Cercidiphyllum japonicum Morioka Weeping - Katsura tree

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Morioka Weeping' is a rare variety of Caramel Tree with a weeping habit. It differs from the 'Pendulum' variety with its informal growth habit and larger, pleated leaves. The heart-shaped spring leaves are reddish-purple, which soften to a blue-green in summer. The autumn colours are a vibrant yellow with hints of orange and apricot. The tree grows upright when young and takes on a more strongly weeping form as it ages. It is during leaf drop that the Caramel Tree fills the air with a delicious sweet fragrance. The colour and growth are best in full sun.

Cercidiphyllums have their own family, closely related to magnolias, and comprise only one species, Cercidiphyllum japonicum. They are deciduous trees native to Japan and China, characterised by a forked trunk, horizontally spreading branches, and heart-shaped leaves. In our gardens, Cercidiphyllum japonicum forms a slender tree of only 12m in height, while in its native habitat, it is the tallest native deciduous tree, reaching up to 40m.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Morioka Weeping' is a large weeping variety of the Caramel Tree, reaching heights of up to 20m and spreads of 12m. Its uniqueness lies in its graceful weeping and spreading habit. This tree has a wide, dome-shaped crown, often carried by several trunks with grey-brown bark that becomes wrinkled with age. Its branches are so pendulous that the trunk is usually hidden by the foliage. The appeal of the 'Morioka Weeping' Caramel Tree comes from its cascading habit and its foliage with vibrant and ever-changing colours, evolving throughout the seasons. In spring, it bears rounded leaves with slightly wavy edges, measuring 7 to 11 cm long. They are initially purple and turn bluish-green in summer, offering visual and olfactory delight to gardeners in autumn. In late season, the leaves blaze with shades ranging from yellow to purple, sometimes even mauve, and emit delicious scents of caramel or gingerbread. In late winter, Cercidiphyllum produces inconspicuous reddish flowers, followed by fruiting only on female trees, as the Caramel Tree is dioecious. These are small greenish-brown pods that contain winged seeds.

The Caramel Tree grows in wooded areas and along watercourses, preferring cool and slightly acidic soils where its growth is faster and its autumn colours are more vibrant. Plant it in a light, humus-bearing soil that is deeply loosened and well-drained, in a sheltered spot from cold and drying winds. In hot regions, it is best to plant it in shade to prevent premature leaf drop. Ideally, it should be planted near a body of water and will appreciate regular watering during the growing season. A thick layer of mulch will help maintain soil moisture in summer and protect the roots from the cold in winter, although it can withstand temperatures below -15°C. Pruning Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Morioka Weeping' is not obligatory. However, you can remove dead branches at the end of winter to maintain a harmonious shape. Easy to cultivate, it has good disease resistance and will reveal its splendour without much difficulty! Planted as a specimen tree in the middle of a lawn, the 'Morioka Weeping' Cercidiphyllum brings life to any style of garden and adds a romantic touch to its surroundings for many months.