How to Grow Cercis Chinensis - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Cercis chinensis is a deciduous tree native to china that can grow up to 10 m in height. it has a broad, round crown and branches that are densely covered with small, dark green leaves. the tree produces small, pinkish-white flowers in spring, which are followed by edible, purple fruits. cercis chinensis is commonly cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.

How to Grow Cercis Chinensis - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Japanese Redbud
  • East Asian Redbud
  • Chinese Redbud
  • Taiwanese Redbud
  • Himalayan Redbud

Good to Know

  • Cercis chinensis is a deciduous tree native to China.
  • It typically grows to 15-25 m (49-82 ft) tall.
  • The leaves are heart-shaped, 6-12 cm (4-7 in) long and 4-8 cm (6-1 in) wide, with a short petiole.
  • The flowers are deep pink or lavender, 5-8 cm (0-1 in) diameter, borne in axillary or terminal clusters.
  • The fruit is a flat, dark purple to black pod, 5-8 cm (0-1 in) long and 2-3 cm (0.79-18 in) wide, containing 2-4 seeds.
  • Cercis chinensis is cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.
  • It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • The wood is used in construction and furniture making.
  • The tree is also a source of nectar for bees.
  • It is sometimes known as the Chinese redbud or the Judas tree.

Related plant:
Cercis Siliquastrum

How to Grow

  1. For cercis chinensis, first step is to find a good spot. It should be in an area that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  3. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is even with the surrounding soil.
  4. Refill the hole with soil and gently tamp it down.
  5. Water the plant deeply.
  6. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant, but keep it away from the stem.
  7. Water regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  8. Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer.
  9. Prune as needed to shape the plant.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful cercis chinensis!

Related plant:
Cercis Canadensis Forest Pansy

Soil Condition

About soil condition, cercis chinensis grow in a variety of soils, from sandy to heavy clay, as long as it is well-drained. It grows best in soils with a high organic content. The soil should be moist but not wet, and it should be well-drained.

About light

Like the other trees, the cercis chinensis needs sun to grow. It should be planted in an area that gets full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate partial shade, but it will not produce as many flowers. The tree does best in well-drained soil.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of the Chinese redbud (Cercis chinensis) is a temperature that is neither too hot nor too cold. The ideal temperature range for the Chinese redbud is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the Chinese redbud can also tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too cold, the Chinese redbud will stop growing and if the temperature gets too hot, the Chinese redbud will start to wilt.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40% to 50%. The plant can tolerate lower humidity but the leaves will suffer and may drop. Higher humidity will also cause the leaves to suffer and drop.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are applied to promote growth. For Cercis chinensis, the roots are shallow and widely spread, so a light top dressing of fertilizer is all that is needed. The roots are also very sensitive to disturbance, so it is important to be careful when working around them.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your cercis chinensis healthy and looking its best. Depending on the size and shape of your plant, you may need to prune it every few months to keep it from getting too large or wild-looking. To prune your cercis chinensis, start by removing any dead or dying branches. Then, trim back any branches that are growing out of control. Finally, cut back any branches that are crossing over or rubbing against other branches.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of the cercis chinensis is best done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in the spring. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches. They should be placed in a potting mix that is moist but not wet and kept in a warm, sunny location. Once they have rooted, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate data is for young trees in nurseries. In one study, the average growth rate for cercis chinensis was 26.4 cm per year for the first three years (Fang et al. 2002). However, the average growth rate slowed to 10.2 cm per year for the next three years and then to 5.1 cm per year after six years (Fang et al. 2002). The maximum growth rate recorded in this study was 39.6 cm per year for a three-year-old tree (Fang et al. 2002).

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and drop off, the branches may die back, and the plant may fail to flower or fruit. These problems are usually caused by incorrect watering, over-fertilizing, or pests and diseases.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to plant your cercis chinensis in an area that receives full sun.
  • This tree does best in soil that is moist but well-drained.
  • When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the width of the tree’s root ball.
  • Once planted, water your tree deeply and regularly for the first few months.
  • Fertilize your cercis chinensis tree twice a year, in spring and fall.
  • Prune your tree annually to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
  • Protect your tree from strong winds by staking it, if necessary.
  • Be on the lookout for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  • Harvest the tree’s fruit when it is ripe and enjoy it fresh or in recipes.
  • Enjoy the beautiful blooms of your cercis chinensis tree each spring!

Similar Plants

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  • Clitoria ternatea
  • Cortusa matthioli
  • Geranium maderense
  • Gunnera tinctoria
  • Hamelia patens
  • Heliotropium tinctorium
  • Hibiscus rosasinensis
  • Indigofera tinctoria
  • Jatropha tinctoria

Source:
Cercis chinensis 'Kay's Early Hope' - JC Raulston Arboretum
SelecTree: A Tree Selection Guide - Cal Poly
Cercis chinensis (Chinese Redbud) - 5 images at …

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Trees Category