The Story
Plant Bio
Sequoia sempervirens, the coast redwood, is a massive evergreen conifer native to the foggy coastal strip of northern California and southern Oregon. In cultivation, it develops a pyramidal form with horizontal branches and flat, dark green needles, eventually forming a thick, furrowed reddish-brown trunk.
This species is renowned as the tallest tree on Earth, relying on high atmospheric humidity and coastal fog to maintain its immense water column. The new foliage emerges as bright light green in spring, contrasting sharply with the mature, bluish-gray undersides of the older needles.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
1200"
Width
360"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
High
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Winter – Early spring
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site with deep, rich, well-drained sandy loam and an acidic to neutral pH.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil is loose and uncompacted.
- Position the tree so the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade to prevent trunk rot.
- Backfill with native soil, water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets, and apply a thick layer of organic mulch to retain moisture.
Pro Tip
Never prune back into old, leafless wood, as the tree lacks the ability to generate epicormic shoots from bare timber.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry summer periods.
- Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the root zone to keep soil cool and damp.
- Provide shelter from dry, hot inland winds to prevent needle scorch.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, compacted clay soils that trap standing water.
- Do not prune back into old, bare wood as it will not regenerate foliage.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as the root system is highly sensitive to drought.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Coast Redwood questions
What zones can Coast Redwood grow in?
Coast Redwood is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Coast Redwood deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Coast Redwood, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Coast Redwood bloom?
Coast Redwood typically blooms in winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Coast Redwood need full sun?
Coast Redwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Coast Redwood with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.