Cercis

The genus Cercis includes 7 species of fairly unpretentious deciduous trees and shrubs. The most popular among them is cercis horny, or European (Cercis siliquastrum), called crimson, or Jewish tree. In spring, even before the appearance of leaves on it in abundance, characteristic fragrant flowers collected in small inflorescences-brushes, which grow directly from the joints of branches or trunk, bloom 2 cm long. The flowers are very bright - from saturated pink to lilac-red shades. Then they are replaced by flattened reddish pods up to 15 cm long. When ripe, they drill and often stay on the plant all winter. Simple oval or heart-shaped leaves have palmate venation; plate length - 5-10 cm, petiole length about 5 cm. Leaf plates are green and glossy on the upper side, whitish on the lower. In autumn, they turn light yellow; fall quite late. Crohn in a spherical crimson; the trunk is often curved. Cercis cystic (C. racemosa) is similar to a Judino tree. This is a species with oval leaves and pale pink flowers blooming in May in droopy brushes.

The genus Cercis includes 7 species of fairly unpretentious deciduous trees and shrubs.

The most popular among them is cercis horny, or European (Cercis siliquastrum), called crimson, or Jewish tree. In spring, even before the appearance of leaves on it in abundance, characteristic fragrant flowers collected in small inflorescences-brushes, which grow directly from the joints of branches or trunk, bloom 2 cm long. The flowers are very bright - from saturated pink to lilac-red shades. Then they are replaced by flattened reddish pods up to 15 cm long. When ripe, they drill and often stay on the plant all winter. Simple oval or heart-shaped leaves have palmate venation; plate length - 5-10 cm, petiole length about 5 cm. Leaf plates are green and glossy on the upper side, whitish on the lower. In autumn, they turn light yellow; fall quite late. Crohn in a spherical crimson; the trunk is often curved.

Cercis cystic (C. racemosa) is similar to a Judino tree. This is a species with oval leaves and pale pink flowers blooming in May in droopy brushes.

Cultivation

Cercis is grown in gardens both in single plantings and in small groups. This plant is resistant to air pollution, so it easily adapts in conditions of large settlements, in cities - in gardens and along streets. In Central Europe, for example, the landing of cercis is carried out in October, in softer climatic zones - in March-April. The soil for planting should be well prepared, liquid-permeable. Calcareous soils are suitable for this plant, but it does not tolerate heavy clay. At an early stage (up to 2-3 years of age), the tree can be grown in a container filled with a well-permeable overflow, although sooner or later it will have to be transplanted into open ground.

Location

The crimson loves direct sun. If you plant it in a too shaded place, there are difficulties with development and flowering.

Temperature

The crimson is quite sensitive to a long-term reduced (less than -5 °C) temperature. Varieties grown in Europe can withstand even -15 °C. True, in this case, branches and leaves receive noticeable damage. But the base-trunk remains unharmed and soon the plant is restored.

Watering

It is necessary only for young plants after transplantation to the permanent place allotted to them.

Care

The crimson is trimmed only if you cannot do without it, after the flowering is completed. Do not forget that crimson flowers bloom on branches that are at least two years old.

Reproduction

Crimson is propagated with seeds, sowing them in spring in well-drained soil; optimal germination temperature 20-25 °С. Seedlings are gradually transplanted into containers of increasing size, and after a couple of years seedlings are placed in a permanent place. In addition, these plants can be propagated with cuttings, which are cut from young shoots in May-June. But cuttings take root with difficulty, since they need a temperature of 21 °C, which is problematic to maintain. In nurseries, they often reproduce vaccinations.

Crimson is propagated with seeds, sowing them in spring in well-drained soil; optimal germination temperature 20-25 °С. Seedlings are gradually transplanted into containers of increasing size, and after a couple of years seedlings are placed in a permanent place. In addition, these plants can be propagated with cuttings, which are cut from young shoots in May-June. But cuttings take root with difficulty, since they need a temperature of 21 °C, which is problematic to maintain.

In nurseries, they often reproduce vaccinations.

Diseases

The crimson (Cercis siliquastrum) usually grows without any problems. Sometimes it is affected by aphids that can be eliminated by chemical treatment, but this is possible while the plants are still young - adult trees are much harder to help. In this case, highly infected shoots are trimmed. Prolonged frosts can lead to cracks on the trunk and branches.

Acquisition

The crimson is easy to purchase in specialized nurseries and horticultural centers with a wide range of plants. It is recommended that you buy not too large instances with a compact root system. They are easier to handle while landing at a permanent place, and they carry transplants more easily. In areas with a harsh climate, it is better to acquire plants at the end of October, then they can be immediately planted in the open air. In milder climatic conditions, this is better done in the spring before the flowering period.