A tree that looked for gingerbread? It really exists. We'll show you how to plant and care for the easy-care cake tree.
Although you may not believe it, this plant is really called cake tree (Cercidiphyllum) - not because you can eat it, but because it smells like gingerbread in autumn when the leaves change color. Yummy, isn't it? That is why it is also called the gingerbread tree. Perhaps you have also come across the alternative name Katsura tree. Either way, it smells lovely and looks lovely too.
The tree is also a real rarity, because there are only two species of this very old genus left in the wild. However, many new ornamental species of the cake tree have been bred, which can now be bought as small trees in nurseries. It's always worth it, because the tree not only smells wonderful in autumn, it also changes color constantly. The gingerbread tree always provides variety. The leaves are light red in spring, green-blue in summer and then yellow to dark red in autumn.
Planting a cake tree in the garden
Location:
Cake trees need a lot of light. But they don't like it warm. So look for a bright spot in the garden where it doesn't get that hot. The tree must not get too much shade. So don't plant it right next to other trees. And also not directly next to buildings. In our latitudes, the cake tree can finally grow up to 12 meters high (otherwise up to 45 meters high). That's why it's not so good if he's right next to a house. Especially not because of the roots.
Floor:
Sandy clay soils or rocky loamy soils are perfect for the Katsura tree. If you cannot offer the gingerbread tree this soil, then simply mix sand or clay into the soil at the location. In addition, the pH should be between 5 and 7. A slightly acidic to neutral soil is therefore ideal for the gingerbread tree. It can therefore make sense to test the pH of the soil before planting. Read how to do that here.
Plants:
You can buy the cake tree in stores as a small tree with a size of approx. 50 centimetres. Now lift out twice the root ball, loosen the soil in the planting hole andwork compost into the soil. Then insert the cake tree in such a way that the ball is flush with the ground. Then fill the excavated soil back into the planting hole and only start lightly. Finally, it is advisable to put a casting ring around the tree, as it makes watering much easier.
You can also keep the cake tree on the terrace. Of course it doesn't get that big in a pot. It's also easy to keep under control there and will get nice and bushy if you keep trimming it. It is also clear that it is hardy and can even overwinter in a pot outside.
How to properly care for the cake tree
Once planted, you don't have to put in much effort. The cake tree is really easy to care for. You don't even have to cut or take any precautions in winter. Only watering and annual fertilizing is important.
Casting:
Cake trees need a lot of water. If it gets too little water, it will indicate this immediately. It then lets its leaves hang or, in extreme cases, even throws them off. As soon as you water it regularly and plentifully again, the tree will sprout fully again.
If the summer is very dry and the humidity is correspondingly low, it is also advisable to regularly spray the top of the gingerbread tree with water. Only do this when it's cloudy or in the early morning or late evening hours, otherwise the leaves could burn.
Fertilize:
You don't have to pay much attention to fertilizing. It is enough if you provide the Katsura tree with well-ripened compost once a year.