About this plant
Katsura tree Cercidiphyllum
The katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum) is a deciduous tree from Japan and China and the only genus in its own plant family. It is grown for its rounded, heart-shaped leaves, which change colour through the seasons, and for the sweet scent of caramel or fresh cake given off by the fallen leaves in autumn.
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
The katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) often grows on several trunks and forms a broad, oval to rounded crown, reaching around 12 to 15 m in our climate. Leaves open bronze-pink, are bluish green in summer and turn yellow, orange, pink and red in autumn. The small spring flowers are inconspicuous; grey bark becomes furrowed and peels in strips with age.
Location and soil
Plant in sun or partial shade, in a loose, moist, preferably loamy soil that does not dry out; slightly acid ground deepens the autumn colour. The tree is very hardy and tolerates brief waterlogging, but does best sheltered from drying winds. Its roots are fine and shallow, so avoid paving or compaction over the root zone.
Pruning and care
No pruning is needed. Because it leafs out early, the young foliage can be damaged by night frost in spring; the tree normally recovers quickly. Water in dry periods during the first years and avoid moving established trees. Disease resistance is good.
Use in the garden
A superb specimen tree for lawns, parks and larger gardens, as a single or multi-stemmed tree, and also suitable for wide streets and avenues. Plant it where people walk past in autumn to enjoy the scent of the leaves; compact and weeping selections fit smaller gardens.
Plant characteristics
Flowering
| Flowering period | may, june |
Foliage
| Evergreen | no |
| Colour (foliage) | green |
| Autumn colour | yellow, orange |
Growth habit
| Height | >1000 cm |
Location
| Winter hardiness | -25 °C |
| Soil type | acid, neutral |
| Soil type | acid, neutral |
| Location | sun, half shade |
| Soil moisture | moist, normal |
Use
| Type (use) | shrub, tree/standard, solitary |
Related products
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
cont. 3,6L 50-60 cm +p
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
cont. 12L 100-125 cm +p
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
cont. 18L 150/+ cm +p