Chinese Redbud
Cercis chinensis

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Pink. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Vase.

Cercis chinensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 15

Where it is found

Woodland and clearings, 600 - 1200 metres in W. Hupeh.

E. Asia - China

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Although no records of edibility have been seen for the seed, on a zero moisture basis it contains 16.6% protein, 9.2% fat and 2.8% ash.

Medicine

Rating: 2

Treats bladder diseases, post-partum discharges, bleeding piles and internal parasites. The wood and the bark have been used to treat abscesses, bladder ailments and head troubles.

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Massing, Specimen. Succeeds in most soils and pH types, but dislikes growing in wet soils, especially when these are of clay. Prefers a deep damp sandy loam and a very sunny position. Dislikes drought. Repays generous treatment. Although the dormant plant is cold-hardy, the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. This species does not flower very freely in Britain. Plants do not thrive at Kew, they prefer a hotter climate. The flowers are produced on the branches of the previous or earlier years, and also on the trunk of the plant. Plants are susceptible to coral spot fungus, especially in areas with cooler summers where the wood is not fully ripened. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Resents root disturbance, plants should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible, preferably in May, and should be kept well watered until established. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Special Features:Not North American native, Blooms are very showy.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratify for 3 months. Sow spring in the greenhouse. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Plants resent root disturbance and are best planted out in their permanent positions as soon as possible. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 6-8

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. japonica.