Cercis trees (Redbud)

The Cercis tree, also known as the redbud, is a striking ornamental tree renowned for its vibrant early spring flowers. These blossoms, ranging from deep pink to lavender, appear before the heart-shaped leaves. Ideal for small gardens, the tree grows to a modest height and spreads gracefully. It thrives in well-drained soil, making it a favoured choice for adding seasonal colour to landscapes.

Cercis Tree: The Beauty of Enchanting Blossoms

Every spring, a stunning cercis tree has the power to transform any landscape into a breathtaking display of vibrant deep pink or purple blossoms. This captivating plant brings a unique and almost magical touch to gardens and outdoor spaces with its striking beauty.

If you are looking for a perfect ornamental tree, buy a cercis tree and you’ll enjoy its spectacular bloom in spring and overall beauty around the year.

The Unique Charm of Different Cercis Species

Within the diverse Cercis genus, there are several distinct species, each having its own unique features and names. These include:

Cercis siliquastrum - also known as Cercis Judas Tree or European Cercis Tree. Native to the Mediterranean region and often associated with the legend of Juda’s betrayal of Jesus Christ. Typically, 5-10 m high with clusters of large, bright pink flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Cercis siliquastrum Judas Tree is suitable for the Mediterranean climate and tends to do best in milder areas of the UK.

Cercis chinensis also known as Chinese Cercis Redbud Tree. Native to China and Japan. A smaller shrub-like tree, around 3-6 meters high, with profuse purplish-pink flowers that appear directly on branches before the leaves emerge. It is very resistant to cold and can withstand temperatures around -20°C.

Cercis canadensis also known as Eastern Redbud Tree. Native to eastern North America. Usually 6 to 9 meters high with deep pink to light purple flowers that cover the bare branches in spring. Known for its spreading canopy. Adapted to a wide range of climates. It can withstand winter temperatures down to -30°C

Buying Cercis Trees and Best Cercis Trees for Small Gardens UK

Cercis trees offer a splendid array of colours and forms to enchant any garden enthusiast.
Explore the captivating beauty of the cercis tree, a stunning addition to any garden, with our collection of cercis tree UK varieties, each offering a unique splash of colour and charm.

Cercis siliquastrum White Swan is a beautiful, small to medium, cultivar of Judas tree with an elegant and spreading canopy. It is very sought-after because of one unique characteristic – pure white flowers instead of typical magenta pink.

Cercis chinensis Shirobana is a small, compact, upright tree or shrub with heart-shaped leaves and spectacular pure white flowers that appear along the branches before the leaves emerge. A white cercis tree is a rare form of cercis trees and therefore very attractive and sought after by garden enthusiasts.

Cercis canadensis Carolina Sweetheart is an extremely attractive ornamental tree known for its beautiful variegated foliage which includes shades of green, white, and pink. Clusters of vibrant pink spring flowers cover the bare branches in spring.

Cercis canadensis Eternal Flame is a stunning, award-winning, small tree, often multi-stemmed, with vivid, colourful leaves, dark red in spring, orange to yellow by summer, and red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Reddish pink flowers bloom in spring on bare branches. It is considered to be one of the best and most attractive Cercis trees.

Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy is a wonderful, award-winning, small cercis tree or shrub with very attractive foliage, shimmering red-purple in summer, turning orange, bronze, and red purple in autumn. the abundance of rosy-pink flowers appears on bare branches before the leaves.

Cercis canadensis Avondale is a lovely, small tree or shrub, suitable for growing in containers. It produces beautiful purple-pink flowers on bare branches before glossy green leaves tinted red emerge. In autumn, its foliage becomes buttery yellow.

Cercis Tree for Sale UK

If you would like to have this stunning tree in your garden and are looking for cercis trees for sale, Arundel Arboretum in Chichester is the right place for you to go. We will be more than happy to welcome you and assist you.

If you are looking to buy cercis trees online, explore our web store and our carefully curated, both young and mature cercis trees for sale. Find what you need and the rest is on us.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is cercis called the Judas tree?
    According to a popular legend, Judas Iscariot, one of the 12 apostles, hanged himself on this tree after betraying Jesus. The tree was originally white-flowered but blushed with shame at Juda’s betrayal which turned its blossom into deep pink.
  • Is cercis an evergreen?
    No, cercis trees are not evergreen. They are deciduous and shed their leaves annually.
  • How fast does the cercis tree UK grow?
    Cercis trees are moderate growers. On average, they grow at a rate of about 30-60 centimetres per year.
  • What is the lifespan of a cercis tree?
    The lifespan of cercis trees typically ranges from 20 to 30 years. Under ideal conditions, some can live longer even up to 50 years.
  • What is the maximum height of a European cercis tree?
    The maximum height of a European cercis tree ranges up to about 10 to 12 meters when fully mature. This size can vary depending on various factors.
  • Is there a dwarf cercis tree UK?
    Yes, there are dwarf varieties of cercis trees available in the UK, which are suitable for smaller gardens or limited spaces. These small cultivars grow to a much smaller size compared to standard cercis trees and are ideal for very small spaces. Popular dwarf varieties are Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy and Cercis Ruby Falls Tree.
  • Where is the best place to plant a cercis tree?
    Cercis trees prefer moist, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. They are not well-suited to waterlogged or poorly aerated soils. It needs a period of winter chill for the proper setting of their flowers.
  • What is the root depth of the cercis tree?
    The root system of Cercis trees is generally shallow and spreading. The spread of the roots can be quite extensive so it's important to be cautious when planting it near structures, sidewalks, or driveways.
  • Can you buy a cercis tree for hedging?
    Cercis trees are not commonly used for hedging. They are more known for their ornamental value as standalone specimens. They also do not respond well to hard pruning.
  • When should I prune my cercis tree?
    Cercis trees should generally be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It's important to avoid heavy pruning, as cercis trees do not respond well to severe cutting back.
  • What are the cons of cercis?
    Cercis trees have shallow roots which are susceptible to drying out and can cause issues if planted near sidewalks and driveways. Additionally, its lifespan is relatively short compared to other species. Cercis plants do not transplant well and should not be removed once they are planted.
  • Is cercis toxic?
    Cercis trees are generally not considered toxic and safe for humans and animals. Flowers of some Cercis species are edible and used in salads.
  • Is the cercis tree susceptible to diseases or pests?
    Cercis trees are generally pest-free but can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests.
  • Is there a cercis tree for sale near me?
    If you are looking for a cercis tree sale UK and you are in South East England or London, come and visit our Arundel Arboretum nursery and our cercis tree farm. If you are not near us, we invite you to explore our online store and find your perfect plant. The rest is on us. If you have any questions about buying cercis trees or if there's anything we can assist you with, please feel free to reach out.
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