Cercis gigantea Seeds | Giant Redbud
LATIN NAME: Cercis gigantea
COMMON NAME: Giant Redbud
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Giant Redbud (Cercis gigantea) is a deciduous tree. It likes sun or light shade, and well-drained soil. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. Put simply, this is a rewarding species for anyone willing to give it a suitable spot.
Science & Biotechnology
Cercis gigantea sits in the Cercis group, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Trunk flowers of giant redbud give it a recognised place in research on the early-flowering Asian redbuds of great pea family, and gigantea species appears in studies of ornamental woodland trees and old-wood bloom. The practical point for growers is that this plant has been observed in gardens for so long that its behaviour holds few surprises.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Giant Redbud for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. In early-spring garden, giant redbud fans spring garden with trunk flowers. Pinkish-purple flowers open along bare branches, flat pods follow through summer, and tree makes fine specimen. It grows well in well-drained, sunny or lightly shaded ground. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Redbud flowers and young pods are edible with a pleasant sour bite, rich in vitamin C, and Native American traditions used bark teas for colds.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Giant Redbud under ordinary good conditions. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Giant Redbud is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Once the young plants are away, there is little left to do but watch them grow.
Related Reading
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