Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'ROTFUCHS' katsura tree

Katsura tree is native to China and Japan, and thanks to its versatility 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). Rotfuchs means Red fox and it is a special variety which brings an extra colour to your spring garden. Its leaves emerge rich burgundy red and remain so for a month or two before hot sun makes them turn dark olive green. If grown in very acid soil they change to bright golden yellow and cream yellow in autumn. Their shape changes during the season, too. Young leaves are narrowly ovate, while mature foliage is almost rounded or widely heart-shaped. They are decorated with conspicuous veins and serrated margins.

Rotfuchs grows slower and narrower than green-leaved katsura tree. New growths are strictly upright, and not very long lateral branches become almost horizontal with age. It requires no pruning at all for a nice shape, though, it may be pruned to be kept smaller. Or, if you desire to see its red leaves again in summer, you can prune it lightly in early July.

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 27-05-2013