus when transplanting.
Pruning: A very vigorous tree, continually pinching out is required
throughout the year.
Propagation: Sow seed in Autumn. Hard-wood cuttings in winter, semi-ripe
wood cuttings in mid-summer.
Pests and diseases: None
Styles: Best suited to formal upright styles either with single or multiple
trunks. Also group plantings. All sizes.
Their are three distinct species, two of which hold a record. The Coast
Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), holds the record for the tallest tree in the
world, at about 112m (360+ feet). The foliage resembles that of the Yew
having flat needles.
The Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), a.k.a the Wellingtonia, after
the Duke of Wellington, has more Juniper like foliage, holds the record of
being the largest living thing on the planet.
The Third of the redwoods, the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostrobides),
also has flat needle like foliage.
All three will make excellent bonsai their cultral and training needs are
identical, needing an open loamy soil, perhaps a bit less grit in the
compost. |
