Cercis | Heijnen Plants

Cercis

Shrubs
Garden plants

Cercis

Shrubs
Garden plants

300cm

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' Eastern redbud

38^30From

300cm

Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' Chinese redbud

14^35From

Buy Cercis

The genus Cercis, commonly referred to as redbud, presents a collection of deciduous shrubs that grace landscapes with their charming flowers and distinctive foliage. These plants are prized for their vibrant floral displays in April and May, ushering in the spring with shades of pink and purple. Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, the redbud thrives in well-drained soils and can be positioned to bask in the full sun or in the gentle embrace of partial shade.

Key Features

Redbuds are renowned for their multi-seasonal appeal and versatility in the garden. Here are some of their most compelling characteristics:

Flowering: Cercis species bloom profusely with pink and purple flowers, bringing a burst of color in spring.
Foliage: The leaves of the redbud offer a captivating palette, with shades of green and purple throughout the seasons, transitioning to exclusively purple in the autumn.
Form: Exhibiting an upright to bushy growth habit, these shrubs can reach an ultimate height of approximately 3 meters, making them an excellent choice for borders, group plantings, or as a solitary feature.
Fruit-bearing: Beyond their ornamental value, redbuds also bear fruit, adding another layer of interest to the garden.
Water requirements: Redbuds have average water needs, making them a manageable addition to any garden setting.

Tips

To ensure the vitality and beauty of your Cercis plants, consider the following guidelines:

Planting Location: Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade to promote the best flowering and foliage color.
Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, as redbuds are not drought-resistant.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is required for redbuds. However, if shaping is necessary, prune back hard at the end of winter or early in spring to maintain the desired form and encourage robust growth.
Propagation: For those interested in expanding their collection, redbuds can be propagated via sowing of seeds or semi-ripe cuttings. When using cuttings, ensure they are healthy and plant them in fertile soil to encourage root development.
Soil Adaptability: While versatile in their soil preferences, ensure the planting site is well-drained to prevent waterlogging and to foster a healthy root system.

By following these simple care instructions, your Cercis shrubs will be a long-lasting and enchanting presence in your garden.

Types

Embrace the enchanting beauty of the redbud, a splendid harbinger of spring with its vibrant blossoms and heart-shaped foliage. These ornamental wonders, with their palette ranging from deep purples to lush greens, add an exquisite touch of color and grace to any landscape design.

Embrace the vibrant spring hues with the Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy', commonly known as the eastern redbud. This ornamental tree is renowned for its striking pink flowers that adorn its branches in the month of May. The heart-shaped leaves of 'Forest Pansy' emerge after the flowers, unfurling in shades of purple and transitioning to deep green as the season progresses. This variety adds a touch of elegance to any landscape, creating a stunning focal point with its unique color palette and graceful form.
The Cercis chinensis 'Avondale', or Chinese redbud, is a spectacular addition to any garden, particularly noted for its profusion of deep purple and pink flowers that burst forth in April and May. This ornamental variety, with its compact and rounded growth habit, is ideal for smaller spaces, yet its floriferous nature ensures it makes a significant impact. The blossoms, which appear before the leaves, envelop the branches, creating a breathtaking display that heralds the arrival of spring with a flourish of color.

Ideal placement of a Cercis

For optimal growth and flowering, position this species in a location that benefits from full sun to partial shade. The presence of adequate sunlight is particularly vital for the development of the vibrant foliage and flower hues. While Cercis is adaptable to various soil types, it is imperative that the chosen site offers well-drained conditions to prevent root saturation. The plant's moderate water requirements call for consistent moisture, yet it is important to avoid waterlogged soil to ensure its health and vigor.

Planting a Cercis

Planting this species requires selecting a location with sun or partial shade that accommodates its mature height of up to 3 meters. The soil should be well-drained, yet these shrubs are adaptable to various soil types. When planting from a pot, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, ensuring the depth allows the shrub to sit at the same level it was in the pot. After positioning the shrub, backfill the hole with the excavated soil, water thoroughly, and provide regular watering to establish a deep and extensive root system.

Fertilising a Cercis

To ensure the vibrant display of pink blossoms and lush foliage, it is important to provide Cercis with the appropriate nutrition. Fertilizing should be done in early spring, just before the growing season begins. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer is ideal, as it will steadily supply nutrients throughout the periods of active growth.

The application of fertilizer should be according to the instructions, taking care not to over-fertilize, which can be just as detrimental as under-fertilizing. Sprinkle the fertilizer evenly around the base of the shrub, extending to the drip line, and water thoroughly to help distribute the nutrients into the soil.

Adhering to these fertilizing guidelines will support the upright to bushy growth habit and contribute to the overall health and flowering potential of the plant.

Pruning a Cercis

To maintain the natural beauty of Cercis, minimal pruning is generally sufficient. If shaping is required, the best time to prune is at the end of winter or early in spring before new growth begins. This timing helps to ensure a robust flowering season. When pruning, focus on removing any dead or damaged branches to promote the health of the shrub. Additionally, judiciously thin out crowded branches to enhance air circulation and light penetration, which will benefit the overall structure and vigor of the plant.

Watering a Cercis

Cercis thrives with consistent moisture, particularly during its flowering and growing seasons in spring and summer. Although this species can adapt to various soil types, it is crucial that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging. Regular watering is essential, especially when the weather is dry, to maintain an average moisture level in the soil. It is not drought-tolerant, so during periods of low rainfall, additional watering may be necessary to ensure the redbud's health and vigor. Take care not to overwater, as proper drainage is key to its development.

The characteristics of a Cercis

Cultivated in a pot, Cercis can be an exquisite patio or balcony addition, with its heart-shaped leaves and springtime blossoms. This species thrives in well-draining soil and benefits from mulching, which helps to maintain soil moisture and temperature. The natural growth pattern of Cercis creates an enchanting, layered effect in landscapes, and its compact root system allows it to coexist with nearby plants without competition, making it an ideal companion in mixed borders or garden beds.

0203 455 22 48

Send an e-mail
[email protected]

Personal advice from
our specialists? We are happy to help you!