More commonly known as the caramel tree, CERCIDIPHYLLUM japonicum ranks among the stars of fall. As soon as its leaves begin to fall, they give off a sweet caramel scent throughout the garden. On the three photos above, we can see the green foliage with its red petioles, then the foliage that begins to color in autumn and finally the foliage at its peak. CERCIDIPHYLLUM japonicum is a small tree. It develops a slender form at first. Then it takes on a rounded shape.
Tip: For smaller gardens, C. japonicum ‘Boyd’s Dwarf’ (click to view) is a dwarf form.
How to grow CERCIDIPHYLLUM japonicum
This plant will adapt to any type of soil and will be really resistant to low temperatures. Indeed, the caramel tree resists temperatures below 20 °C. It supports any pH. CERCIDIPHYLLUM japonicum is easy to grow. As such, it is suitable for beginners and experienced gardeners.
History and Origine
CERCIDIPHYLLUM japonicum is also called katsura in Japan. It is a type species that comes from Japan and China.
It is a deciduous tree. The foliage of young shoots is usually pink/red and then turns green.
This species is on the endangered plant list in China. However, if the Japanese populations are included in the calculations, it is classified as low risk.
CERCIDIPHYLLUM japonicum is used as an ornamental plant in Japan and elsewhere. In addition, it is also cultivated for its wood, used in construction and for wooden objects.
Finally, different cultivars exist:
- C. japonicume ‘Boyd’s Dwarf’ (dwarf form)
- C. japonicum ‘Tidal Wave’ (drooping branch form)
- C. japonicum ‘Rotfuchs’ (dwarf columnar form with purple foliage)
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