This small genus of 6 or 7 deciduous trees and shrubs is found in the temperate zone from North America to Southeast Asia and is grown for the showy spring flowers. The leaves are alternate and mostly brodly egg-shaped. The flowers are pea-shaped, with 5 petals in a squat calyx, usually borne on bare stems before or with the early leaves. The fruit is a flat legume with a shallow wing along the edge. In North America, this genus is commonly known as the redbud, but in some parts of the world it is known as the Judas tree. Tradition holds that it was a Cercis tree from which Judas hanged himself after betraying Christ.
CULTIVATION
Cercis species prefer a moderately fertile soil that drains well, and exposure to sun for most of the day. All species are frost hardy. Some early shaping is needed to select a main leader, but little regular pruning is needed after that. They do not respond well to transplanting. Propagation is usually from freshly harvested seeds, which need pre-soaking in hot water to soften the hard coat. Half-hardened cuttings may be taken in summer or early autumn.
Top Tip
As Cercis species do not transplant well, consideration should be given to their suitability and long-term needs when choosing a site to plant.
CULTIVATION
Cercis species prefer a moderately fertile soil that drains well, and exposure to sun for most of the day. All species are frost hardy. Some early shaping is needed to select a main leader, but little regular pruning is needed after that. They do not respond well to transplanting. Propagation is usually from freshly harvested seeds, which need pre-soaking in hot water to soften the hard coat. Half-hardened cuttings may be taken in summer or early autumn.
Top Tip
As Cercis species do not transplant well, consideration should be given to their suitability and long-term needs when choosing a site to plant.
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