Cercis

(Forest Pansy)

There is nothing better than the Spring delight of blossom trees to welcome the change of season. While blossom trees come in all styles and colours, a relatively unused blossom tree is the Cercis or Judus Tree.

This small deciduous tree about 5m x 5m is a slow to moderate growing tree. It has large heart shaped purple leaves which appear in spring after the flowers and change to a brilliant yellow/orange for an autumn display.

The flowers are not quite the typical blossom flower as they produce masses of pink pea-like flowers along the bare branches before the leaves set.

This tree has a non invasive root system and is quite hardy adapting to a wide range of soil types as long as the soil is relatively free draining. It can take full sun to part shade and would make an excellent feature in any garden. It is not really bothered by pests or diseases.

It has something for all seasons and is a slightly more unusual specimen from your typical blossom tree.

Other varieties of Cercis include ‘Avondale’ which is slightly smaller and slender 3m x 2m with deep pink flowers and dark green leaves or Cercis ‘Alba’ about 4m x 4m with white pea-like flowers on bear branches before mid green heart shaped leaves in Spring.