Chinese Redbud

Native to China, this large shrub or small tree makes a stunning spring display and is an unusual specimen plant. In late April or early May bare stems are covered with pretty, purple-pink pea-like flowers before the foliage emerges. Large, deciduous heart-shaped leaves make an attractive foliage display through the summer and autumn. Cercis has a branching habit and needs no regular pruning, it has a moderate growth rate, taking over twenty years to reach its mature height and spread. Cercis do not transplant well and do not need additional feeding with artificial fertilisers as this may severely damage the root system.