Cercis (Redbud) trees

Cercis or Redbuds are small trees / large shrubs noted for their attractive flowers and leaves.

How to choose Cercis (Redbud) trees

The genus Cercis, commonly known as Redbuds, are colourful attractive small shrub-like trees, usually with a spreading bushy habit. Some varieties have a weeping / columnar habit, a prized quality. Some will become quite large attractive trees. Most varieties grow quite quickly, but do not like to be transplanted.

Cercis are grown for their mid-spring blossom and their very attractive large leaves. Some varieties have leaves a variegated appearance, mixing white and pink tints over green. Varieties with bronze or burgundy coloured leaves are rarer. They often have strong autumn colours too.

The blossom invariably appears on bare branches, ahead of the foliage, in various shades of pink, mauve and purple. The blossom display is usually intense, lasting two-three weeks, and can rival that of ornamental cherries from a distance. The flowers are quite different however, more like those of the pea family.

The resulting seed pods also have a resemblance to the seed pods of broad beans or sugar-snap peas. Cercis get their name from these long seed pods - they dry out over the summer and supposedly look like a weaving shuttle - 'kerkis' in ancient Greek.

Most Cercis originate from North America but there are also species from China and Asia Minor. The North American species Cercis canadensis is very popular in the southern and eastern states, and North Carolina State University has been particularly prominent in developing new varieties. This species is also the state tree of Oklahoma.

All Cercis are generally heat and drought tolerant, and grow best in warm climates. However all the varieties we offer are suitable for the UK climate - although for best results here you should plant in well-drained soil in full sun. If you live in the wetter areas of the UK (Wales, north-west England, western Scotland) then the Chinese species are a better bet, as the American species prefer a dry climate.

Neutral or slightly acidic soils are best, but most varieties will tolerate chalk fairly well.

To encourage flowering and good leaf size you can lightly prune mature trees after they have flowered.

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How to choose Cercis (Redbud) trees

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