The Judas trees (Cercis) are a genus in the legume family with currently around ten or eleven known species. Only the common Judas tree, the Canadian Judas tree and the Chinese Judas tree are particularly relevant as ornamental trees in German gardens. We would like to introduce you to their short portraits and the most beautiful varieties here.
Which Judas tree varieties are there?
There are different varieties of Judas tree, such as the common Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) with varieties such as 'Judasblatt', 'Alba', 'Bodnant' and 'Rubra'; the Canadian Judas tree (Cercis canadensis), with varieties such as 'Forest Pansy', 'Lavender Twist' and 'Hearts of Gold'; and the Chinese Judas tree (Cercis chinensis) with varieties 'Avondale' and 'Don Egolf'. All varieties vary in flower color, flowering time, height and winter hardiness.
Common Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum)
The common or common Judas tree is also known as the heart or love tree because of its heart-shaped to kidney-shaped leaves. It loves calcareous, dry soils and a warm and protected location.
The most beautiful varieties of Cercis siliquastrum
| Variety | Flower color | Flowering time | Growth height | Growth width | Leaves | Winter hardiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judasblatt | purplepink | April | up to 6 meters | up to 5 meters | green | needs protection in youth |
| Alba | white | April | up to 2.5 meters | up to 2 meters | light green / golden yellow in autumn | needs protection |
| Bodnant | dark pink | April to May | up to 12 meters | up to 8 meters | light green | needs protection |
| Rubra | dark red | April to May | up to 8 meters | up to 5 meters | greygreen | needs protection in youth |
Canadian Judas tree (Cercis canadensis)
This species comes from North America, but - quite contrary to what the name suggests - is widespread there, especially in the southern states of the USA. However, it also has good winter hardiness here.
The most beautiful varieties of Cercis canadensis
| Variety | Flower color | Flowering time | Growth height | Growth width | Leaves | Winter hardiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Pansy | pink | April | up to 4 meters | up to 4 meters | dark red shoots | needs protection |
| Lavender Twist | pink-violet | April | up to 5 meters | up to 4 meters | green / hanging shoots | needs protection in youth |
| Hearts of Gold | light purple | April | up to 4 meters | up to 2.5 meters | golden yellow | needs protection |
Chinese Judas tree (Cercis chinensis)
The Chinese Judas tree, on the other hand, is ideal for keeping in a pot due to its small size. This species grows more like a shrub and is rarely trained as a tree.
The most beautiful varieties of Cercis chinensis
| Variety | Flower color | Flowering time | Growth height | Growth width | Leaves | Winter hardiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avondale | violet-red | April | up to 2.5 meters | up to 2 meters | green / yellow in autumn | needs protection |
| Don Egolf | pink | April | up to 3 meters | up to 2 meters | green | needs protection |
Upright Judas tree (Cercis glabra)
This species also grows more like a shrub, but is very hardy and therefore well suited for German gardens. The upright Judas tree can grow up to four meters high.
Tip
All Judas trees tolerate pruning very well and can be kept in the desired shape using suitable pruning measures.
