judas tree
Cercis siliquastrum
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size15 to 25 feet tall15 to 25 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, autumn
- Bloom color
- Rose-purple
- Foliage color
- Green, red/burgundy
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) is a tree for borders, pollinator gardens, and specimen planting. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist soil of most types. Rose-purple flowers open in early to late spring, and butterflies, bees, and birds visit the tree. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. Green leaves with red and burgundy tones turn color in fall.
Pairs well with European white birch, Chocolate Ruffles coral bells, and Karl Foerster feather reed grass.
Native range
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, East Aegean Is., and 4 more places. See all 8
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, East Aegean Is., Kriti, NW. Balkan Pen., Sicilia, and Türkiye.