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Cercis siliquastrum seeds - Judas Tree

Cercis siliquastrum
Common Redbud, Judas Tree

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A large bush or small deciduous tree known for its beautiful purple-pink flowering. It blooms in April-May, directly on its still naked trunk and branches. Its bluish-green heart-shaped foliage turns golden yellow in autumn. The Judas tree prefers a sunny position and tolerates all types of soils, even dry, chalky and poor ones. Tender when young, it becomes hardy once well established. Sow in spring after subjecting the seeds to a cold period to break their dormancy.
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
10 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Sowing method
Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
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Sowing period March to June
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Flowering time March to May
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Description

Cercis siliquastrum, the Judas Tree or Common Judas Tree, is a large deciduous bush prized for its spectacular deep purple-pink flowers. In spring, before the foliage appears, it is adorned with a multitude of flowers that emerge directly from the dark-coloured trunk and branches. Its heart-shaped foliage is bluish-green in spring and turns a beautiful golden yellow in autumn. It thrives in sunny positions and adapts very well to dry, poor soils. Once well established, it can withstand temperatures as low as -12 to -15°C in well-drained soil.

Belonging to the Fabaceae family (or Leguminosae), Cercis siliquastrum is native to Mediterranean regions and areas around the Black Sea. This species grows naturally in Spain, Italy, southern France, Greece, Turkey, and as far as Iran. Its growth is moderate, reaching 3 to 5 metres in 10 years under good conditions, eventually growing to 8 to 10 metres tall with a spread of 4 to 5 metres. Its habit is upright, sometimes slightly bushy. Its early spring flowering in deep pink appears directly on the trunk and branches (a phenomenon called cauliflory). Its flowers are melliferous and attract pollinators. They give way to flattened pods in autumn, which persist on the tree after the leaves fall, providing food for tits. These flowers are also edible: they can be eaten raw and added to salads for a tangy, decorative touch. The heart-shaped, thick and glabrous leaves emerge with a bronze tint before turning bluish-green, then golden in autumn before falling. Like all Fabaceae, it naturally enriches the soil with nitrogen, allowing it to thrive in poor soils. With age, its branches curve slightly towards the ground, and its grey bark darkens to almost black.

The Judas Tree thrives in full sun and tolerates various soil types, provided they are well-drained. Sow in spring after subjecting the seeds to cold stratification or scarification to break their dormancy.

It is well-suited to medium-sized and small gardens. The Judas Tree can be planted as a standalone specimen or incorporated into a mixed hedge, where it pairs well with the Montpellier Maple, the Smoke Bush, and the Winged Spindle. Native to arid, rocky areas, it is particularly at home in dry, stony, and chalky soils, where it thrives effortlessly. Its dense, bushy habit also makes it ideal for mixed borders, accompanied by lilacs, kolkwitzias, and mock oranges, for staggered flowering from spring to autumn.

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Cercis, Judas tree, eastern redbud: planting, pruning and care
Family sheet
by Eva 13 min.
Cercis, Judas tree, eastern redbud: planting, pruning and care
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Cercis siliquastrum seeds - Judas Tree in pictures

Cercis siliquastrum seeds - Judas Tree (Flowering) Flowering

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time March to May
Flower size 1 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Flowering description The flowering, which appears on the branches and trunk, is earlier in the south: it can begin as early as late March if the tree is well positioned.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 10 m
Spread at maturity 5 m
Growth rate slow

Botanical data

Genus

Cercis

Species

siliquastrum

Family

Fabaceae

Other common names

Common Redbud, Judas Tree

Botanical synonyms

Cercis florida

Origin

Southern Europe, Mediterranean, North Africa, West Asia

Product reference • 23954

Planting and care

 Judas Tree seeds need preparation due to their natural dormancy.

The seeds have a hard case that inhibits germination. To break this dormancy, scarification is necessary. Simply nick the surface of the seeds lightly with a sharp knife or gently rub them on sandpaper to facilitate water absorption.

A period of cold stratification is then recommended. After scarification, the seeds should be placed in a moist substrate (sand or vermiculite) inside a sealed plastic bag. This bag should be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature between 4 and 5°C for 6 to 8 weeks. This cold period mimics natural winter conditions and promotes germination.

After stratification, the seeds can be sown in pots filled with a light, well-draining compost mix. They should be sown at a depth of about 0.5 cm, then watered gently to moisten the substrate without saturating it. The pots should be placed in a bright location at room temperature between 20 and 25°C. It is essential to maintain consistent moisture, avoiding excess water. Germination may take several weeks.

Once the young shoots are well-developed and have several leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots. It is advisable to grow them under controlled conditions during their first year and gradually acclimatise them outdoors. After this initial growth phase, planting in the ground is best done in spring or autumn, in well-drained, sunny soil.

Trees grown from seed typically will not flower for at least 6 years. While this propagation method is time-consuming, it produces specimens well-adapted to their environment.

 

 

Sowing period

Sowing period March to June
Sowing method Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Free-standing, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, very well-drained

Planting & care advice

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