What soil does Katsura tree grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, acidic.

Is Katsura tree hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Katsura tree be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

When does Katsura tree flower?

Flowering: March–April, red, green.

How much water does Katsura tree need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Katsura tree cost?

It sells for roughly €70 to €600 in local shops, depending on size.

Katsura tree

Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is a large tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €70.

Illustration of Katsura tree — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An elegant, often multi-stemmed ornamental tree with heart-shaped leaves that open purplish, turn blue-green in summer and colour yellow, apricot and orange-red in autumn. The falling leaves give off a scent of caramel or burnt sugar, so it is worth planting near a seat or a path. It is only happy in fresh, humus-rich, evenly moist soil: in hot, dry summers, in baking sun, in wind or in heat-trapping spots surrounded by paving the leaves scorch and drop early, so it needs afternoon shade and regular watering.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe its main problem is leaf scorch and early leaf drop: in drought, baking sun and wind the leaf edges brown and the tree may shed its foliage as early as midsummer. It is not worth planting in a dry garden without watering and mulch. Autumn colour is poorer on limy soil. The thin bark can split and suffer sun scald, and the early leaves can be damaged by late spring frost. It resents transplanting and needs ample water in its first years. It has no serious pests or diseases.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 5 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–April, red, green

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	5 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	10–18 m × 6–18 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–April, red, green
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	800 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €70

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
40-60 cm	approx. €70
250-350 cm	approx. €540

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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