SEQUOIADENDRON giganteum ‘Powder Blue’

Description

The Plant

The SEQUOIADENDRON giganteum ‘Powder Blue’ is probably the giant sequoia with the bluest foliage to date. The color is really very bright (see photos). It is a very rare variant and is much bluer than the classic SEQUOIADENDRON giganteum ‘Glaucum’.

Despite the fact that it is a giant sequoia, this tree will not exceed 3 meters in diameter and 8 meters in height after about twenty years. Therefore, it is also very well suited for medium-sized gardens.

Moreover, its very regular conical shape and slender silhouette make it an important structural element throughout the year. In fact, you can preserve the branches at the base or remove them to create a new sheltered space under this magnificent plant.

Finally, this moderately growing sequoia has a very strong anchorage, making it particularly resistant to wind. Moreover, it is perfectly hardy, as it has withstood temperatures below -22°C in the Jardin de Vallonchêne.

History and Origin

The SEQUOIADENDRON giganteum ‘Powder Blue’ was selected at the Peacedale nursery in the USA before 1999 because it stood out for its exceptionally intense blue foliage.

The type species SEQUOIADENDRON giganteum comes from the mountains of the Sierra Nevada in California. It is the only species of the genus and is reputed to be the largest tree in the world in terms of volume.

It was only towards the end of the 20th century that nurseries began to select and develop particular variants such as S. giganteum ‘Glaucum’ and S. giganteum ‘Pendulum’.

How to plant and care for SEQUOIADENDRON giganteum ‘Powder Blue’?

The Planting

It is a plant quite simple to cultivate. However, it is important to take into account the following points:

1. Choose a location in full sun, as this is essential to obtain the most intense coloration. The more direct sun the plant receives, the more intense the color of its foliage will be.
2. Given its small footprint, it can be placed in a bed or as a solitary specimen.
3. This tree accepts light, normal, heavy, and even very heavy soil, which is exceptional.
4. The soil can be fresh to moist, moderately moist, or dry with an acidic, neutral, or calcareous pH.
5. For proper preparation of the planting hole, we have designed specific instructions available here.

The Caring

During the first two years, ensure regular watering during dry periods to guarantee good establishment. Moreover, if you want to accelerate its growth, note that it will grow even faster if you give it plenty of water during dry periods (even after the first two years). Also read our tips on how to water well and save water here.

The branches at the base can remain on the plant, as they stay beautiful throughout the life of the plant. Nevertheless, you can also remove the branches at the base to reveal its magnificent trunk and create a new space sheltered from the sun.