Cercidiphyllum japonicum – A Beautiful Tree for Fragrant Foliage and Stunning Autumn Colours
Cercidiphyllum japonicum, commonly known as the Katsura tree, is a remarkable deciduous tree celebrated for its heart-shaped leaves, sweetly fragrant foliage, and spectacular autumn display. Known for its graceful form, vibrant seasonal changes, and subtle fragrance, this tree adds a refined touch of elegance and seasonal beauty to gardens, parks, and landscapes.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring: In early spring, Cercidiphyllum japonicum emerges with soft, reddish leaves that gradually turn green as the season progresses. As the leaves mature, the tree’s graceful branching and fresh foliage create a delicate and attractive backdrop for early-season plantings.
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Summer: During the summer months, the tree is covered in lush, green, heart-shaped leaves that create a dense, rich canopy. The tree's foliage gives off a sweet, candy-like fragrance when crushed, adding an aromatic element to the garden.
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Autumn: The tree reaches its peak in autumn, when its leaves transform into a stunning mix of golden-yellow, orange, and reddish hues, making it one of the most beautiful autumn trees. The vibrant colour change creates a striking visual impact and draws attention in any landscape.
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Winter: In winter, the Katsura tree’s graceful, bare branches and smooth grey bark continue to add structure and visual interest, offering a subtle yet elegant presence during the colder months.
Structure & Form
Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a medium-sized tree, growing to a height of 6m over 20years with a rounded to oval crown. Its broad, graceful form and dense foliage make it an excellent choice for creating a statement tree or a focal point in larger gardens and landscapes. It has a relatively upright habit when young, but its crown will spread wider as it matures.
Ideal for Various Landscapes
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Large Gardens & Parklands: Its size and striking autumn colour make it ideal for large gardens, parklands, or public spaces, where it can create a stunning seasonal display.
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Wildlife & Pollinator Gardens: The sweet fragrance of the leaves and the tree’s dense canopy provide both visual interest and benefits for wildlife, offering a habitat for birds and insects.
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Feature Trees & Specimen Planting: The Katsura tree is perfect for planting as a specimen tree or in a prominent position within formal or informal garden designs, where its seasonal transformation can be appreciated.
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Mixed Planting Schemes: The tree’s unique foliage and autumn colours blend beautifully with other deciduous and evergreen trees, making it ideal for mixed planting designs in naturalistic or woodland-style gardens.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, it will produce the best colour and fragrance when grown in sunnier conditions.
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Soil: Prefers well-drained, moist, and fertile soils. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, but benefits from slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy, this tree is well-suited to colder climates and can withstand frost and wind, making it a great choice for temperate regions.
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Maintenance: Low-maintenance; simply prune to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches. It is generally resistant to pests and diseases and requires minimal attention once established.
Why Choose Cercidiphyllum japonicum?
Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a versatile, multi-season tree that offers fragrance, beauty, and seasonal interest throughout the year. Its stunning autumn colours, sweet-scented foliage, and graceful form make it an ideal addition to any garden or landscape, whether for aesthetic appeal or creating a natural habitat for wildlife.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Other Ornamental Trees – Pair with Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) or Fagus sylvatica (European Beech) for complementary autumn colour and texture.
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Flowering Shrubs – Combine with Rhododendron or Viburnum for contrasting seasonal beauty and structure.
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Perennials & Grasses – Underplant with Hellebores, Hostas, or Calamagrostis for contrasting textures and movement beneath the tree’s canopy.
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Spring Bulbs – Complement with Crocus, Narcissus, or Scilla for an early-season burst of colour before the tree's leaves fully unfurl.
Cercidiphyllum japonicum, with its elegant form, sweetly scented foliage, and vibrant autumn colours, is a truly unique tree that will add seasonal beauty, fragrance, and structural interest to any landscape. Whether for large gardens, parklands, or mixed planting schemes, this tree provides year-round appeal with minimal maintenance, making it an outstanding choice for a wide range of landscapes.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
