Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum'

The Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum' is a very unique form of giant Sequoia. Each specimen initially has a slender and narrow habit. However, as it ages, it develops its own identity. The branches spread out, twist, and the silhouettes become crooked and unpredictable, so that no two trees look alike except for the elegant bluish-green foliage that persists on its trailing branches. Even though it doesn't grow as large as the species, this conifer shares its undeniable charisma and great longevity. A true botanical monument, it will find its place in groups or as a standalone tree in medium to large gardens, where it will arouse the curiosity of many visitors and stand out from afar.

The Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Sequoia, is a conifer of the taxodiaceae family, native to North America, specifically the moist slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. Fossils indicate the presence of sequoias in Europe before the major glaciations of the Quaternary period.

The cultivar 'Pendulum' was obtained in 1863 at the Lalande Nursery in Nantes. It reaches a height of about 10m (32 ft 10 in) with a spread of 5m at maturity, and develops a habit that starts off narrow and erect, becoming more irregular, spreading, and weeping over the years. Its main branches are covered with narrow, triangular, pointed needles, measuring 1 to 1.2cm (0.4 to 0.5 in) in length, resembling those of cypresses. On young shoots, they measure between 0.3 and 0.6cm (0.1 and 0.2 in). This plant is monoecious, meaning there are male and female individuals. When the female cones are pollinated, they become ovoid in shape, reddish-brown in color, and upright in posture. They mature in two years. The bark of this sequoia is remarkable, not only for its reddish color, fire and fungus resistance, but also for the deep decorative fissures and burls that form over the years. This plant has an extensive but surprisingly shallow root system, making transplantation a bit delicate, but allowing it to efficiently extract nutrients and water from the soil. This characteristic also makes it vulnerable to strong winds, especially in loose soil.

The Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum' will be an exceptional tree that will make the gardener who planted it proud. It will undoubtedly outlive its caretaker, becoming an integral part of a family's history and garden. It can be planted as a standalone tree or in small groups, where it will become a focal point thanks to its unique silhouette and unparalleled visual appeal. This beautiful conifer requires a strong foundation: its planting location should be carefully chosen, with deep soil and a well-exposed but sheltered position to protect it from wind that could cause it to topple. It has a relatively fast growth rate and thrives in cool and well-watered climates, with hot summers and snowy winters that provide excellent protection for its roots and young plants. It requires little to no maintenance after the first few years.