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Cercidiphyllum japonicum Chameleon

Cercidiphyllum japonicum Chameleon
Katsura tree, Japanese Judas-tree

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The only variety of caramel tree with variegated foliage! Of modest size, it forms a tree with a gracefully rounded habit, reaching about 4m (13ft) in height and 3m (10ft) in width, with charming heart-shaped leaves that are broadly marginated with yellow. The colours are intense during spring budburst, then fades but takes on flamboyant hues in autumn. When crushed or trodden upon, its leaves release a characteristic fragrance reminiscent of caramel or brown sugar. Plant in full sun or partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil, preferably acidic for more intense colours
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
4 m
Spread at maturity
3 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time March to April
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Description

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Chameleon' is a variety of caramel tree that stands out from all others with its variegated foliage. Of modest size, it forms a tree with a gracefully rounded habit, perfect for planting as a specimen in a space-limited garden. It is a particularly bright cultivar due to its green-blue foliage with wide yellow margins. The colouration is intense on the young leaves in spring, then the yellow fades to cream, before the fiery autumn display. This foliage truly lights up the garden just before winter. The leaves of this tree emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed or walked upon, reminiscent of caramel or brown sugar.  

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a deciduous tree that grows quickly. It is the only species in the Cercidiphyllaceae family and is native to China and Japan. Although it has become rare in its native countries, it is now common in parks and gardens in Europe. When allowed to grow naturally, the tree develops multiple trunks forming narrow forks, with short branches spreading horizontally in tiers. Although it can reach heights of 30 to 45m (98 to 148ft) in its native range, it usually only reaches 12 to 15m (39 to 49ft) in our climates, with a spread of 6 to 8m (20 to 26ft).

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Chameleon' is a small variegated variety. It has a rounded habit and reaches approximately 4m (13ft) in height and 3m (10ft) in width. Its heart-shaped leaves somewhat resemble those of the Judas tree, Cercis, which is likely the origin of its species name "Cercidiphyllum", literally "with leaves like Cercis". They measure about 7cm (3in) in diameter and have slightly serrated edges. At the beginning of the season, their lamina shows a pinkish tint, then turns glaucous green to blue-green with more or less vibrant yellow margins, with the underside being whitish; they take on a lovely autumn colouration of red, orange, and yellow. It is commonly believed that slightly acidic soil enhances the intensity of the colours. It is during this time that the leaves emit their characteristic caramel fragrance, to varying degrees. The spring flowering, a somewhat dull pink-red, is of little interest, as male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. The trunk is covered with a fairly regular grey-brown bark that quickly develops a few superficial wrinkles. It exfoliates slightly over time. 

We recommend planting the caramel tree as a standalone specimen, on a lawn, allowing it to flourish freely, or surrounded by low shrubs or perennials that evolve throughout the seasons; such as a beautiful climbing Clematis heracleifolia, a Lespedeza thunbergii, silver candles, alchemillas, corydalis, the Chrysanthemum 'Mei Kyo'.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 4 m
Spread at maturity 3 m
Habit ball, spherical
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time March to April
Flower size 1 cm
Fragrance slightly scented

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour variegated with yellow
Foliage description The aroma of the leaves is noticeable in autumn, during mild weather. It becomes more pronounced when walking on the fallen leaves on the ground.

Botanical data

Genus

Cercidiphyllum

Species

japonicum

Cultivar

Chameleon

Family

Cercidiphyllaceae

Other common names

Katsura tree, Japanese Judas-tree

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference1004351

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€69.00 4L/5L pot

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Planting and care

The Chameleon plant (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is a low-maintenance vine that can grow easily in most climates, provided it is planted in deep soil away from the sea or hotter areas. It grows fairly quickly in suitable soil, so it's best to plant it during autumn or winter after carefully selecting an ideal location, as it does not like being moved. Plant it in fertile, humus-rich soil with a neutral pH for best results and beautiful foliage. However, it can also grow in neutral to alkaline soil in non-burning sun or partial shade. While the young foliage is sensitive to late frosts and drying winds, the caramel tree requires no particular maintenance.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Back of border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, humus-bearing, deep

Care

Pruning instructions A light pruning can be done at the end of winter to remove dead and diseased wood.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March to April
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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