Sequoiadendron giganteum Greenpeace

The Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Greenpeace' differs from the botanical species due to its less significant growth. This relatively compactness makes it suitable for gardens large enough to allow it to be planted in isolation without hindering its development. Its foliage is also lighter than that of the species, but its other characteristics are comparable, including its distinctly pyramidal habit and its beautiful reddish-brown bark. It adapts to most soils, grows in full sun or partial shade in warm climates. While it appreciates some soil moisture, this tree tolerates moderate drought once well-rooted.

The Sequoiadendron giganteum is a conifer from the small family of Taxodiaceae (now integrated into the Cupressaceae family), alongside other genera of ornamental interest, such as Cryptomeria, Sciadopitys, Taxodium, or Cunninghamia with their unique foliage. Its common name of Giant Sequoia can be confusing with the Sequoia sempervirens, from the same botanical family but quite different. Apart from the fact that the latter surpasses it in height (although they are rarely compared side by side!), its foliage is spread out like that of the Yew, while that of the Sequoiadendron consists of small imbricate needles. The Sequoiadendron is native to North America, specifically the moist slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. Fossils attest to its presence in Europe before the major glaciers of the Quaternary. In natural conditions, it will reach a height of 50 to 85 m (164 to 279ft) with a spread of 8 to 10 m (26 to 33ft) and develop a massive pyramidal habit. This species shows relatively rapid growth and appreciates cool and moist climates, with hot summers and snowy winters that offer excellent protection to the roots and young plants.

The 'Greenpeace' variety is mainly distinguished from the wild species by its more limited growth and its foliage of a lighter green, which is decorative all year round (it does not change colour in winter). After 10 years of planting, it will reach a height of 3 to 5 m, with a rather narrow habit, but at maturity, it can reach a height of 20 m (66ft), widening from the base to take on a characteristic pyramidal habit with a spread of 7 m. Its main branches are slightly trailing, erect at their tips, covered with narrow and triangular, pointed needles, measuring 1 to 1.2 cm (1in) long, resembling those of Cypress trees. On young branches, they measure between 0.3 and 0.6 cm (1in). This plant is monoecious, meaning that there are male and female parts. When the female cones are pollinated, they take on an ovoid shape, a reddish-brown colour, and an upright posture. They mature in two years. Its trunk is a colossal pillar that takes on a fascinating appearance over time. The bark of this sequoia is remarkable, both for its reddish colour, its resistance to fire and fungal attacks, and the deep decorative blisters and crevices that form with age. 

This Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Greenpeace' will be planted in a sufficiently large garden to accommodate it. Its juvenile dimensions should not be misleading, it is a tall tree that requires space to develop properly. It should be mainly be planted as a standalone tree on a lawn, and after the first few years when watering may be necessary, it will require no maintenance or pruning. With its architectural habit and massive trunk over time, it will be well-suited to a contemporary garden where shapes and volumes take precedence over blooms or foliage. In a sufficiently large garden, it can create a beautiful scene alongside trees such as the Robinia pseudoacacia Frisia with its beautiful golden foliage that contrasts well with the Sequoiadendron's, or the Gleditsia triacanthos Sunburst with its fine, changing foliage, also golden in spring, then light green and yellow-orange in autumn. And to ignite autumn, an Acer rubrum Armstrong or Red Maple, depicting its autumnal livery, or a Liquidambar styraciflua Palo Alto, with its pyramidal silhouette and stylised leaves that will complement the architectural nature of our Sequoiadendron, while the scarlet green foliage of this Sweetgum will create a magnificent scene in the fine light green branches of the conifer.