Judas Tree Sapling - Cercis Siliquastrum with Pink Flowers

Judas Tree – Cercis siliquastrum

Every spring, before a single leaf appears, the Judas Tree erupts in a breathtaking blaze of deep pink-purple flowers — blooming directly from its branches and trunk in a phenomenon called cauliflory. It's one of the most dramatic spring displays of any tree you can grow in a UK garden, and it's fully hardy too.

What you'll receive: A healthy 6-inch seedling in a 5-inch pot, carefully nurtured and ready to pot on before planting out in spring.

Why Gardeners Love It

• Spectacular Spring Flowers – Deep pink-purple blooms smother bare branches and trunk in April–May, before leaves emerge
• Edible Blooms – Flowers have a pleasant sweet-acid flavour; perfect for salads, garnishes, or pickling the buds
• Beautiful Foliage – Heart-shaped leaves emerge bronze-purple, mature to blue-green, then turn golden-yellow in autumn
• Fully Hardy – Tolerates temperatures to -15°C; thrives throughout the UK including urban environments
• Wildlife-Friendly – One of the earliest flowering trees, providing vital nectar for bees and pollinators in spring
• Compact & Garden-Friendly – Reaches just 4–6m, ideal for small to medium gardens, courtyards, and urban plots
• Low Maintenance – Drought-tolerant once established; prune lightly in late summer only

Growing Guide

• Position: Full sun to partial shade; sheltered from harsh winds and late frosts
• Soil: Adaptable — clay, loam, chalk, alkaline; prefers well-drained conditions
• Planting time: November to March (dormant season) for best establishment
• Mature size: 4–6m height and spread
• Flowering: Typically begins flowering at 4–7 years; display improves with age
• Hardiness: Fully hardy to -15°C throughout the UK

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I plant my Judas Tree?

A sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil is ideal. Sheltered positions protected from harsh winds and late frosts give the best results. Adaptable to most UK soil types including chalky and alkaline soils.

When will it flower?

Flowers appear in April–May before the leaves emerge. Young trees typically begin flowering at 4–7 years, with the display becoming more spectacular as the tree matures.

Are the flowers really edible?

Yes — the blooms have a pleasant sweet-acid flavour and can be added to salads, used as garnishes, or the buds pickled. Rich in vitamin C and used in traditional Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Always ensure flowers are pesticide-free before eating.

How fast does it grow?

Moderate growth of 20–40cm per year once established. A manageable, garden-friendly pace that rewards patience with an increasingly spectacular display each spring.

Is it suitable for small gardens?

Absolutely — its compact mature size of 4–6m makes it one of the best specimen trees for small to medium UK gardens, urban courtyards, and even large containers on patios.

Why is it called the Judas Tree?

According to legend, it's the tree from which Judas Iscariot hanged himself. It's also known as the 'Love Tree' thanks to its beautiful heart-shaped leaves — a far more romantic association!

Will it survive British winters?

Yes — fully hardy to -15°C throughout the UK. Young plants may benefit from fleece protection in their first winter. Late spring frosts can occasionally nip early flowers but won't harm the tree itself.