Katsura

Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Discover Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)!

Native to China and Japan, Cercidiphyllum japonicum , or Katsura, is a deciduous tree prized for its autumnal beauty and unique scent of burnt sugar or cotton candy. It is ideally suited for bonsai cultivation thanks to its rapid growth, elegant silhouette, and heart-shaped leaves that change color with the seasons.

Foliage and characteristics: Katsura leaves appear in spring with coppery hues, turn bluish-green in summer, and then take on yellow, orange, and reddish-purple tones in autumn. This spectacular gradation is accompanied by a remarkable sweet fragrance, particularly during autumn evenings. The dark brown trunk has bark that tends to peel with age, adding to the bonsai's charm.

Germination: Soak the seeds for 24 hours in warm water (let the water cool with the seeds in it). Sow in a moist substrate in a sheltered place; germination can take from a few weeks to a few months depending on conditions.

Bonsai cultivation: Katsura prefers bright locations but protected from the scorching afternoon sun and dry winds, especially in hot climates. It prefers moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil. It is quite hardy once established, but it does not tolerate late frosts and frequent transplanting.

Watering: Katsura appreciates constant moisture, especially during establishment. Afterward, moderate and regular watering is sufficient. The soil should never be completely dry.

Repotting: This should be done every year in the early years to promote a fine root system. For older plants, repotting every 2 to 3 years is sufficient. Repotting is best done in early spring, before the plant starts growing again.