Cercidiphyllum
Katsura tree
- Height × spread
- 4m – 10m × 3m – 8m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The Katsura trees are highly desirable for their intriguingly rounded leaves. These are generally green but some have coloured tints in spring, Some cultivars are now available with long lasting plum tints, Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Rotfuchs' for example. Katsura trees turn yellow and gold in autumn before leaf fall and at this time the scent of burnt chocolate or caramel hangs in the air - it really does! There are some pleasing small forms of this highly decorative tree now available.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 4m – 10m
- Spread
- 3m – 8m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Deer resistant
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Prune young growth
Remove the flower and most of the young growth that the plant has made in the previous season. Leave just around 2 centimetres of young growth on the plant. Don't cut into old wood unless it is diseased or damaged.
Planting & general
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.