Cercidiphyllum

Cercidiphyllum Japonicum Katsura Tree – Best In New Zealand!

Growing colourful trees such as Cercidiphyllum japonicum, commonly known as the Katsura Tree, in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used to provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Cercidiphyllum japonicum trees, and the right one for your space. Our Katsura trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Cercidiphyllum japonicum, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Cercidiphyllum Japonicum Questions

1. Is Katsura fast growing?

Katsura are relatively fast-growing trees and will generally grow at just over 1 m per year in ideal conditions. However, their growth rate will vary depending on the climate, soil conditions, and how well they are looked after.

2. Where is the best place to plant a Katsura tree?

The best place to plant a Katsura tree is in a full sun to partial shade on a moist, well-drained soil. The tree is relatively tolerant of a variety of soil types, but it does prefer the soil to be slightly acidic. They are also tolerant of some wind and urban pollution.

When choosing a spot to plant a Katsura tree, be sure to choose a location that will accommodate its mature size. Katsura trees can grow to be 20-30 m tall and 10-15 m wide. Avoid planting Katsura trees near paths or driveways, as the roots can damage pavement.

Here are some additional tips for planting a Katsura tree:

• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree.
• Amend the soil with compost or manure.
• Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, firming down gently to remove any air pockets.
• Water the tree thoroughly.
• Stake the tree to avoid wind damage and to grow a more aesthetic tree.

3. Are Katsura trees rare?

Katsura trees are not rare, but they are not as common as some other trees, such as maples and oak trees. This is likely due to them being native to a limited area of Asia, and they were not introduced to Europe and North America until the 19th century. They can also be slow to grow and take many years to reach maturity.

Despite their relative rarity, Katsura trees are becoming increasingly popular ornamental trees. They are known for their beautiful heart-shaped leaves, their showy autumn foliage, and their unique sweet fragrance.

4. Do all Katsura trees smell?

Yes, all Katsura trees release a fragrance and intensity is greatest in autumn when the leaves are changing colour. The smell of Katsura trees is often described as being sweet, like cotton candy, caramel, or burnt sugar. It is caused by a chemical compound called maltol, which is also found in other plants, such as strawberries and pine needles.

5. Do Katsura trees have deep roots?

Katsura trees do not have deep roots. Rather, they have a shallow root system that spreads out horizontally. This is why Katsura trees are susceptible to wind damage and need to be staked when they are young. They also have a tendency to lift concrete and other hard surfaces, so keep this in mind when you are considering where to plant them.

6. What tree is similar to Katsura?

A few trees that are similar to Katsura trees in terms of their appearance, growth habit, and environmental needs are:

• Cercis canadensis (Eastern redbud): Redbud trees have heart-shaped leaves and showy flowers in the spring. They are also relatively fast-growing and tolerant of a variety of soil conditions.
• Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair tree): Maidenhair trees have unique fan-shaped leaves and turn a brilliant yellow in autumn. They are also relatively slow-growing and long-lived.
• Nyssa sylvatica (Blackgum): Blackgum trees have oval-shaped leaves that turn a variety of colours in autumn, including red, orange, and purple. They are also relatively fast-growing and tolerant of a variety of soil conditions.
• Zelkova serrata (Japanese zelkova): Japanese zelkova trees have oval-shaped leaves that turn a golden yellow in autumn. They are also relatively fast-growing and tolerant of a variety of soil conditions.

7. How hardy is Katsura tree?

The Katsura tree, also known as the toffee apple tree, is a hardy tree that can thrive in a wide range of climates. They can tolerate heavy frosts once established as well as short periods of dry.

8. What is the best fertiliser for a Katsura tree?

The Plant Company has fertiliser blends that have been designed to keep trees thriving whilst also being environmentally friendly.

https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/tree-and-shrub-fertiliser