Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Strawberry'

RHS Plant Profile
katsura 'Strawberry'
Trees

A small, deciduous tree with dark red, young, small heart-shaped leaves in spring, turning green in summer, then bright red. In autumn foliage turns shades of orange and yellow. The fallen leaves give off a strong scent of burnt sugar. The flowers are red and very small, appearing with the young growth in spring.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Clay

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cercidiphyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Genus
Cercidiphyllum are large deciduous trees with kidney-shaped to ovate leaves, often bronze when young, and colouring well in the autumn; flowers inconspicuous
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Best grown in a woodland setting; the leaves may be damaged by late frosts. Gives the best autumn colour in neutral or acid soil but will grow in alkaline soil too. See tree cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by basal or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus