When a Cercis Comes into Bloom on Bare Branches, the Whole Garden Feels as Though Spring Has Truly Arrived.

Blossom Along Bare Spring Branches

One of the real joys of Cercis is the way the flowers appear directly on the bare branches in spring, sometimes even along the main trunk. Clusters of pea‑like blooms in shades of pink, magenta or soft rose cling to the wood, turning the framework of the tree into a piece of living sculpture. On a bright April or May day, those blossoms stand out against the sky and make the whole garden feel as though it is shaking off winter and waking up again.

  • Blossom Along Bare Spring Branches
  • Heart‑Shaped Leaves With Lasting Charm
  • A Characterful Tree For Modest Gardens
Cercis (Redbud & Judus) - Simpson's Nurseries Ltd

Cercis at a Glance:

Common name: Judas tree or Redbud

Latin name: Cercis

Size in UK gardens: Many forms reach around 3–6m tall × 3–5m wide over time, often as a small, branching tree or multi‑stemmed specimen.

Best position: A sunny or lightly shaded spot, ideally in a reasonably sheltered position where you can enjoy the spring flowers and summer foliage from the house or a favourite seating area.

Soil: Prefers well‑drained, moderately fertile garden soil; happiest where it doesn’t sit in heavy, cold, waterlogged ground for long.

Flowering time: Clusters of small, pea‑like flowers in spring, often on bare branches before the leaves; followed by attractive heart‑shaped foliage and, on some types, decorative seed pods.

Fragrance: Flowers are usually not strongly scented, but the overall display of blossom and foliage is the main appeal.

Hardiness: Generally hardy in most UK gardens, including Cambridgeshire and surrounding East Anglia, once well established.

Care level: Fairly easy given sun, drainage and a little patience – it can be slow to get going but rewards you with character and year‑on‑year interest.
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Cercis Care at a Glance:

Planting time: As container‑grown trees, Cercis can be planted in most months when the soil is workable and not frozen or waterlogged, with spring and early autumn usually the easiest times for both you and the plant.

Watering: Water regularly through the first couple of growing seasons so the soil stays lightly moist, especially in dry spells. Once established in the ground, Cercis is reasonably tolerant of normal summer dryness, but appreciates a soak during prolonged drought.

Feeding: In decent garden soil, an annual mulch of compost in spring is usually enough. On poorer ground or in containers, a light feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring supports steady growth and good foliage.

Pruning: Cercis needs very little routine pruning. Occasional light shaping and removal of dead, damaged or crossing branches is usually all that’s required, as it naturally forms an attractive framework.

Winter: In a suitable position, established trees generally need no special winter care. Young trees benefit from a mulch around the base and, in more open gardens, a little shelter from very strong, cold winds.

Varieties We Usually Stock

Availability is always changing, so please check with us if you have a particular variety in mind.

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'

Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold'

Cercis canadensis 'Lavender Twist'

Cercis canadensis 'Merlot'

One of the best for leaf colour, with heart-shaped foliage that emerges deep purple and holds rich tones through the season. In spring, rosy pink blossom appears along the bare branches, giving that magical “flowers on wood” effect. A stylish feature tree for bold contrast.

A bright, cheerful redbud with golden heart-shaped leaves that glow like sunlight from spring onwards. Pink blossom appears on bare stems first, then the fresh foliage takes over. A wonderful choice for lifting darker planting schemes and adding a warm focal point.

A charming weeping redbud with a twisting, cascading framework that looks sculptural even in winter. In spring it’s smothered in lavender-pink blossom along the stems, then heart-shaped leaves soften the outline. Perfect for small gardens where you want character and theatre.

A richer, darker-leaved alternative to ‘Forest Pansy’, with glossy heart-shaped foliage in deep wine tones and a strong, upright habit. Spring brings bright pink blossom on the bare branches, making the whole tree feel jewel-like. A superb specimen for dramatic colour and form.

Cercis canadensis 'Royal White'

Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'

Cercis chinensis 'Avondale'

Cercis siliquastrum

A rare and elegant redbud with pure white spring blossom that appears directly on the bare branches, creating a clean, luminous display. As the heart-shaped leaves emerge, the tree settles into a calm, graceful presence. Beautiful in mixed planting where you want spring brightness with a softer feel.

A compact weeping redbud combining deep burgundy foliage with a cascading habit for a bold, modern look. In spring, ruby-pink blossom appears along the stems, then the dark leaves take over. Ideal for adding dramatic colour and a waterfall silhouette in smaller spaces.

A compact Chinese redbud that flowers generously, often covering its branches in vivid pink bloom in spring. The heart-shaped leaves arrive afterwards, keeping the tree neat and attractive. A brilliant small feature tree for courtyards and front gardens, where you want a concentrated burst of colour.

The Judas tree has a wonderfully Mediterranean feel, with rounded leaves and bright pink spring flowers that appear right on the older wood, creating a truly enchanting display. Its shape is light and airy, making it a graceful specimen that brings romance, warmth and character to the garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Cercis is often an excellent choice for smaller back gardens and front gardens. Most forms mature at around 3–6m, which is large enough to feel like a proper tree but not so big that it dominates the whole plot. Its airy canopy lets light filter through, so you can still plant beneath it, and it can be used as a focal point by a lawn, path or driveway. Choosing a variety with a size and habit to suit your space, and giving it a good position from the outset, helps it sit comfortably for many years.

In typical UK conditions, many Cercis cultivars reach around 3–6m tall with a similar spread over time. Growth is not usually very fast; it often spends the first few years quietly establishing before filling out. The eventual size depends on the particular variety, soil quality and how much space you allow it. In an average suburban garden, it will generally feel like a modest feature tree rather than a large, overbearing specimen, especially if given a sensible amount of room to develop its natural shape.

You can grow a young Cercis in a large container for several years, which is useful if you want to enjoy it on a patio or in a courtyard while it’s small. Use a deep, sturdy pot with good drainage and a loam‑based compost, and water regularly in dry spells. Feed lightly in spring and again in midsummer. Long‑term, most Cercis are happier in the ground where their roots can explore more freely, so it’s sensible to think of container growing as a stage on the way to a permanent position in the garden.

Cercis will flower and colour best in full sun or very light dappled shade. In a sunny position, you’ll generally see more blossom and stronger foliage tones, particularly on purple‑leaved varieties. It will usually tolerate a little afternoon shade, especially in warmer, more sheltered gardens, but deep shade under taller trees tends to reduce flowering and make growth more open and sparse. In most Cambridgeshire and East Anglia gardens, a bright, open spot with a touch of shelter from the coldest winds is just about perfect.