Beautiful Cercis for Your Garden

By June 16, 2024 Media No Comments

Cercis are beautiful small trees that are worth a place in any garden. Different varieties can grow anywhere from 2 to 4 metres so they are versatile for different positions. Always deciduous, Cercis – also known as Redbuds – are most famous for their distinctive heart shaped leaves which besides green can come in a range of colours from golden lime to a rich purple. On top of that they produce very pretty pink blossom in spring, and some will even have beautiful autumn leaf colour. What a tree!

CARING FOR CERCIS

Cercis are not difficult trees to grow, but obviously have favoured conditions. As a rule, a redbud tree will need at least 4-5 hours of sun to flower properly and will grow happily in full sun.

Like Japanese Maples, redbuds come from a cooler part of the world, so will be much better with some summer irrigation in Melbourne.When planting your Cercis, add compost to the soil for good drainage as Cercis trees don’t want the soil to be too soggy in winter.

Use an all purpose fertiliser in March and September to keep your tree growing, and if needed prune the tree after flowering in spring. This can keep the size reduced, and promote a denser habit.

CERCIS VARIETIES

Oklahoma
Growing to 6m tall, Oklahoma is one of the biggest redbuds.Its foliage is an attractive glossy green in summer, and turns a crisp yellow in autumn. The vibrant pink blossoms in spring are stunning, and cover the entire canopy.Best used as a feature tree to utilise its size and show off its foliage and flowers.

Forest Pansy
Probably the most popular Cercis, its gorgeous purple leaves in spring and summer are instantly recognisable. Soft pink pea blooms light up the garden in spring, and the foliage turns majestic golds and yellows in autumn. Again, Forest Pansy makes an amazing feature tree in the garden, but it can be grown in a large pot too.

Merlot
A purple leaf variety with much the same seasonal features as Forest Pansy, but it grows only 2/3rds of the size. Therefore it can work in smaller spaces and works well in a pot. The leaves are also said to be more heat resistant.

Aurelian
A stunning Cercis whose claim to fame is the magnificent golden foliage in spring, which settles to a lime green in summer. It also has the typical Cercis pink blossom in spring. Best used as feature tree where its golden tone can create amazing contrast with Magnolias, Gardenias and the like.

Avondale
A small growing redbud to 3m, with a soft forest green leaf that becomes pretty butter yellow in autumn. Avondale has one of the brightest pink flowers of all Cercis, which is unmissable in spring. Its compact habit makes it work in smaller garden spaces, and great in containers.

Merlot
A unique weeping Cercis which is a stunning feature in any garden. Green foliage turning a lovely gold in autumn, a stunning pink flower show in spring and an elegant framework of pendulous branches in winter give it year-round appeal. Looks amazing in a showy pot.

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