Katsura tree: cultivation, location & care

The Japanese katsura tree, also known as the caramel tree for its unique scent, puts on a real show in autumn. In this article, we will introduce you to the vibrant and fragrant katsura tree.

The katsura tree is strikingly beautiful – with its twisted form, colourful foliage and unique caramel and cinnamon like fragrance. In Europe it is still something of a rarity, perhaps because it has such specific growing requirements. Here you can find out about the different varieties of katsura tree and how best to care for them.

Katsura tree: blossoms, origin and characteristics

The katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is a member of the Cercidiphyllaceae family. It is also known as the caramel tree and, in some countries, the gingerbread tree due to its distinctive colouring and fragrance.

The katsura tree originates from East Asia and particularly China and Japan, where it can be found in locations with moisture and humus rich soils, such as river basins and near mountain streams. Although it has been known to thrive in European weather, it is still quite uncommon in northern Europe. Occasionally, however, the picturesque katsura tree can be found lingering in European parks and gardens, celebrated for both its ornamental appeal and sumptuous fragrance.

Although the katsura tree can reach heights of about 30 metres when growing in the wild, it only achieves a maximum height of 10 metres in more temperate latitudes. It can grow with a multi-stemmed form, so it is often cultivated here as a small tree or large shrub. The brownish red, heart-shaped katsura leaves appear in April, shortly after the tree has blossomed. These leaves resemble those of the lime tree and turn green over the following weeks, with only the leaf stalks retaining their red colour. In September the leaves take on their autumn colours, first turning yellowy orange and then red, providing a magnificent spectacle. As the tree loses its leaves for the winter, the katsura tree gives off an intense fragrance of caramel and cinnamon. The aroma is particularly intense in damp weather.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a tree for all seasons: its colourful foliage provides a feast for the eyes almost all year round. The caramel tree begins to blossom as early as April and May. It is a dioecious plant – that is, male and female flowers are found on separate trees – so there are purely male and purely female specimens. The female katsura tree flower has bright crimson red petals from which long, twirling styles with pollen-collecting stigma stick out. The male katsura tree flower is a pale pinky red, made up of a dense cluster of stamen. If a female and a male tree are close to one another and are both mature, pollination will take place and in autumn the female trees will produce small green follicle fruits full of small seeds.

The most beautiful katsura tree varieties

• ‘Pendulum’: The variety known as the ‘Pendulum’ weeping katsura tree, is one of the most beautiful cultivars of Cercidiphyllum japonicum. Its delicately spreading growth with gently drooping branches create such an idyllic sight. The tree should be planted in a solitary position, if for no other reason than to show it off to its best advantage. With a height of 4 to 8 metres, it can be planted in the ground outdoors or in a pot. Due to its slow growth, a potted weeping katsura can also be placed in an unheated conservatory to start with. The cultivar Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘Pendulum’ is the variety most commonly found in plant nurseries, with other cultivars being trickier to find.

• ‘Red Fox’: Another variety of katsura which has enjoyed lasting popularity is Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘Red Fox’. It can grow up to 6 metres in height and width and forms an umbrella-like crown of strikingly red leaves. As a tree which prefers warmth, it is sensitive to late frosts.
• ‘Strawberry’: The cultivar Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘Strawberry’ grows reddish-pink leaves with soft yellow tones in summer. This variety is difficult to find in nurseries and garden centres.

Planting the katsura tree

The katsura tree can be planted directly outdoors in spring or autumn, or alternatively, it is possible to grow it in a pot. The right choice of location plays an important role here – because it originated in river basins and areas surrounding bodies of water, the katsura tree requires a location with a great deal of moisture. The topsoil in particular should always be moist enough, as these trees are shallow rooters. It is also important to consider the soil. The katsura tree prefers a loamy soil that is rich in clay and nutrients and can tolerate soil with both an acidic or alkaline pH.

Once you have found the right spot, the next step is to dig a big enough hole – at least 1.5 times as wide and deep as the root ball. At this point, add some nutrient rich potting compost to the hole to help the young tree take root. A good potting soil will help store water and nutrients in the root zone of the tree. Our Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost is perfect for planting the katsura tree, with the extra benefit that it is 100 % peat-free.

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It is important to tie large trees, particularly balled trees, to a support for the first 2 to 3 years after planting so that the trunk does not grow at an angle or fall over in the wind. For your tree tie, use two stakes aligned with the main wind direction. This not only protects the tree from falling over, but also prevents too much movement – with the advantage of protecting newly formed roots, allowing the plant to grow faster.

Once the katsura tree has been planted and the hole has been filled with soil and pressed down, it is a good idea to create a watering ring around the tree. For this, mound up a generous ring of soil around the base of the tree. This forms a basin that can simply be filled with water.

Tip: Cover around the base of the tree with a thick layer of mulch to protect the soil from drying out quickly. Particularly during the summer of its first year, the Japanese katsura tree needs a regular supply of water, as its root system has not yet developed to absorb enough water without a bit of help.

Katsura tree care

If planted in the right location, caring for this ornamental tree can be fairly simple. The hardy tree is robust, well-suited to the European climate and relatively unsusceptible to disease too. Nevertheless, it is important to make sure the tree gets enough fertiliser and water, to support healthy growth as well as to enhance its beautiful autumn colouring.

Fertilising and watering

The growth of the katsura tree can be increased by applying fertiliser – this is particularly useful in sandy and nutrient-poor soils. A plant-based fertiliser is best suited to maintain good soil structure and provide all the nutrients necessary for these trees to thrive. One example is our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food, which is applied just once a year during spring. This fertiliser releases nutrients over an extended period of time and promotes healthy soil life.

One good alternative is to use compost. This can also be spread around the base of the tree in spring.
It is also possible to encourage a particularly strong autumn colour by making the soil more acidic. The rule here is: the more acidic the soil, the more pronounced the beautiful autumn colouring will be.

As well as giving your tree the right fertiliser, watering correctly is also essential. To prevent premature leaf loss, make sure your tree is getting enough water. However, the tree will grow its leaves back after a dry period, provided it is watered again. Particularly during the first few years, it is really important to water your katsura tree regularly!

Pruning katsura trees

To maintain the katsura tree’s picturesque growth, pruning is usually unnecessary. If pruning is needed, it is best to do so between February and March, and always before mid-June. Cut off any dead branches at the base with a saw. You can also thin the tree by removing branches that point inwards or cross over each other.

Tip: The katsura tree can be propagated from cuttings. To do this, cut off young shoots from the tree in May or June and plant them in a pot indoors. For this, use a high-quality, low-nutrient potting soil such as our Plantura Organic Herb & Seedling Compost mixed with sand, with the optional addition of a little rooting powder. Simply place the cuttings into this soil mixture and press down around the cuttings. Keep the soil moist and the shoots will take root and sprout. Once a strong root system has developed, you can transplant the katsura tree outdoors or into a container for a potted katsura tree.

Is the katsura tree poisonous?

No part of the katsura tree is considered poisonous. However, even though there are no known toxicities for either humans or animals, the consumption of any parts of the tree should be avoided.

With the right location and proper care, the katsura tree will create a wonderful feature for your garden. Its autumn fragrance of caramel and cinnamon is pretty special too.

On that note – did you know that dried clove flowers also give off a delicious aroma. Take a look at our in-depth article on growing cloves, to find out everything you need to know about this aromatic plant.