Cercis chinensis aka Chinese Redbud

Cercis chinensis, or Chinese redbud, belongs to the pea family. It grows wild in central and southern China. Its habitats include woods, thickets, clearings, and slopes. In gardens, it forms a large shrub or small tree. Several stems branch near the base, making a vase shape. Garden plants reach 8–15 feet [2.4–4.6 metres] tall. They spread about 6–13 feet [1.8–4 metres] wide. Wild trees can reach 45–50 feet [13.7–15.2 metres].

The plant sheds its leaves each year and grows at a medium rate. Young bark is smooth and grey-brown, then develops shallow cracks. Slender stems bend in a zigzag pattern and branch densely. Leaves grow in turn along the stems. Each leaf is round to heart-shaped, with a smooth edge. Leaves measure about 0.25–0.42 feet [0.08–0.13 metres] across. Their thick, glossy surface is dark green above and paler beneath. Fall leaves may turn yellow, but their colour varies.

Flowers open before the leaves, from March to April. Deep pink to purple blooms crowd the twigs and older stems. Each small flower has a pea-like shape. The spring display lasts about two to three weeks. Bees visit the flowers for nectar. Flat pods follow the blooms and ripen in late summer. These dry, brown fruits hold many dark brown seeds. Birds can eat the seeds.

Grow Chinese redbud in sun or part shade. Shade from afternoon sun helps in hot summer climates. It needs moist soil that drains well. It tolerates several soil types and a broad pH range. Avoid wet sites, dry soil, and heavy clay. A deep taproot makes established plants hard to move. Sources give USDA zones 6–9 and UK hardiness H5. Hard frost can still cause shoots to die back.

Use it alone, in groups, or along shrub borders. It also suits lawns, woodland gardens, and large pots. Sources report tolerance of deer and black walnut. Leafhoppers and scale insects may attack it. Possible diseases include verticillium wilt, coral spot, and honey fungus. PFAF lists no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. It gives a low food-use rating without confirming edible seeds. It also records past medicinal uses of bark and wood. These records do not establish safe home use.