Autumn is the season of the Katsura tree, when its kidney-shaped green leaves turn a deep, rich yellow with hints of pink and orange, especially when grown in acid soil. Beautiful as a specimen in a lawn, small garden, or at the woodland edge. Just before they fall, the leaves are said to smell of caramel. Very often grown as a multistem tree, it can reach up to 10m but is more often about 6m tall.
H x S: 10m x 4m
Aspect and soil: any moist but well-drained or well-drained soil, in full (but not scorching) sun or dappled shade.
Use: Lovely on the edge of woodland against evergreen trees, in Japanese garden or in small, contemporary designs.
Care: No pruning required other than removing dead, diseased or damaged branches.
Wildlife: —
Hazard: —
Origin: China, Japan
Hardiness: H5
GILG GARDEN DESIGN 