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Pink flowers of the Judas tree directly on bare branches in springTrees

Cercis siliquastrum

Judas Tree

Judas treeMediterraneanspring bloomsmall treespecimen

The Judas tree is a spectacular small tree that bears bright pink flowers directly on the bare branches and even the trunk in April and May — a rare phenomenon called cauliflory. After flowering, heart-shaped blue-green leaves appear, giving the tree a Mediterranean character. The Judas tree slowly develops into a graceful, multi-stemmed specimen.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
400–800 cm
Spread
400–700 cm
Hardiness zone
6–9
Family
Fabaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
pink
Wildlife value
bees

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in a warm, sheltered spot in well-drained soil. Once established, the Judas tree is drought-tolerant but needs regular watering in the first years. Avoid heavy clay. Protect young trees in their first winters with fleece during severe frost.

Pruning tips

Prune as little as possible — the Judas tree tolerates pruning poorly and recovers slowly. Only remove dead wood and crossing branches in late spring after flowering. Formative pruning is rarely needed thanks to the naturally graceful growth habit.

Good companions

Blooming lavender with purple-blue flowers in summer sunlightShrubs

Lavandula angustifolia

English Lavender

Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.

Full sunLow30–60 cm
Soft blue catmint flower plumes along a garden pathPerennials

Nepeta × faassenii

Catmint

Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.

Full sunLow30–45 cm
Purple bearded iris in full bloom in a sunny gardenPerennials

Iris germanica

Bearded Iris

The bearded iris is a stately perennial with sword-shaped grey-green leaves and elegant, multi-coloured flowers. In May and June, striking blooms appear in purple, blue, or yellow, often with a characteristic 'beard' on the drooping petals. The plant is perfect for formal borders or along pathways.

Full sunLow60–100 cm