With its amazing features, a sequoia brings great joy to its owner. The Californian plant is extremely easy to care for and even hardy. However, there are some exceptions to the latter property. Here you can find out when you can overwinter your sequoia outside and what protective measures you should otherwise take.

Mature sequoias are very hardy

The sequoia - naturally robust

The thick bark of the sequoia not only protects it from damage caused by forest fires, but also serves as an effective protective layer in winter. The Sequoia usually survives temperatures of -30°C without any problems. Winter hardiness increases with age. However, the sequoia has a kind of hibernation during which its growth stagnates. Fertilizing is pointless during this time.

When is winter protection required?

As a rule, a sequoia survives the winter in every growth phase. However, sometimes it makes sense to take some additional protective measures.

  • protect your sequoia from strong gusts of wind
  • make sure you continue to give enough water in winter
  • cover the soil with an insulating layer of mulch
  • store young sequoias better in sheltered rooms

young shoots

From a year old, sequoias are able to hibernate outdoors. If your specimen has not yet reached this age, you should overwinter the young shoot indoors. Therefore, it is practical to cultivate it in the tub for that long. Cool basements, garages or special greenhouses are recommended.(72.95€) You should avoid heavily heated rooms instead.

Sensitive Roots

Sequoias are used to both hot summers and icy winters. Nevertheless, you should not expose them to strong autumn storms, as branches snap off quickly. As robust as the trunk may be, the roots are just as sensitive. They lie close to the surface of the earth and are therefore very sensitive to ground frost. A mulch layer has an insulating effect and protects against frostbite. Even in winter, you must always keep the substrate moist.

What's up with the brown coloring?

Young sequoias in particular take on a brown, reddish or violet needle color in winter. Although this shows sensitivity to the cold, the Sequoia is not harmed by it. With sufficient watering and rising temperatures in the spring, the green comes to the fore again. The coast redwood is an exception. This variety is evergreen.

Category:

Trees