Cercis siliquastrum - Judas Tree - Plant in 9 cm Pot

A very attractive large shrub or more often, small round headed tree. Originating from the eastern Mediterranean region it has been in cultivation since the 16th century. The branches are wreathed in abundant clusters of rosy lilac pea shaped flowers in April and May before the leaves are full formed. If you have seen one of these in flower you are unlikely to forget it! Flowers are followed (in good years) by an equally abundant crop of long hanging purple tinted seed pods. The heart shaped leaves emerge bronze turning blue green as the season progresses and then yellow in autumn. A good early source of food for bees. I guess I should do as everyone else does and tell you that legend maintains it was a Judas tree that Judas Iscariot hanged himself in after betraying Jesus to the Romans. Alternatively, you might prefer to think that it is more likely that the name comes from the French name Arbre de Jude which simply translates to Tree of Judea. Be my guest, take your pick! Whatever the truth in the name, it is still really a very beautiful tree. This plant can be used in a mixed planting or as a stand alone specimen in the garden or can easily be grown in a pot or other container. Use a good quality John Innes compost as this plant will be there a long time and peaty types of compost eventually degrade, become too packed and choke the roots. Ensure you feed regularly as a hungry plant is a poor performer. We recommend Osmoscote pro 8-9 month applied in the early spring. One application gives all the nutrients the plant requires for the whole year. John Innes is a soils based compost.