The short answer

Quick Answer

Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree) thrives in full sun on chalky soils (pH 6.5-8), free-draining. Reaches 4 to 8m tall and wide. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -15°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Midsummer, after flowering

How: Minimal. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Mediterranean and North America

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Cultivated in UK gardens since the 1600s. Mainly grown in warmer southern counties

Folklore: The common name Judas tree comes from the legend that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a Cercis. The flowers turned from white to pink in shame

Fun fact: The flowers are edible and have a sweet, slightly acid flavour. They are used in salads and as a garnish

Historical medicinal uses: Flowers historically used as a digestive. Not for self-use

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees visit the flowers [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Low to medium[3][4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowers in May. Yellow autumn colour[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Underplant with spring bulbs and hardy geraniums

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Coral spot, verticillium wilt on stressed trees. See RHS verticillium wilt advice

Invasive note: Not invasive

CGM care note

Cercis resents being moved once planted, so choose the spot carefully and leave it alone. We dig a wide shallow planting hole and add grit to the backfill on heavier soils. Water through the first two summers, even after rain, to establish the deep tap root.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree)

How Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Agapanthus (African Lily), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Apple Tree, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bay, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Beech, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bergenia (Elephant Ears), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Blackthorn, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap

Avoid planting beside

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree) (Cercis siliquastrum, Cercis canadensis). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Cercis siliquastrum, Cercis canadensis. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Fabaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Azani N, Babineau M, Bailey CD, et al. (2017). A new subfamily classification of the Leguminosae. Taxon, 66(1), 44-77.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Fabaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, soil_type, feeding, companion_planting, biodiversity_value.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree). The pollinator description above ("Bees visit the flowers") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Low to medium") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Flowers in May. Yellow autumn colour".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees visit the flowers"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Low to medium") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Fabaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree) performs well locally

Towns where Cercis (Redbud, Judas Tree) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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