Judas tree
Cercis siliquastrum · Fabaceae
📷 Zeynel Cebeci · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around judas tree and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to May, pink-mauve flowers
- Adult size
- Up to 6 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean and Western Asia
- Soil type
- Well-drained soil, tolerates calcareous soils
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
The Judas tree flowers on old wood: prune only after flowering, and very lightly.
The common mistake
Pruning in autumn or winter removes the flower buds for the following spring.
The pro's trick
Choose a sunny location, sheltered from cold wind, with well-drained soil.
Care
Exposure
Plant your Judas Tree in full sun for abundant flowering and a beautiful structure. It tolerates partial shade, but will flower less generously. Avoid locations too exposed to strong winds.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to promote root establishment. Once established, the tree is relatively tolerant of drought thanks to its deep root system. During prolonged dry periods, water moderately at the base.
Soil
Prefer well-drained soil to prevent root asphyxia. The Judas Tree appreciates calcareous or neutral soils and adapts to nutrient-poor soils. Improve the soil at planting time with well-decomposed compost.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a balanced shape. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Avoid severe pruning which weakens the tree; intervene in late winter if necessary.
Fertiliser
An application of compost in autumn is generally sufficient to feed the tree. In poor soil, apply balanced fertiliser in spring. The Judas Tree, being a Fabaceae, fixes atmospheric nitrogen and does not require intense fertilisation.
Diseases and pests
The tree is generally robust. Watch for scale insects and aphids in spring; a spray of water is often sufficient. Wood canker may appear on poorly healed pruning wounds; disinfect your tools and avoid large wounds.
Did you know?
According to Christian legend, the Judas Tree is named after Judas Iscariot, who supposedly hanged himself from one of these trees after betraying Jesus. Its red-mauve flowers are said to be a symbol of his shame. In reality, the name comes from the Levant (a historical region of the Middle East) where the tree grows naturally.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.