The Judas tree (Cercis) - also known to some as the heart or love tree - delights the eye in early spring with its lush pink, violet-red or white flowers. Its elongated fruits also provide an exotic flair; the tree, which originally comes from the Mediterranean region, has been cultivated here for around 400 years. In addition, the Judas tree is as easy to care for as it is beautiful.
How do I properly care for a Judas tree?
Judas tree care is simple: choose a sunny location with loose, calcareous soil, water only when necessary, avoid nitrogen fertilizers and only prune to remove dead or damaged branches. Older Judas trees are hardy, but young plants need winter protection.
Which location does the Judas tree prefer?
As a Mediterranean plant, the Judas tree prefers a protected, sunny location with loose, well-drained soil that is as calcareous as possible. Whether the plant can tolerate neutral to slightly acidic soil and/or a partially shaded location depends on the specific species and variety.
Should you water the Judas tree?
Planted Judas trees generally do not need any additional water and should only be watered when they let their leaves droop. Extreme moisture and waterlogging must also be avoided at all costs.
When and with what can you fertilize the Judas tree?
Fertilization is usually not necessary, especially not with nitrogen - the plant, which is a legume, produces this itself. Only liming might be necessary from time to time.
Can the Judas tree also be cultivated in a pot?
The Judas tree can be cultivated very well in a container, as long as it is a young plant or a smaller variety. In this case, however, the tree should be watered regularly and fertilized if necessary. Frost-free wintering is recommended.
Can you transplant the Judas tree?
As a shallow rooter, the Judas tree can be easily transplanted.
How should you prune the Judas tree?
For solitary plants, pruning is not necessary except for maintenance measures such as the removal of dead or damaged material.
How can you propagate the Judas tree?
The Judas tree can be propagated very well by seeds and cuttings.
Which diseases and pests are particularly common in the Judas tree?
Judas trees are quite robust and only very rarely get sick. If pests or signs of disease (e.g. wilt) do occur, an unsuitable location and/or incorrect care is usually to blame.
Is the Judas tree hardy?
Older Judas trees are considered hardy and frost-proof, younger ones require good winter protection or are best left frost-free over the winter.
Tip
Judas trees have rather shallow roots, and their roots can spread very widely and even damage walls. For this reason, you should choose the location for a solitary plant - which can grow up to 13 meters high - very carefully and, if necessary, protect the roots by taking appropriate measures.
