Cercis chinensis

Cercis chinensis, the Chinese redbud, 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.

Description

As a tree, the Chinese redbud may grow up to tall with a trunk diameter of up to, 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, in length and tapers to a point at the end. Flowering in April in the Northern Hemisphere and in September in the Southern Hemisphere, and produces fruit in October and March, respectively.
The Chinese cercis 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.

Cultivation

Although hardy, in cultivation this plant requires a sheltered spot in a southerly or westerly aspect, with damp well-drained soil.
The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit :

C. chinensis 'Avondale'
C. chinensis 'Don Egolf'