Overview
Cercis racemosa is a bushy, spreading branched trees in the genus Cercis, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cercis racemosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Cercis racemosa is a deciduous tree cultivar within the Cercis genus, known for its bushy, spreading branched habit. Like other members of its genus, it features heart-shaped foliage and produces clusters of vibrant pink pea-like blossoms in spring, which are followed by deep purple flattened pods. This cultivar thrives in fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, clay, loam, or sand, and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and suits a variety of garden settings including architectural, cottage, informal, and wildlife gardens.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cercis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Cercis racemosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cercis racemosa
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Leafhoppers, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Verticillium wilt, Coral spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cercis racemosa?
Cercis racemosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cercis racemosa need?
Cercis racemosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Cercis racemosa hardy in the UK?
Cercis racemosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Cercis racemosa?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Cercis genus
- Cercis canadensis 'Pinkbud'eastern redbud 'Pinkbud'
- Cercis siliquastrum 'White Swan'Judas tree 'White Swan'
- Cercis canadensis Little Woody ('Litwo'PBR)eastern redbud [Little Woody]