Cercis chinensis

Sunset

Zones 4-24, 29-34

Full, Partial

Moderate

Chinese Redbud
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Shrubs, Trees

CERCIS

Valued for flowers, fruit, foliage. Clusters of small, sweet pea–shaped, rosy to purplish pink blossoms in early–spring; where plant is adapted, blooms are borne in great profusion on bare twigs, branches, sometimes even on main trunk. Flowers are followed by clusters of flat, beanlike pods that persist into winter. Attractive broad, rounded leaves are heart shaped at base.

All redbuds provide fall color with first frost and are attractive in naturalized settings. Do any pruning in dormant season or after bloom.

Cercis chinensis

Native to China, Japan. Form most often seen is light, open shrub to 10 to 12 ft. tall, 10 ft. wide. Flower clusters (3–5 in. long) are deep rose, almost rosy purple. Leaves are sometimes glossier and brighter green than those of C. canadensis, with transparent line around the edge.