About

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Strawberry' is a compact deciduous tree characterized by its youthful foliage, which starts as small, dark red, heart-shaped leaves in spring. These leaves transition to green during the summer months before transforming into vibrant red hues in the fall. As autumn progresses, the foliage showcases a range of orange and yellow tones. The fallen leaves emit a distinctive aroma reminiscent of burnt sugar. In spring, tiny red flowers emerge alongside the new growth, adding to the tree’s seasonal display.

About the genus

Cercidiphyllum consists of sizable deciduous trees characterized by their kidney-shaped to oval leaves, which tend to have a bronze hue in their youth and display vibrant autumn colors. The flowers of this genus are generally not prominent.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Sand, Loam, Clay
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
Higher than 12 metres
Spread
wider than 8 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Architectural
Fragrance
Foliage

Care notes

Cultivation
Best grown in a woodland setting; the leaves may be damaged by late frosts. Gives the best autumn colour in neutral or acid soil but will grow in alkaline soil too. See tree cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by basal or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus