Cercis chingii are a small group of trees and shrubs native to temperate regions around the world. The plants of this genus are all characterized by their pinkish-red blooms and rounded or heart-shaped foliage. Though primarily cultivated as ornamentals, the species are also used in woodturning and the production of wood veneer.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
The stem of cercis chingii is densely branched with a multi-stemmed structure. It features a smooth texture and displays a greyish-brown color. The stems are moderately thick, typically reaching up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The branching pattern is intricate, enhancing the dense appearance of the plant. Noteworthy for its resilience, the stem’s robust nature supports the plant’s overall growth and stability.
The leaves of cercis chingii are initially tinted red/purple and transition to a dark green upon opening. They reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length and are alternate, simple leaves with a slightly leathery texture. Each leaf features 5 principal veins, prominently visible on the underside, and sparse hairs along the veins and vein axils.
Cercis chingii bears dense clusters of rosy purple flowers, each approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The blossoms form in tight bunches, creating a striking display of vibrant color. Each flower consists of five petals that are arranged symmetrically, providing a delicate yet robust appearance. These flowers are often amongst the earliest to bloom in spring, signaling the season’s arrival with their bright and cheerful hues. No notable scent is commonly associated with these blooms.
The fruit of cercis chingii is characterized by its distinctive leathery legume pods that typically exhibit a twisted form. These pods are robust and envelop seeds in a row within their protective casing. As they mature, the fruit may change in color, finishing with a brownish tone that blends with the plant’s natural setting. The texture of the pods is notably tough, which aids in shielding the seeds from environmental elements. Their length is generally about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm), making them relatively conspicuous against the foliage. These key features are essential for recognizing the fruit of cercis chingii.
II. How to Grow and Care
Cercis chingii are a small group of trees and shrubs native to temperate regions around the world. The plants of this genus are all characterized by their pinkish-red blooms and rounded or heart-shaped foliage. Though primarily cultivated as ornamentals, the species are also used in woodturning and the production of wood veneer.
Sunlight
Eastern Redbud responds well to direct sunlight and does best in partial shade, whereas Western Redbud thrives in full sun. That’s why cercis chingii is found in a variety of moist, well-drained soils, and grows more densely on sunny slopes where it enjoys more intense sunlight with less plant competition.
Temperature
Cercis chingii adapts to wide fluctuations in temperature and growing environment, ranging from -28 ℃ in the winter to 32 ℃ during summer. To induce flowering, cercis chingii needs temperatures below -2 ℃. Some research reports it can withstand 40 ℃. Cercis chingii grows in areas with an annual rainfall of 51 to 127 cm. It needs sufficient water for its growth and is somewhat resistant to drought.
Watering
Eastern Redbud trees planted in full sun respond well to watering. Keep the soil moist during the summer. Apply a little watering to young plants initially; their watering needs will increase as they grow. For better moisture preservation, polythene mulch can be spread on the beds, making holes in the mulch at the point of plant emergence.
Western Redbud is more tolerant of prolonged periods of drought but responds well to watering during dry conditions. For more vigorous, lush green sprouting, water regularly if planted in direct sunlight.
Soil
Eastern Redbud can well grow outdoors in moist, loamy, or sandy soils. Its occurrence on slopes with more sunlight is prevalent. It is acclimatized to a wide range of pH; however, it thrives best with a pH range of 6.6-7.8 or above. It doesn’t tolerate inundated sites, poorly aerated soils, or sandy soils.
Western Redbud is adapted to grow in a wide variety of soils, including coarse and nutrient-deficient soils that are well-drained. It grows as an understory cover tree and is fairly tolerable to lime and acidic soils. It also tolerates alkaline soil and clay; its best pH range is 5.5-7.8.
Fertilizing
Being a member of the pea or Leguminosae family, cercis chingii can fix nitrogen, so there is no need to add nitrogen fertilizer to these plants because excessive nitrogen application invites caterpillars and sucking pests to your plants. Add some compost in the soil before planting to help extend moisture retention.
At the time of planting, mix phosphorus supplementation with planting soil to help roots develop. As cercis chingii is primarily planted due to its clustering flowering patterns, boost flowering by applying fertilizer rich in boron to leaves at the start of the spring.
Planting Instructions
Cercis chingii is fairly easy to propagate by direct sowing. It can also be grown in a container during spring or fall.
Collect seeds from pods with a dark brown or reddish-brown color, as this indicates the maturity of the seed pods. Preserve seeds in an airtight container at 3 ℃. The hard outer seed covering requires seed scarification and stratification to break dormancy. Put seeds in steaming hot water for 30 minutes and follow moist sand stratification for 6-8 weeks at 5 ℃. Seeds are now ready to be planted during the current fall or upcoming spring.
Dig the soil to a depth of 30 cm; make a fine tilth that allows the young roots to easily penetrate it. Cercis chingii has a tap root system that grows quickly during the first year. Bed size can be adjusted depending on the available space. During late spring, put your seeds in the bed to a depth of 4 to 5 cm and cover gently with garden soil. Seedlings or already growing plants can also be planted in prepared beds adopting the “balled and burlapped” method.
Pruning
Cercis chingii requires regular pruning for pedestrian clearance beneath the canopy, as it usually branches low on the trunk. The tree grows in a multi-trunk fashion that can be trained to continue with a single dominating trunk. Trees must be pruned to remove overcrowded branches, weak branches, forks, and dead limbs to give its canopy a rounded, vase shape that adds value to your garden landscape.
Prune at the appearance of new leaves or in the late fall. Reduce the number of lateral branches and maintain a reasonable distance between them.
III. Uses and Benefits
Cercis chingii is used for its ornamental value in landscaping, as a windbreak, and as a source of firewood. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as for treating skin diseases, fever, and stomach problems.
