The Judas tree (Cercis) is ideal for bonsai culture and can be designed in many styles: upright, semi-cascade or cascade, solitary, double or multiple trunk. The tree not only tolerates pruning, but is also resistant to diseases and pests - provided you take care of your Cercis in a species-appropriate manner. Then you will not only be rewarded with a beautiful bonsai, but also with numerous flowers in spring. As one of the few ornamental trees, the Judas tree not only sprout from the young, but even from the old wood and directly from the trunk.
The Judas tree is easy to train as a bonsai
Location: sunny and sheltered
However, you will only be able to admire this splendor of flowers if your Cercis is in a comfortable location. The tree likes it as sunny, warm and sheltered from the wind as possible - if the Judas tree is used to it, it can stay in direct sunlight even in midsummer, but the substrate should not dry out then. The bonsai feels most comfortable in a south-facing place. When it comes to substrate, it is best to choose a good universal substrate that you mix with plenty of coarse sand. Also pay attention to the pH value, which should be in the neutral to slightly alkaline range.
watering and fertilizing
Cercis should always be kept slightly moist, but you should definitely avoid waterlogging. Use rainwater or stagnant tap water, with which you vigorously spray the whole plant, including all leaves, using a very fine spray. In winter there is significantly less watering than in summer. Unlike the large Judas trees, bonsai cercis should be fertilized regularly between May and August. Liquid bonsai fertilizers on an organic basis are particularly suitable for this. However, be sure to choose a low-nitrogen fertilizer - Judas trees are able to fix nitrogen from the air themselves with the help of bacteria.
cutting and wiring
If you want to enjoy the beautiful blossom, you should only cut back your Judas tree after it has blossomed. If you attach less importance to this, you can cut back in March. A root cut is done when repotting, which is due every two years. Cercis can also be wired very well, although you should remove the wire by mid-May at the latest - otherwise there will be unsightly traces of wiring on the twigs and branches.
tips
While Judas trees planted out can often overwinter outside, Cercis bonsai belong in a frost-free overwintering.