How big does Judas tree grow?

About 6 m × 4 m after ten years (height × width).

What soil does Judas tree grow in?

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

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Judas tree be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

When does Judas tree flower?

Flowering: March–June, pink, purple.

How much water does Judas tree need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Judas tree cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 12,000 to HUF 85,000 in local shops, depending on size.

Judas tree

Cercis siliquastrum

Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) is a small tree that reaches 6 m × 4 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about HUF 12,000.

Illustration of Judas tree — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

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

Pink-purple flowers appear on bare branches and even the trunk in spring, followed by rounded, heart-shaped leaves that provide light summer shade. Choose a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil and room for its spreading crown. Water young trees regularly; established plants tolerate drought well.

Watch out for

Severe winters can cause substantial dieback in colder Central European sites, especially in young trees; avoid frost pockets. It tolerates waterlogging and later transplanting poorly. Verticillium wilt and fungal branch dieback can occur.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 6 m × 4 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–June, pink, purple

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	6 m × 4 m
Ultimate size	8–12 m × 6–10 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–June, pink, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	Fruit, Leaves
Planting distance	700 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about HUF 12,000

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
120+ cm	approx. HUF 12,000
150 cm	approx. HUF 25,000
8/10 cm trunk girth	approx. HUF 76,000
10/12 cm trunk girth	approx. HUF 84,000
12/14 cm trunk girth	approx. HUF 85,000
size not stated	approx. HUF 84,000

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Small ornamental trees Small trees for beside paths and paving Plants that give shade Plants for a Mediterranean garden Plants with autumn colour

Looks good next to it

Morrow’s sedge

Carex morrowii

Persian ivy

Hedera colchica

Heather

Calluna vulgaris