Sequoiadendron giganteum ‘Greenpeace’ (Wellingtonia or Giant Redwood)

From the Netherlands, this is a selected form of the biggest tree that ever there was, is, and ever shall be.

This one might actually be ‘the’ architectural plant to rule them all, forming a stunning pyramid of bright green foliage to at least 40metres in height and 10metres across.

Unsurpassed in a large garden as a magnificent centrepiece, this tree is not for a mixed border. ‘Greenpeace’ is a beautiful, towering specimen tree forming an immense pyramid of emerald green, upwardly-pointing branches that make a properly conical conifer with a majestic form and presence: few trees are as monumental and instantly recognisable. You can prune them but why on earth would you? Clipped and chopped examples are ugly things and this tree demands more respect than that.

In a very sheltered spot it will retain its lowest branches for a long time, but don’t be downhearted if it gradually sheds them. That’s normal, and the deeply textured reddish brown trunk is so very characterful with clefts, fissures and crevices that you won’t begrudge a few fallen boughs. It gets better and better with age.

Position in full sun to partial shade, where it will be happy in any reasonably well-drained soil.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.