Cercis

The Judas Trees or Cercis are elegant, hardy trees. They are easy to grow and very floriferous. In spring, the purple-pink or white flowers bloom on the still naked branches. Then come the round leaves that turn golden in autumn. It reaches about 3m in height (10ft) in 4 years. The Cercis canadensis "Silver Lining" is a variety with variegated foliage and violet flowers, while the more common Cercis siliquastrum has leaves that change from bronze to yellow and can be cultivated as a bonsai. Originally from Judea, Cercis trees are planted in rich, deep, preferably neutral soil, in sunny locations and sheltered from cold winds.