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Cercis siliquastrum (Judas Tree)

Judas Tree, Mediterranean Redbud, Love Tree

Cercis siliquastrum, Judas Tree, Mediterranean Redbud, Love Tree, Small Tree, Pink Flowers,
Cercis siliquastrum, Judas Tree, Mediterranean Redbud, Love Tree, Small Tree, Pink Flowers,
Cercis siliquastrum, Judas Tree, Mediterranean Redbud, Love Tree, Small Tree, Pink Flowers,

Noted for its spectacular floral display, Cercis siliquastrum (Judas Tree) is a deciduous, often multi-trunked tree with a rounded crown. Masses of pea-like purplish rose flowers held in clusters appear in the spring, before or with the leaves. Pretty on the tree and good in salads, they are larger than those found on most other Cercis species. They are followed by ornamentally showy, pendant, reddish-purple seedpods, which adorn the branches in late summer and may persist into winter. Emerging bronze-red, the rounded, heart-shaped leaves mature to deep green in summer before turning pale yellow to greenish-yellow in the fall. It is said to be the tree on which Judas Iscariot hanged himself.

  • Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall and wide (450-750 cm).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this Redbud is easily grown in well-drained soils. Performs best in moderately fertile soils with regular and consistent moisture. The best flower production is obtained in full sun, but part shade is best in hot summer climates. Needs a winter chill before the flowers set properly.
  • Perfect choice as a specimen plant or for shrub borders.
  • Generally pest-free. Watch for canker, verticillium wilt, dieback, leaf spots, mildew, and blights. Deer tolerant.
  • Does not transplant well. It should be planted when young and left undisturbed.
  • Native to the eastern Mediterranean region.

Redbud Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success


While redbud trees are generally resilient and easy to grow, they are not without their challenges. From pest infestations to diseases and environmental stress, it’s crucial for gardeners to identify and address these issues promptly to maintain the health and vibrancy of these stunning ornamental trees.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 3 - 9
Climate Zones 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fabaceae
Genus Cercis
Common names Redbud
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Spread 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cercis chinensis (Chinese Redbud)
Cercis canadensis Lavender Twist (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis The Rising Sun (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis f. alba (White Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis ‘Alley Cat’ (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis Golden Falls® (Eastern Redbud)

Recommended Companion Plants

Betula pendula (Silver Birch)
Heuchera ‘Chocolate Ruffles’ (Coral Bells)
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ (Chinese Silver Grass)
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
35 Best Flowering Trees for a Spectacular Garden Display
Small Trees, Big Impact: Maximize Your Garden’s Potential
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
How to Create an Enchanting Butterfly Garden
For the Love of Butterflies: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
6 Reasons You Should Create a Butterfly Garden
Redbud Tree: Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Redbud Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success
Cercis (Redbud Tree)
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 3 - 9
Climate Zones 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fabaceae
Genus Cercis
Common names Redbud
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Spread 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cercis (Redbud)
Guides with
Cercis (Redbud)
Not sure which Cercis (Redbud) to pick?
Compare Now

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