Katsura Tree / Japanese Katsura - Cercidiphyllum japonicum

€30 each in 10L pots - aprox 1.7m - 2m in height

Cercidiphyllum japonicum
(Katsura Tree / Japanese Katsura)

An elegant, medium-sized deciduous tree celebrated for its beautiful foliage and remarkable seasonal interest. The leaves are broadly heart-shaped (resembling those of the Judas tree), arranged in opposite pairs along the branches. They emerge bronze or purplish-tan in spring, mature to a soft bluish-green in summer, and then put on a spectacular autumn display, turning shades of bright yellow, orange, apricot, pink, and scarlet. As the leaves fall in autumn, they release a distinctive sweet aroma often described as burnt sugar, caramel, or candyfloss.

The tree typically develops a rounded to broadly pyramidal or spreading habit, often multi-stemmed, with graceful arching branches. The bark is attractive, light grey and flaky/shaggy with age.

Mature size (in cultivation, including in Ireland/UK): Usually 10–18 m (33–60 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–40 ft) wide after many years, though it grows moderately and can stay smaller for a long time in gardens. In ideal conditions it can eventually reach taller heights.

Fully hardy (RHS H5–H6, zones 4–8), it prefers a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade. It thrives in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil (ideally slightly acidic to neutral) and benefits from mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. It is somewhat drought-sensitive when young and dislikes very dry or waterlogged conditions.

Low-maintenance and long-lived, with inconspicuous reddish-green spring flowers. Excellent as a specimen tree in lawns, larger borders, or woodland edges, providing multi-season beauty and a wonderful scent in autumn.

One of the most desirable ornamental trees for Irish and UK gardens — a true four-season performer with graceful form and that unforgettable candyfloss fragrance!