Cercis siliquastrum aka Judastree

Taxonomy

Cercis siliquastrum, also known as the Judas tree or Mediterranean Redbud, is a small deciduous tree in the Fabaceae family. It is native to Southern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa and can grow 15 to 25 feet tall with a rounded crown. In early spring, it displays attractive deep pink, pea-shaped flowers on bare branches and even the trunk. The Mediterranean Redbud is drought tolerant and prefers drier climates, and its blooms are larger than most Redbuds.

Common names

Judastree, Lovetree

How to care for Judastree

Difficulty

Judastree requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Judastree should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Judastree loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Judastree requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Judastree will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Judastree is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Judastree’s native range is S. Europe to E. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia