About

Cercis griffithii is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically reaches a height of up to 5 meters. It features heart-shaped to kidney-shaped green leaves and produces mid-pink flowers that emerge on its bare branches and trunks during the spring season.

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, Clay, Chalk
Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Trees, Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
4-8 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native to
Iran to Central Asia & Afghanistan

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in sun
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 or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to leafhoppers and scale insects
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to verticillium wilt, coral spot and honey fungus