Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsura tree, False redbud
- Height × spread
- 10m × 8m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The Katsura tree has charming rounded leaves which are reddish brown when they first open, green during the summer, turning red and yellow in autumn. The trunk is rather short in proportion to its height and the crown is very deep. The tree has a very upright habit and is graceful and, very often, it has several main upright branches and a big bell-shaped crown. Place the tree so its autumn colour can be appreciated. At leaf fall there is sometimes the curious scent of burnt sugar or even ripe strawberries. After leaf fall the network of fine branches is attractive against the sky. It is altogether a tree of charm for all seasons though it can look sad in dry and impoverished conditions and is susceptible to drought.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Spring foliage
- Red-copper
- Autumn foliage
- Red-yellow
- Stem colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 10m
- Spread
- 8m
- Height in 10 years
- 8m
- Spread in 10 years
- 6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn
- Flowers in
- 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
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- 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
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
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.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.