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CERCIDIPHYLLUM
Commonly known as Katsura tree
Genus of 2 species of deciduous trees from woodlands in China and Japan. C. japonicum is one of the largest hardwoods in Asia, reaching 45m (148ft) in height.
The wood is that traditionally used for the board in the ancient Chinese game of strategy "Go".
In certain conditions the leaves of C. japonicum exude a noticeable toffee/burnt sugar aroma.
Further Reading....
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Deciduousleaves to 11cm (4½in) long. Leaves have a maroon colour when they emerge, turning green and then creamy-yellow in autumn maintaining the strawberry tints.
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Height15m (49ft)
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Spread10m (33ft)
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TreePyramidal to broadly conical, spreading with age.
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Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
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Full sunshelter from cold winds.
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Partial shadeDappled shade
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowFallen leaves smell of burnt sugar when crushedPests & DiseasesNone.Place of originChina, Japan.
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf Colour (if not green)Red
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeOrbicular
(see photos above) Ovate(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 1Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
RHS group 1 -
Scented PlantsScented foliage
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Seasonal InterestAutumnSpringSummer
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilHumus-rich.Neutral to acid soilBetter autumnal colouring on more acidic soils.
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Tree ShapeBroadly conical
Cercidiphyllum - Growing Guide
Trees - Care Guide
- How to plant a tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- How to plant a tree
- Ties - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Restaking fallen young trees - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Fallen old tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Clearing up fallen beech tree - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Spring pruning - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing side shoots - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Pruning and Shaping Magnolia - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Deer protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Weed Spraying - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing Ivy - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing wire protection - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Tree Survey - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Crown uplift - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing shoots below graft - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Removing peeling bark - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Maintaining variegation - Video Tip ondemand_video
15m (49ft)
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10m (33ft) |
Buy Varieties of CERCIDIPHYLLUM


CERCIDIPHYLLUM japonicum
Katsura tree
smoky pink or yellow autumnal colouring when a pungent scent like burnt sugar will be detectable in favourable seasons


CERCIDIPHYLLUM japonicum 'Pendulum'
Katsura tree
a rare form with long weeping branches

CERCIDIPHYLLUM japonicum 'Red Fox'
Katsura tree
strong purplish foliage which appears almost black from a distance and spectacular autumn colour
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Vermin & Pest Control
Tree Guards
Essential small tree protection from vermin and strimming. This pack includes 5 x 90cm canes and 5 x 90cm spiral guards. Includes instructions.
Only £5.00

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.20

Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots.
Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.20