Chinese redbud is a densely branched small tree or shrub known for its abundant purple-red flowers. These blooms make it a popular ornamental plant well suited to specimen or group plantings in naturalized gardens. It is also grown as a street tree. The flowers attract bees, and the seed pods are eaten by birds.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Cercis chinensis, the Chinese redbud, (simplified Chinese: 紫荆; traditional Chinese: 紫荊; pinyin: Zǐjīng) is a plant in the legume the family Fabaceae. It is endemic to China, where it grows in southern and north-central China and Manchuria.
As a tree, the Chinese redbud may grow up to 15 meters (49 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 50 centimeters (20 in), however, the species is normally found growing in shrub form. The flowers are pink or milky white in color whilst the leaf body is almost circular in shape, 6 to 14 centimeters (2.4 to 5.5 in) in length and tapers to a point at the end. Flowering in April, the Chinese redbud produces fruit in October.
The Chinese cercis (Cercis chinensis) Bunge is a native of China and a member of the Fabaceae family, which is extensively dispersed there. Its many parts can be utilized for traditional Chinese medicine, which dates back a long way, in addition to its high beauty value.
Although hardy, in cultivation this plant requires a sheltered spot in a southerly or westerly aspect, with damp well-drained soil.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Eastern Redbud responds well to direct sunlight and does best in partial shade, whereas Western Redbud thrives in full sun. That’s why chinese redbud 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
Chinese redbud adapts to wide fluctuations in temperature and growing environment, ranging from -28 ℃ in the winter to 32 ℃ during summer. To induce flowering, chinese redbud needs temperatures below -2 ℃. Some research reports it can withstand 40 ℃. Chinese redbud 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, chinese redbud 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 Chinese redbud 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
Chinese redbud 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. Chinese redbud 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
Chinese redbud 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.
Transplanting
For best results with chinese redbud, transplant in the mild seasons, particularly late summer to mid-fall, when soil temperatures and weather conditions promote root growth. Ensure a sunny or lightly shaded spot for transplanting. Keep soil moisture levels consistent for optimal adaptation.
Seasonal Precautions
Inspect your plants regularly for signs of the common diseases. Remove plant debris, fallen and broken branches, and dead leaves from your garden. Focus on irrigating your redbud plants during a severe drought in summer.
It’s best to grow chinese redbud with locally harvested seed due to its adaptability to local conditions. Such plants are more resistant to the local environment and perform better than seeds from other sources. Focus on plant health by adding essential nutrients and fertilizers recommended for your area.
III. Uses and Benefits
Chinese redbud is a deciduous shrub or tree commonly found in gardens. It is prized for its cheerful blossoms and large heart-shaped leaves. Its prominent blossom color provides an accent for gardens. It can also be used for borders. Chinese redbud is appropriate for Pollinator gardens. Suggested companion plants include Silver Birch or Chinese Silver Grass to make a strong color contrast.
