Judas Tree: Growing Cercis siliquastrum
Trees

Judas Tree: Growing Cercis siliquastrum

Cercis siliquastrum

Judas tree care (Cercis siliquastrum): small tree with pink flowers on the branches. Full sun, well-drained chalky soil, drought-tolerant.

Characteristics

Scientific nameCercis siliquastrum
Height4-10 m
Sunlightpieno sole
Waterbassa
Soildrenante calcareo
Toxicitynon tossica
Growthlenta
Temperature-15 a 35 °C
FloweringMar, Apr
IrrigationWater young trees in dry spells to establish the roots; mature trees are self-sufficient and shrug off summer drought.

The Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) is a small Mediterranean deciduous tree, spectacular in spring when it is covered in pink-magenta flowers that open straight on the branches and trunk (cauliflory), before the rounded heart-shaped leaves. It wants full sun and well-drained chalky soil and tolerates drought well. It is hardy and reaches 4-10 metres.

Flowering season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Practical tips

Watering

Water needs: bassa — always check soil moisture before watering.

Position

Prefers pieno sole: provide the right light and rotate the plant for even growth.

Substrate

Recommended soil: drenante calcareo. Refresh the substrate every 1-2 years.

Leaves

Dust the leaves with a damp cloth to support photosynthesis.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (spring-summer) and stop in winter.

FAQ

Why do Judas tree flowers grow on the trunk?
It is cauliflory: the pink flowers open directly on old branches and the trunk before the leaves, giving an unusual and very showy spring display.
Are Judas tree flowers edible?
Yes: the pink flowers have a slightly tart taste and are used to decorate and flavour salads; pick them fresh as flowering begins.

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