About
Cercis gigantea is a robust, multi-stemmed deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 15 meters. In early spring, it produces clusters of pale pink blooms that appear on its bare branches. These are succeeded by large, heart-shaped leaves that emerge with a bronze tint and transition to yellow in autumn.
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
- Soil type
- Sand, Loam, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- China
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; plant in final location when young, older plants resent transplanting. For more information see tree cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 or Pruning group 7 if carried out in dry weather in late spring or early summer to deter the entry of decay organisms
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leafhoppers and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to verticillium wilt, coral spot and honey fungus