Cercis — 4 species
Botanical species in the genus Cercis recorded in the PlantPeers database.
Cercis canadensis
Cercis canadensis
Family: Fabaceae
Cultivation
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. Prefers a deep sandy loam and a very sunny position in a well-drained soil, though it also succeeds in light shade. Within its natural range, it exhibits a strong preference for alkaline soils, growing best in a pH range of 6 - 8.
Full cultivation guide →Cercis chinensis
Cercis chinensis
Family: Fabaceae
Cultivation
Cercis chinensis is quite cold-tolerant, able to withstand temperatures down to around -20°c when dormant, but it requires hot summers if it is to grow well and is generally a failure in more maritime climates. 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. Prefers a deep damp sandy loam and a very sunny position, though appreciating some shade in hot summer climates.
Full cultivation guide →Cercis occidentalis
Cercis occidentalis
Family: Fabaceae
Cultivation
Cercis occidentalis is a plant of the semi-arid regions of southwestern N. America, experiencing hot dry summers and cool to cold moist winters. It does not flower freely or thrive in regions with cool summers, nor in areas with very mild winters - it requires winter temperatures falling to at least -2°c in order to initiate profuse flowering in the spring.
Full cultivation guide →Cercis siliquastrum
Cercis siliquastrum
Family: Fabaceae
Cultivation
Dormant plants are hardy to about -15°c. 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. Plants do not generally thrive in regions with cool summers, they prefer a hotter, continental climate in order to fully ripen their wood and initiate blossom production.
Full cultivation guide →