About
Cercis chinensis is a compact shrub or small tree characterized by its upright branches and rounded, smooth, dark green leaves that shift to yellow in the fall. In early spring, before the foliage emerges, it produces clusters of flowers that range from deep pink to lavender-pink, resembling small peas.
About the genus
Cercis consists of deciduous shrubs or small trees characterized by their heart-shaped foliage. The plants produce clusters of vibrant pink pea-like blossoms that emerge either before or alongside the leaves. After flowering, they develop flattened pods that are deep purple in color.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- C China
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leafhoppers and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to verticillium wilt, coral spot and honey fungus