Monthly Archives: April 2023

Katsura (Cercidiphyllum) The katsura tree, native to Japan, makes an excellent specimen or shade tree in Midwestern landscapes. Its foliage offers an array of color throughout the year. In spring, heart-shaped leaves emerge reddish-purple, changing to blue-green as they mature. In autumn the color display changes again as leaves turn a clear yellow or apricot color. In Japan the wood is sometimes used to make Shougi game boards and Buddha statues. It has recently started to become endangered in Japan.  Cercidiphyllum, commonly called katsura, (Katsura (カツラ) is the Japanese name for the tree.) can…

Outdoor: All outdoor trees should have been removed from winter protection and placed on their growing benches. The trees should be receiving as much sun as possible. Watering needs will be high, and all trees will need watering at least once a day. Be sure to saturate the soil at each watering thoroughly.  It is good to send a blast of water through the foliage now and then to help dislodge any insects lurking. Keep an eye out for possible insect infestations. The soft new growth on the trees is…