Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'PENDULUM'

Katsura tree is native to China and Japan, and thanks to its versatility and zero maintenance it has found many fans among both professionals and general gardening public. It is a deciduous shrub or very rarely a tree (uneasy to train it into a tree with one central leader). There are only a few varieties available so far, and each of them is entirely different.

Pendulum is a weeping form of katsura tree which forms picturesque cascades of flexible branches. Leaves are deciduous, rounded to heart-shaped, and emerge purple red, change to rich green in spring with some bluish tones in summer, and turn exquisite shades of yellow and golden in autumn. Freshly fallen leaves, for a short time, have a sweet fragrance of cinnamon or caramel. In spring, before leaves emerge, appear small, inconspicuous flowers (red on male trees, green on female trees).

The trees are commonly top grafted onto tall stems of cercidiphyllum japonicum species. The fastest growth is obviously downwards as it is a weeping tree, however, new branches make a step upward before they weep which in full maturity ends up like a 6-8m tall tree, half as wide. It looks great as a lawn specimen if you have enough space, or integrated above a good looking combination of low shrubs. Pruning is usually not necessary but can be done in early spring.

Grow katsura tree in humus-rich, evenly moist but well-drained, acid or neutral soil, preferably in full sun. If placed in a position sheltered from strong winds it will keep its coloured autumn foliage remarkably longer (just like witch hazel). Hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 26-03-2019