Cercidiphyllum japonicum Pendulum

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Pendulum', also known as the Weeping Katsura Tree and the Candy Floss Tree, brings a romantic touch to the garden with its spread-out and generously drooping habit. Its tender green foliage changes colour throughout the seasons and adorns itself with shimmering hues in autumn. It is during leaf fall that the caramel tree exhales a delicious burnt sugar scent and perfumes its surroundings with its sweet and delightful notes. 

Cercidiphyllums have their own family called Cercidiphyllaceae, which includes only one species, Cercidiphyllum japonicum. They are closely related to magnolias. These deciduous trees are native to Japan and China, and are characterised by a narrow fork-shaped trunk, horizontally spreading branches, and cordate leaves. In our gardens, Cercidiphyllum japonicum forms a tree with an elegant appearance, reaching only 12 m (39.4 ft) in height, while in its native habitat it is the tallest deciduous tree, reaching up to 40 m (131.2 ft).

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Pendulum' is a smaller version of the Katsura Tree, rarely exceeding 6 m (19.7 ft) in height and 5 m (16.4 ft) in spread. Its uniqueness also lies in its weeping and spread-out habit. This tree has a wide domed crown, often carried by several trunks with grey-brown bark that becomes plicate with age. Its branches are so drooping that the tree trunk is usually hidden by the foliage. The interest of the 'Pendulum' Katsura Tree comes from its cascading habit, but also emanates from its vivid and ever-changing foliage, constantly evolving throughout the seasons. In spring, it is adorned with rounded leaves with slightly undulate edges, measuring 5 cm to 8 cm (2 in to 3.1 in) in length. They are bronze-coloured when they first emerge, then turn tender green in summer, and finally offer the gardener a visual and olfactory delight in autumn. In the autumn months, the leaves blaze with hues ranging from yellow to purple, sometimes even mauve, and exude delicious scents of caramel or toffee. In late winter, 'Pendulum' bears insignificant dull red flowers. This flowering is followed by fruiting only on female plants, as the Katsura Tree is dioecious. These are small green-brown pods that contain winged seeds.

The Katsura Tree grows in wooded areas and along watercourses, preferring cool, slightly acidic soils where its growth is faster and its autumn colours more vibrant. Plant it in light, humus-rich, deeply loosened, and well-drained soil, in a location sheltered from cold and drying winds. In hot regions, plant it in shade to prevent premature leaf drop. Ideally placed near a water feature, it appreciates regular watering during the growing season. A thick mulch will help maintain a cool soil in summer and protect the roots from cold in winter, although it can withstand temperatures below -15° C (5° F). Pruning Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Pendulum' is not mandatory. However, you can remove dead or diseased branches at the end of winter to maintain a balanced habit. Easy to grow, it has good disease resistance and will reveal its splendour without great difficulties! Planted as a specimen in the middle of a lawn, the 'Pendulum' Katsura Tree will enliven any style of garden and bring a romantic touch to its surroundings. This caramel tree works well as a background plant or within a country hedge, illuminating it with its flamboyant colours and unique weeping habit. Paired with Japanese Maple, Black Gum, or Golden Catalpa, it will showcase its beauty in a symphony of colours.