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The Judas tree is a fascinating ornamental tree, as the plant not only flowers on the young shoots, but even directly on the trunk. This stem blood is a property that is actually only known in tropical plants, with which the plant wants to gain an advantage. The flowers on the stem make it easier for insects to pollinate and thus increase the likelihood of reproduction through the formation of seeds - a clever trick of nature. Of course, the stem blood is particularly effective on a high stem.
Not all types of the Judas tree are suitable as a standard
Appropriate species and varieties
The group of Judas trees are not homogeneous plants, but different species and varieties - which are also native to different continents. Some Judas trees naturally grow into trees, can reach heights of between six and twelve meters and can also be just as wide. The crown is usually very wide, but finely branched. Other species such as the Chinese Judas tree, which grows up to two or three meters high, and the various varieties of the hanging Judas tree (e.g. "Ruby Falls" or "Lavender Twist") have a more shrub-like growth habit, but can be trained to form a standard tree.
Upbringing to the high trunk
The upbringing to the standard is similar to that of various fruit trees. To do this, select the strongest shoot as the leader and tie it to a supporting stick, whereby the height of the stick should roughly correspond to the later height of the trunk. The lower side shoots should be removed regularly. Incidentally, the tall stems that are purchased are mostly grafts, with Chinese Judas trees often being grafted onto the climatically hardened Canadian Judas tree.
Judas tree standard in the garden
Such tall stems can be cultivated both in the garden and in pots, whereby the same care rules apply to them as to naturally grown Judas trees. However, you should exercise caution in very cold winters, because the Chinese Judas tree in particular is quite sensitive to frosty temperatures. You should therefore either cultivate such specimens in a bucket or protect them adequately in winter, for example with an insulating fleece. Nevertheless, it can happen that the graft freezes and the tree sprout from the base again in spring.
tips
A pruning is best done in spring on a mild, frost-free and overcast day if possible. Whether you want to cut before or after flowering is entirely up to you.