Dawn redwood 'Golden Oji' Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Golden Oji'

Water

The Dawn Redwood should be watered deeply and thoroughly, which means the soil should be moistened to a depth of 12 inches. In the active growing season, usually spring to fall, it will need watering once or twice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. If you're using a garden hose, this might mean watering for 15-30 minutes, which could roughly translate to about 10 gallons of water per session. During the winter or in rainy periods, reduce the frequency as the tree requires less water. It's important to avoid waterlogging, so ensure proper drainage is in place.

Light

The Dawn Redwood thrives best in full sun exposure, meaning it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting the tree in an open space away from larger structures or trees that may shade it will ensure it gets sufficient light. While the tree can tolerate some shade, growth and foliage quality are optimal when it receives plenty of sunlight.

Temperature

The Dawn Redwood is tolerant of a wide temperature range, enduring cold down to about -20°F and heat as it is commonly resistant to summer temperatures typical of many growing regions. However, the ideal temperature range for this tree is between 50°F and 80°F for optimal growth. Dawn Redwoods are cold-hardy and can withstand freezing temperatures, but growth will slow down significantly when the temperature dips below the ideal range.

Pruning

Pruning the Dawn Redwood promotes healthy growth and maintains its desired shape. The best time to prune is in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin out areas of dense growth to allow sunlight and air to penetrate the canopy. Typically, an annual pruning session is sufficient, but always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Dawn Redwood prefers a moist, well-draining soil with a mix of peat, loam, and sand. It thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, around 5.0 to 7.5. Amend heavy soils with compost to improve drainage.

Repotting

Dawn Redwoods, being fast-growing trees, may need repotting every couple of years when young or grown in containers. Monitor root growth and repot to prevent root-bound conditions.

Humidity & Misting

Dawn Redwoods are adaptable but prefer a moderate to high humidity level, reflecting their native wetland habitat. They tolerate average outdoor humidity well.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Insufficient space indoors; not ideal for house growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, ensure ample space for growth, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Golden Oji', commonly known as Dawn Redwood, is a deciduous conifer. The life cycle begins with seed germination that occurs in moist, well-drained soil in the spring. Seedlings quickly establish a taproot and exhibit rapid growth, transitioning into saplings with a characteristic pyramidal shape. As they mature, Dawn Redwoods reach reproductive age and develop cones; male cones produce pollen while female cones develop seeds. These trees can live for hundreds of years, during which time they may reach over 100 feet in height. Eventually, older trees might experience reduced growth and reproductive output before naturally declining and dying.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter-Early Spring

• The Dawn Redwood 'Golden Oji', scientifically known as Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Golden Oji', is primarily propagated through the method of semi-hardwood cuttings. This propagation is preferably undertaken during the later part of summer when the current season's growth has begun to mature and harden slightly but is not fully woody. To do this, one identifies a healthy branch and cuts a segment about 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters) long. The cuttings should have several nodes, which are the points where leaves are attached, as these are the areas from which roots tend to grow. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is treated with rooting hormone powder to stimulate root growth. Then, the cutting is placed into a moist potting mix and kept in a warm environment with high humidity. By maintaining appropriate moisture levels and waiting several weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being planted in its permanent location.