Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Pendulum', weeping katsura
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Pendulum'

weeping katsura

Cercidiphyllaceae

Japan and central China (species); cultivar of garden origin

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitTrailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m)
Width15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m)
Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Fragrant (strong)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Pendulum' is the weeping form of katsura, combining the species' exceptional ornamental qualities with strongly cascading branches that create a graceful fountain-like or weeping mound silhouette. Like the species, all foliage features are retained: heart-shaped leaves emerge pink-red in spring, mature to blue-green in summer, and turn yellow, apricot, and rose-pink in fall, accompanied by the famous sweet caramel-cotton candy fragrance of the drying leaves. The weeping habit varies by how the plant is grown: grafted standards — where the cultivar is top-worked onto an upright katsura rootstock at 5–8 feet (1.5–2.4 m) — produce a fountain-shaped specimen with cascading stems descending from a defined height; plants propagated on their own roots without staking sprawl as wide, low weeping mounds 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall. The grafted standard form is more commonly sold. Mature grafted specimens ultimately reach 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) tall with a spread equal to or exceeding height, creating a very wide, densely layered weeping canopy. Shares the same drought sensitivity as the species — consistent moisture is essential for good health and optimal fall color and fragrance. No serious pests or diseases.

Native Range

Cercidiphyllum japonicum is native to Japan and central China. 'Pendulum' is a weeping cultivar of garden origin selected from plants with strongly pendulous branching.

Suggested Uses

Grown as an architectural specimen or focal point in residential gardens, courtyards, and landscape designs where a weeping form is desired with all the seasonal qualities of katsura. The grafted standard form creates a formal fountain-shaped feature effective in mixed borders, near water features, and in Asian-inspired garden designs. The low mound form suits rock gardens and naturalistic settings. Particularly effective near seating areas where the October caramel fragrance can be enjoyed up close. Smaller in stature than the species, making it suitable for gardens too confined for the full-sized tree.

How to Identify

Identified by the same heart-shaped leaves with finely crenate margins as the species, combined with strongly weeping to cascading branches. On grafted standard specimens, all growth above the graft hangs downward from the top of the rootstock, creating a fountain silhouette. On own-root or low-grafted plants, the habit forms a wide spreading weeping mound. The caramel-cotton candy fragrance of falling autumn leaves is as distinctive here as in the species.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

green
blue

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
orange
pink

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Spring
Tiny inconspicuous red flowers appear in March through April on bare branches before leaf-out — not ornamentally significant. Female trees produce small curved seed capsules in fall. The sweet caramel fragrance of drying fallen leaves in October is the primary sensory seasonal event.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

red (inconspicuous)

Foliage Description

pink-red emerging in spring; blue-green in summer; yellow, apricot, orange, and rose-pink in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsiltclay
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Care requirements are identical to the species: consistent soil moisture is the single most important factor. Drought stress causes leaf scorch, premature drop, and reduced fall fragrance. Mulch generously over the root zone to maintain moisture and cool root temperatures. Plant in full sun to part shade; afternoon shade reduces heat stress in inland sites. Well-drained to moist, slightly acidic to neutral soil. On grafted standards, remove any suckers arising below the graft union immediately — these rootstock shoots are upright and will eventually dominate the weeping form if not removed. Check the graft union annually for health.

Pruning

Prune in summer (June through August) if needed — avoid late winter through spring pruning. The weeping form is self-developing; no shaping is required. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. On grafted standards, remove any upright rootstock suckers below the graft union immediately as they appear — these will outcompete the weeping grafted portion. Cascading stems that have grown to the ground can be tip-pruned for clearance.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic