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Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsura tree, Japanese Judas-tree

4,7/5
25 reviews
3 reviews
1 reviews
2 reviews
0 reviews

Beautiful young plant which has thrived despite the dryness of this summer (planted the previous autumn). The first one I bought died but this one is doing well. I am eagerly awaiting the autumn colours. The habit of the foliage is very pleasant and has an original shape.

Mélanie, 28/10/2022

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

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A deciduous tree of medium size, rather tall, cultivated for its very beautiful foliage whose colour changes throughout the seasons. Rose-reddish in spring, becoming green in summer, it is sumptuous in autumn, in yellow, orange, pink, and red, its leaves then exhaling a slight caramel scent. It appreciates a rich, fresh but well-drained soil, in a sunny or semi-shady position.
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
12 m
Spread at maturity
5.50 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 May, September to November
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Flowering time March to April
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Description

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is also known as the caramel tree, due to the light fragrance emitted by its foliage in autumn, evoking the delicious aroma of a freshly baked cake when stepping on the fallen leaves. A delightful companion for gardeners working under its canopy in autumn, this deciduous tree also captivates with its changing colours throughout the seasons: from pink-red in spring, gradually turning to bluish-green in summer, before the spectacular display of yellow, orange, pink, and red in autumn. Elegant, colourful, and fragrant, this medium-sized tree deserves to be planted in isolation where it can flourish unhindered.

 

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is the only species in the Cercidiphyllaceae family, which is dedicated to it. This deciduous tree has a fairly fast growth rate and is native to China and Japan. It has become rare in its native range but is widely cultivated in the Western world in parks and gardens. When left to grow freely, it tends to develop multiple trunks, each forming a narrow fork, with short branches spreading horizontally in tiers. The overall habit is rather slender and conical but quite broad. While this tree can reach heights of 30 to 45m (98 to 147ft) in its native range, making it one of the tallest in the forest, it rarely exceeds 12 to 15m (39 to 49ft) in height in our climates, with a spread of 6 to 8m (20 to 26ft). Its heart-shaped leaves somewhat resemble those of the Judas tree, Cercis siliquastrum, a resemblance that likely led to its species name Cercidiphyllum, literally meaning "with leaves of Cercis." They measure approximately 7cm in diameter and have slightly dentate margins. In early season, they display a pinkish hue, then turn glaucous green to bluish-green, with a whitish underside. In autumn, they take on a beautiful yellow and purple colouration, sometimes even becoming pink. It is commonly believed that a slightly acidic soil enhances the intensity of the colours. It is at this time that the leaves emit their characteristic caramel fragrance, more or less pronounced. The spring flowering, with dull pink-red flowers, 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 some superficial wrinkles. It slightly exfoliates over time.

 

We recommend planting the caramel tree in isolation, on a beautiful short grass meadow, to allow it to flourish freely. Alternatively, it can be surrounded by low shrubs or perennials that evolve throughout the seasons; for example, a lovely bushy Clematis heracleifolia, a Lespedeza thunbergii, silver candles, lady's mantle, Corydalis, or the Chrysanthemum 'Mei Kyo'.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum in pictures

Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Foliage) Foliage
Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 12 m
Spread at maturity 5.50 m
Habit upright, columnar
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant
Flowering time March to April
Fragrance Fragrant

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased
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 soil.

Botanical data

Genus

Cercidiphyllum

Species

japonicum

Family

Cercidiphyllaceae

Other common names

Katsura tree, Japanese Judas-tree

Origin

West Asia

Product reference82999

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Planting and care

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is easy to grow in most of our climates, in deep soil, except by the sea or in the Mediterranean region. This fine plant has a fairly fast growth if the soil suits it, it should be planted in autumn or winter, please choose its location carefully as it does not like to be moved. It should be planted in a cool, humus-rich, fertile soil, preferably neutral to obtain beautiful foliage colourations, but it will also develop in neutral to alkaline soil, in non-burning sun or in partial shade. The young foliage is sensitive to late frosts and it fears drying winds, but the caramel tree requires no particular maintenance.

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Planting period

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

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use 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, Any
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, humus-bearing, deep

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,7/5

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