Cercidiphyllum japonicum Chameleon

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Chameleon' is a variety of caramel tree that stands out from all others with its variegated foliage. Of modest size, it forms a tree with a gracefully rounded habit, perfect for planting as a specimen in a space-limited garden. It is a particularly bright cultivar due to its green-blue foliage with wide yellow margins. The colouration is intense on the young leaves in spring, then the yellow fades to cream, before the fiery autumn display. This foliage truly lights up the garden just before winter. The leaves of this tree emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed or walked upon, reminiscent of caramel or brown sugar.  

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a deciduous tree that grows quickly. It is the only species in the Cercidiphyllaceae family and is native to China and Japan. Although it has become rare in its native countries, it is now common in parks and gardens in Europe. When allowed to grow naturally, the tree develops multiple trunks forming narrow forks, with short branches spreading horizontally in tiers. Although it can reach heights of 30 to 45m (98 to 148ft) in its native range, it usually only reaches 12 to 15m (39 to 49ft) in our climates, with a spread of 6 to 8m (20 to 26ft).

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Chameleon' is a small variegated variety. It has a rounded habit and reaches approximately 4m (13ft) in height and 3m (10ft) in width. Its heart-shaped leaves somewhat resemble those of the Judas tree, Cercis, which is likely the origin of its species name "Cercidiphyllum", literally "with leaves like Cercis". They measure about 7cm (3in) in diameter and have slightly serrated edges. At the beginning of the season, their lamina shows a pinkish tint, then turns glaucous green to blue-green with more or less vibrant yellow margins, with the underside being whitish; they take on a lovely autumn colouration of red, orange, and yellow. It is commonly believed that slightly acidic soil enhances the intensity of the colours. It is during this time that the leaves emit their characteristic caramel fragrance, to varying degrees. The spring flowering, a somewhat dull pink-red, is of little interest, as male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. The trunk is covered with a fairly regular grey-brown bark that quickly develops a few superficial wrinkles. It exfoliates slightly over time. 

We recommend planting the caramel tree as a standalone specimen, on a lawn, allowing it to flourish freely, or surrounded by low shrubs or perennials that evolve throughout the seasons; such as a beautiful climbing Clematis heracleifolia, a Lespedeza thunbergii, silver candles, alchemillas, corydalis, the Chrysanthemum 'Mei Kyo'.