Cercidiphyllum

The genus Cercidiphyllum, or Vermilion (Cercidiphyllum), consists of two species of stable deciduous trees, often growing in bushes. In culture, only one of them is the Japanese vermilion (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), a beautiful park tree. In the natural environment, it is found in Japan and the Kuril Islands. It is especially effective in spring, when its young leaves are colored purple-pink. Branches and trunk are covered with unevenly peeling smooth light brown bark. Cercidiphyllum got its Latin name (literally "roundleaf") because of its rounded leaves, serrated along the edge, similar to the leaves of the Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum). In cercidiphyllum, the leaves are arranged on the branches opposite, and not in turn. The spring color of young leaves gradually changes to bright green, with the underside of the leaf plates lighter, and in autumn the foliage becomes yellow or pinkish. This is a dioecious plant, that is, male flowers are formed on some specimens, and female flowers on others. Flowers bloom in March-April, before the leaves appear or simultaneously with them. Flowers without a perianth are collected in small bunches. Male flowers are characterized by protruding stamens with red anthers, while female flowers look out dark red stigmas of the pistils. Accordingly, fruits are formed only on female plants. The decorative form of 'Hanging' is distinguished by drooping branches, 'Red' by reddish leaves. Less common species, C. magnicum is similar to C. japonicum, but its leaves are larger.

The genus Cercidiphyllum, or Vermilion (Cercidiphyllum), consists of two species of stable deciduous trees, often growing in bushes. In culture, only one of them is the Japanese vermilion (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), a beautiful park tree. In the natural environment, it is found in Japan and the Kuril Islands. It is especially effective in spring, when its young leaves are colored purple-pink. Branches and trunk are covered with unevenly peeling smooth light brown bark.

Cercidiphyllum got its Latin name (literally "roundleaf") because of its rounded leaves, serrated along the edge, similar to the leaves of the Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum). In cercidiphyllum, the leaves are arranged on the branches opposite, and not in turn. The spring color of young leaves gradually changes to bright green, with the underside of the leaf plates lighter, and in autumn the foliage becomes yellow or pinkish. This is a dioecious plant, that is, male flowers are formed on some specimens, and female flowers on others. Flowers bloom in March-April, before the leaves appear or simultaneously with them. Flowers without a perianth are collected in small bunches. Male flowers are characterized by protruding stamens with red anthers, while female flowers look out dark red stigmas of the pistils. Accordingly, fruits are formed only on female plants. The decorative form of 'Hanging' is distinguished by drooping branches, 'Red' by reddish leaves.

Less common species, C. magnicum is similar to C. japonicum, but its leaves are larger.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Vermilion are grown in the open ground in parks and gardens in single or small group plantings. They are planted permanently in the ground in October (if the winters are cold) or in March, preferably in fertile, slightly acidic, deep and moist soil. When grown on calcareous soils, the autumn color of the foliage is less bright. If the winters are cold, in autumn mulch the soil around the plant with straw, peat and other organic materials. Pruning is reduced to removing dry, damaged or poorly growing branches.

Location

They need a sheltered place, as plants are afraid of cold winds and morning frosts, in the open sun or in partial shade.

Temperature

The trees are resistant to both high and low temperatures, but they are afraid of late frosts, which can beat the newly formed shoots.

Watering

It is necessary during periods of drought, especially for young, newly planted plants.

Reproduction

In spring, half-lignified cuttings 10-12 cm long are taken and placed in a mixture of sand and peat, taken in equal parts. After root formation, they are planted singly in pots and only after 2 years in the ground. It can also be propagated by sowing seeds in March. Seedlings are planted singly in pots filled with earth, which should consist of 1/3 of peat, 1/3 of fertile land and 1/3 of sand, and a complex mineral fertilizer is added here at the rate of 20 g per bucket of soil. After 2-3 years, they are planted in a permanent place.

In spring, half-lignified cuttings 10-12 cm long are taken and placed in a mixture of sand and peat, taken in equal parts. After root formation, they are planted singly in pots and only after 2 years in the ground. It can also be propagated by sowing seeds in March. Seedlings are planted singly in pots filled with earth, which should consist of 1/3 of peat, 1/3 of fertile land and 1/3 of sand, and a complex mineral fertilizer is added here at the rate of 20 g per bucket of soil. After 2-3 years, they are planted in a permanent place.

Diseases

Plants of the genus Vermilion are not particularly susceptible to diseases and pest attacks. But they have a fairly tender bark, and it can easily be damaged. Late cold weather causes damage to young shoots, in serious cases, peeling of the bark begins.

Acquisition

This is not a very common plant, but you can find it in the best gardening centers and specialized nurseries both in autumn and spring. Choose small specimens to make it easier to plant seedlings in the ground.