Cercis siliquastrum

Cercis siliquastrum

Cercis siliquastrum

Cercis siliquastrum at Wisley can be found in the Arboretum, the Rock Garden, Model Garden and on Seven Acres. The Seven Acres specimen is easy to find, just beside the Lake.

Cercis

Genus of about 6 species of deciduous trees and shrubs found in woodland margins and on rocky hillsides, in the Mediterranean, E Asia and N America.

They have alternate heart-shaped leaves and have brightly coloured flowers in spring, followed by flattened pods.

Flowers are normally produced on the previous years growth, but may also be borne on wood that is several years old, either before or as the leaves unfold.

Larger species are excellent specimen plants; grow smaller ones in a shrub border or train against a wall.

The Greek name Kerkis for a European species (probably a poplar) was also applied to Cercis siliquastrum which, possibly through confusion between the name Judas and the place Judaea is now known as the tree on which Judas hanged himself.

Cercis siliquastrum

A handsome broadly spreading deciduous tree that gradually develops a rounded crown, producing clusters of pea-like pink flowers on the previous years wood, and on the main trunk.

A spreading and sometimes multi-stemmed tree with heart shaped blue-green leaves 10cm (4in) long, bronze when young turning yellow in autumn.

As with many legumes this species can fix nitrogen, and is noted for attracting wildlife. The plants are hermaphrodite and pollinated by bees.

The wood is very hard, has a beautiful grain, and is used for veneer as it polishes well.

Cultivars include C. siliquastrum f. albida (syn. 'Alba') which has white flowers, 'Rubra' and 'Bodnant' which have dark purple-pink flowers.

AGM

The RHS Floral B Committee awarded Cercis siliquastrum an Award of Garden Merit and described it as a: Bushy, deciduous small tree. Leaves to 10cm wide, broadly heart-shaped. Flowers rosy-pink, pea-shaped, in clusters on the older wood. Fruit a conspicuous flattened purplish pod to 12cm long.

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, deep, moist but well drained soil in full sun or dappled shade. It flowers best in a continental climate.

Plant in final position when young, as it resents root disturbance.

To prune, remove wayward or crossing shoots to maintain permanent, healthy framework in late winter or early spring.

The tree often does not flower well in Britain, especially if the previous summer was cool.

May suffer from canker, coral spot, Verticillium wilt, leafhoppers and scale insects. However, it is notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagation

Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn.

Root semi-ripe cuttings, or bud selected clones in summer.

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Tracheobionta
Class:	Magnoliophyta
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Genus:	Cercis