Cercidiphyllum japonicum

katsura tree

• Position: sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flower colour: insignificant red flowers
• Other features: fallen leaves smell of burnt sugar when crushed
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Small, rounded leaves are flushed pink when young, turning bright green in summer. The autumnal foliage is superb, turning orange, red and yellow, though trees usually colour better on moist, acidic soils. It is stunning planted as a specimen in the lawn, either with a single trunk or as a broader tree of several stems.
  
  
• Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly.