Cercidiphyllum japonicum Tree

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a medium sized tree with fabulous colour-changing, heart shaped leaves. This Katsura tree has copper-toned green foliage that turns stunning shades of yellow, orange, pink, purple and red in autumn and releases a delicious, distinctive caramel scent. As new heart shaped leaves emerge in spring, they are supplemented by small, subtle flowers. As a a dioecious species, trees either have all female or all male flowers, varying slightly in appearance.

With an upswept habit and elegant structure, this Katsura tree will grow to 6 x 4 metres in 20 years. Cercidiphyllum japonicum will grow on most soils, with acidic soil producing the most vibrant displays. It prefers sun or light shade in a slightly sheltered position to protect from late frosts.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit and is one of our favourites for the gorgeous leaves, particularly if near a path where you can walk on the fallen leaves to release a waft of caramel! The smell is reminiscent of candyfloss and so it is often referred to as a Candyfloss tree.

AKA Katsura tree, Candyfloss tree, Caramel tree, Japanese Judas tree

• Common name: Katsura tree
• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Height and spread in 20 years: 6 x 4 metres
• Seasons of interest: Spring, Summer, Autumn
• Foliage: Highly scented bronzed green leaves turn orange & yellow in autumn
• Soil: Moist but well-drained sites and all soil types except loamy

Planting Advice for Cercidiphyllum japonicum Trees

Our pot grown Katsura trees can be planted at any time of the year. Choose a sheltered position away from late frosts which could blacken new growing tips, then remove all weeds and grass within a metre of this spot. Dig a square hole as deep as the root mass and approximately 2x as wide. To help your tree establish more effectively, we recommend sprinkling root grow in the hole.

Take the pot off and gently loosen the roots, then place into the planting hole. Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost, then fill in the hole and firm around gently, making sure not to bank the soil up around the collar of the tree. We recommend using a stake and tie kit and, if your area is prone to rabbits, a rabbit guard too. Finish by watering around the base.

For further information, visit our help and advice section.

Aftercare of Cercidiphyllum japonicum Trees

Katsura trees will drop their leaves if it is too dry. When planting in spring or summer, water well and regularly until autumn. Increase watering if there are extended periods of hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water your tree a little. We stock a range of irrigation kits, suitable for a variety of planting schemes.

Once planted, it is important to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons.

Pruning Advice for Cercidiphyllum japonicum Trees

Candyfloss trees trees do not require regular pruning. If you wish to tidy up your Katsura tree, do this during the dormant season. Focus on removing any damaged, diseased or overcrowded branches. If you require a clear trunk, remove any side shoots to help raise the crown.

Delivery Costs

*Free delivery promotion excludes mature trees, extra large kits and delivery to Highlands or Islands. Discount applies at checkout.

Delivery Times

Next Day Despatch
We will always try to get your plants to you as quickly as possible.  For many of our trees and plants, if you order today we will despatch your order within 24 hours.  We are constantly adding to our range of next day plants, and we do not add a surcharge for this service. Click here to see our next day delivery plants.

Standard Delivery
We have one of the widest range of trees in the UK, and for those plants which we cannot despatch next day we will normally despatch within 4 weeks. The despatch time for different products will be confirmed when products are added to your shopping basket

Pre-orders
We will only want to deliver your orders when they are perfect for planting! Depending on the season and how well the plants are growing, we will give our best estimates of the despatch dates for pre-orders.  These dates may vary and by species and while we will always try to deliver within these timeframes if the expected despatch does change then we will notify you by email.

Special Orders
Orders containing pleached or mature trees (trees over 2.5m in height) are delivered within 3 weeks. They require specialist delivery and are grouped geographically. Any customers ordering pleached or mature trees will be contacted and notified of their delivery date.

If your trees are required by a specific date, please let us know as soon as possible; while we can’t offer any guarantees we will always do our best to accommodate you. You can leave instructions in the notes field on the Delivery Page of the Checkout or send us an email at [email protected].

Please note that orders are shipped once all the trees in the order are ready.

Collections
Collections are by appointment only at our West Yorkshire-based nursery. If you would like to place an order for collection, please get in touch before placing your order. You will not be charged a delivery cost for a collection and any delivery cost that has been applied will be refunded.

The product table at the bottom of the page gives the forms and sizes available for this variety. Please note, photos are a guideline as all plants are unique. *Pot sizes may vary. Below are definitions of terms:

Supplied Size: Height measured from the top of the pot.

Single Stem tree: Classic tree with one trunk, pruned for a beautiful, natural shape.

Top grafted tree: A height next to this form refers to the length of clear stem, which will not grow taller. Only the head of branches will develop. Ideal for small spaces.

Feathered tree: Branches from the bottom of the trunk all the way up. These branches can be removed if a clear stem is required.

Multi Stem tree: Two or more stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.

Bush: A plant with many stems low down, rather than one clear stem.

Clump: Several plants in one pot that give the appearance of a bushy multi stem tree.

Climber: Naturally climbing plant. Usually delivered running up a cane, ready to position in the garden.

Standard Tree: A more mature tree with an upright clear stem of approximately 1.8m-2.0m (measured from the soil to the lowest branches of the crown). Standards are available in different forms relating to their girth size (circumference of the stem measured 1m above soil level), not height.