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Cercis chinensis

Chinese redbud

A densely branched shrub or small tree with erect shoots and rounded, glossy, leathery, rich green leaves, turning yellow in autumn. Bears clusters of deep pink to lavender-pink, pea-like flowers in early spring, before the leaves open

Synonyms
Cercis japonica
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cercis are deciduous shrubs or small trees with heart-shaped leaves and clusters of bright pink pea-flowers opening before or with the leaves, followed by flattened, deep purple pods

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers and scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to verticillium wilt, coral spot and honey fungus

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