What soil does Chinese redbud grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Chinese redbud hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How far from the house should Chinese redbud be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Chinese redbud flower?

Flowering: April–May, pink, purple.

How much water does Chinese redbud need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Chinese redbud

Cercis chinensis

Chinese redbud (Cercis chinensis) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €99.

Illustration of Chinese redbud — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A multi-stemmed ornamental shrub with upright branches whose bare twigs and stems are smothered in vivid purplish pink flowers in April, before the leaves open. The glossy, heart-shaped leaves turn yellow in autumn, and it fits a small garden as a specimen. It is less hardy than other redbuds, so give it a sheltered, sunny spot with well-drained soil, protect it while young and do not move it later, because it grows a deep tap root.

Watch out for

It is less winter hardy than its relatives: shoots can die back after hard frost, young plants are worth protecting in their first winters, and in the colder, windy sites of Central Europe it is a risk. Canker (sunken dead patches of bark that girdle branches) is the most destructive disease of redbuds, and it is also susceptible to verticillium wilt; cut diseased branches back to healthy wood. It dislikes waterlogging, heavy clay and prolonged drought, and in hot summers it does best with shelter from the midday sun.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 2.5 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, pink, purple

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2.5 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	2.4–4.5 m × 1.8–5 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, pink, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	300 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €99

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €99

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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