Cercis chinensis

Also Known As

Chinese Redbud

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 8'-15'
W: 8'-15'

planting zones

6a-9b

More Options

Cercis chinensis plant details

Cercis chinensis is a broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cercis chinensis

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 8 FT - 15 FT - wide, 8 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring
Uses: showy, small tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cercis chinensis

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade

Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

?Profuse, rosy-purple pealike flowers? (Wyman) in spring and glossy green heart-shaped leaves to 5" across which turn yellow in fall; usually an erect-branched shrub (8-15') but occasionally tree-like in habit. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

The Chinese Redbud is similar in appearance to the Eastern U.S. Redbud (Cercis canadensis) but is far more heat and drought tolerant. Many have reported that the Chinese Redbud is even more heat and drought tolerant than the Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) but is listed as being one zone more cold hardy. As with other Redbuds, the flowers appear in mid-Spring right before the plants leaf out and cover the plant with masses of pink-red flowers. The Chinese species has a darker flower color that is more towards purple than the other species, and the trees have an overall more upright form.

Redbuds are an easily grown group of trees and will establish a small tree or large shrub within just a couple of years of planting. Pruning the plants back will produce a wider shrub while removing suckers from the base will result in a true tree form. Plants will typically start flowering at a young age, in the nursery trees usually start producing flowers when they reach around five or six feet tall.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Large clusters of rosy-purple pealike flowers cling to the still leafless branches early in the year. This rare form of the redbud is very showy with flowers much larger than most redbuds. An exceptional plant you won't soon forget.