Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum)

Product description

The Judas tree is an elegant bloomer with many pink flowers and striking hanging pods that last until autumn. The tree originates from Southern Europe and Western Asia and owes its name to the biblical Judas Iscariot. After betraying Jesus, Judas is said to have hanged himself from this tree, causing the originally white flowers to turn pink with shame. However, it seems that this story was invented later after a translation from French, where the species was called the tree of Judea. Locally, the tree is also known as the love tree or redbud tree.

The tree can grow up to 12 metres tall in the wild and blooms in April to May with butterfly-shaped flowers. After flowering, the tree forms almost round leaves, which turn a beautiful yellow colour in autumn before falling off. Pollinated flowers produce long pods in summer and autumn. The flower buds and flowers are edible and can be preserved or eaten in a salad. The pods, on the other hand, are slightly poisonous. 

In temperate climates, the species can be kept as a garden plant in a sheltered spot or as a bonsai. In the first few years, the tree can also be kept in a deep tub. The young tree (up to 5 years old) needs protection from frost in winter. Older trees can withstand some frost. However, the tree needs some cold (0-5 °C) in winter in order to produce flowers the following year. The tree likes calcareous and slightly sandy soil and can tolerate drought quite well. 

Sowing instructions: Upon receipt, the seeds can be stored in the refrigerator for a week. Then soak them in warm water for 24 hours before sowing them 1 cm deep in seed and cutting compost. Place them in a bright spot at a temperature of 20-25 degrees Celsius and keep the soil slightly moist at all times.