Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Amber Glow'

Species

Metasequoia glyptostroboidesDawn Redwood

1 other cultivar

‘Ogon’Golden Dawn Redwood

tree

Amber Glow Dawn Redwood

Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Amber Glow'

The Story

Plant Bio

Metasequoia glyptostroboides, the dawn redwood, is a deciduous conifer native to wet valleys and stream banks in central China. It develops a symmetrical, pyramidal crown with soft, feathery needles that shed in fall, revealing deeply fissured, reddish-brown bark.

'Amber Glow' is distinguished by its bright golden-chartreuse spring foliage that resists scorching under intense afternoon sun, unlike older yellow cultivars. The needles mature to yellowish-green in summer before turning a rich amber-orange in fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Features bright golden-chartreuse spring foliage that transitions to yellowish-green in summer and rich amber-orange in fall.

Tolerates wet and periodically waterlogged soils better than most other conifers, making it ideal for low-lying areas.

Provides nesting sites, shelter, and roosting structure for local songbirds.

SpeciesMetasequoia glyptostroboidesDawn Redwood

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

480"

Width

300"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

High

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with deep, humus-rich, and consistently moist soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above the soil line.
Backfill with native soil, tamp down gently, and water thoroughly to settle the ground and eliminate air pockets.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Keep the soil consistently moist during summer heatwaves to prevent needle drop and tip scorch, as this cultivar lacks deep drought tolerance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry summer spells to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Apply a balanced, general-purpose fertilizer once a year in early spring before new growth emerges.
Protect young trees from deer and rabbit browsing using physical cages or repellents.

Don't

Do not prune into old, leafless wood, as this prevents healthy regrowth.
Do not plant in stagnant, poorly drained heavy clay soils where root rot can develop.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, which causes premature needle drop.

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

Specimen TreeRain GardenLawn SpecimenScreening

Companion Plants

Taxodium distichum Cornus sericea Iris sibirica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Amber Glow Dawn Redwood questions

What zones can Amber Glow Dawn Redwood grow in?

Amber Glow Dawn Redwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Amber Glow Dawn Redwood deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Amber Glow Dawn Redwood, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Amber Glow Dawn Redwood bloom?

Amber Glow Dawn Redwood typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Amber Glow Dawn Redwood need full sun?

Amber Glow Dawn Redwood does best in full sun (6+ hours).