Cercidiphyllum japonicum or Katsura Tree care

El Katsura Tree, whose scientific name is Cercidiphyllum japonicum, is a deciduous tree that grows up to 12 meters in height. It is one of the most ideal to have in temperate gardens, especially if you want to enjoy an amazing autumn show, as its leaves acquire very decorative colors, such as red or orange.

Its growth rate is very fast, and it must also be said that its root system is non-invasive, so it can be grown in tight areas or near buildings without problems.

This is a tree native to China and Japan that, in order for it to develop well, it needs the following:

• Location: outside, in semi-shade. You can have it in the sun if you live in a mild climate, without extreme temperatures.
• Soil or substrate: it must be acidic, with a pH between 4 and 6. If you have it in a pot, you can use a specific substrate for acidophilic plants, but if you are in a warm-temperate climate, such as the Mediterranean, I recommend mixing 70% akadama with 30 % kiryuzuna, as this will better withstand high temperatures.
• Irrigation: frequent, especially if you have it in a pot. Use rainwater whenever you can, but if it is impossible to get it, you can water with mineral water, or with the tap (add the liquid of half a lemon to 1l of the latter water if it has a lot of lime).
• Subscriber: in spring and summer it is advisable to fertilize, using specific fertilizers for acidophilic plants so that it does not lack iron. It can also be fertilized with organic fertilizers, such as guano or manure.
• Transplant: whether you want to move to the garden or to a larger pot, it has to be done in spring, after the risk of frost has passed.
• Rusticity: supports up to -18ºC, but not high temperatures of more than 35ºC.

This is how the soil in your garden will look in autumn. Nice, right?

What did you think of the Katsura Tree? Did you know him?