Cercis siliquastrum - Judas Tree

The Judas tree or Eastern redbud (Cercis siliquastrum), is a large deciduous bush with a tall, upright habit and stunning purplish-pink flowers. The tree blooms in April and May, producing an abundance of butterfly-shaped flowers that cluster together and blanket the bare trunk and branches. The leaves of the tree are heart-shaped, bluish-green in colour and turn golden yellow in autumn. The tree thrives in a sunny location and can adapt to any type of soil, including dry and poor ones. When young, it is sensitive to cold, but once well-established, it is hardy.

Cercis siliquastrum belongs to the Fabaceae or Leguminosae family. It is native to regions near the shores of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Its growth is relatively slow, and its mature size reaches around 8 to 10 m (32 to 10 ft) in height and 4 to 5 m (16 to 5 ft) in width. It is an upright tree, often with a bushy tendency. Its abundant flowering starts in April before the leaves appear. The Judas tree is cauliflorous, with flowers appearing directly on the bare trunk and branches. Graceful and tightly packed together, the flowers are fragrant and have a butterfly-like shape in a purplish-pink colour. The fruits, in the form of flattened pods, are produced in autumn and remain on the tree after the foliage drops, much to the delight of birds. The leaves of this plant are heart-shaped, rounded, thick, and smooth. The branches of mature plants extend towards the ground. As the plant ages, its bark turns from grey to nearly black. Although not as hardy as the Canadian redbud, it can still withstand temperatures as low as -12°C or even -15°C if it is grown in well-drained soil.

This Judas tree appreciates sunny locations and any type of soil as long as it is well-draining. It performs well in limestone, dry, rocky terrain. In poor soil, enrich the planting soil with good compost or topsoil. Water it regularly in the first season in case of drought. It can tolerate all types of soils, even limestone. Young shoots may suffer in case of severe frost in early spring. Protection with winter fleece can be useful in the first years in case of a cold spell in March.

This plant can be used as a standalone specimen in a small garden. If you have neutral or limestone soil that is well-draining, you can plant it in a mixed hedge with other plants such as Montpellier maple, smoke tree, and winged spindle tree. This will create a vibrant grove from September to November. Since it grows in dense bushes, it will fit nicely in a bed with lilacs, kolwitzias, and mock oranges.