The Judas trees (Cercis) are a genus of the legume family with currently about ten or eleven known species. Only the common Judas tree, the Canadian Judas tree and the Chinese Judas tree are relevant as ornamental trees in German gardens. We will present their short portraits and the most beautiful varieties to you at this point.

There are also white flowering varieties of the Judas tree

Common Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum)

The common Judas tree is also known as the heart or love tree because of its heart-shaped to kidney-shaped leaves. He loves calcareous, dry soil and a warm and sheltered location.

The most beautiful varieties of Cercis siliquastrum

variety flower color heyday growth height growth width leaves hardiness
Judas leaf purple pink April up to 6 meters up to 5 meters green needs protection when young
Alba White April up to 2.5 meters up to 2 meters light green / golden yellow in autumn needs protection
Bodnant dark pink April to May up to 12 meters up to 8 meters light green needs protection
rubra dark red April to May up to 8 meters up to 5 meters grey-green needs protection when young

Canadian Judas Tree (Cercis canadensis)

This species originates from North America, but is widespread there - contrary to what the name suggests - especially in the southern states of the USA. However, it also has good winter hardiness here.

The most beautiful varieties of Cercis canadensis

variety flower color heyday growth height growth width leaves hardiness
Forest Pansy pink April up to 4 meters up to 4 meters dark red shoot needs protection
Lavender twist pink-violet April up to 5 meters up to 4 meters green / hanging shoots needs protection when young
hearts of gold light purple April up to 4 meters up to 2.5 meters golden yellow needs protection

Chinese Judas Tree (Cercis chinensis)

The Chinese Judas tree, on the other hand, is ideal for keeping in a bucket due to its small size. This species grows more like a shrub and is rarely raised as a tree.

The most beautiful varieties of Cercis chinensis

variety flower color heyday growth height growth width leaves hardiness
Avondale violet-red April up to 2.5 meters up to 2 meters green / yellow in autumn needs protection
Don Egolf pink April up to 3 meters up to 2 meters green needs protection

Upright Judas tree (Cercis glabra)

This species also grows more like a shrub, but is very hardy and therefore well suited for German gardens. The upright Judas tree can grow up to four meters high.

tips

All Judas trees tolerate pruning very well and can be kept in the desired shape with suitable pruning measures.

Category:

Trees