CERCIS canadensis

This beautiful tree is renowned for its lavender-coloured bells that bloom during the summer season, creating a stunning carpet of fallen flowers around it. Its finely divided foliage is also quite appealing. The wood of this tree has a purple hue with dark venation.

This tree is native to Canada and thrives in deep, well-drained soil and an open, sunny location. It is frost-resistant but sensitive to drought.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn, avoiding the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C

For best results, both scarification and stratification are recommended.

Cercis seeds have a hard outer coating that is impervious to water and generally germination will usually not occur unless the seed is scarified by abrading or pre-treated with boiling water first. They also benefit from a period of cold stratification.

1. Place the seed in a container pour in just boiled water and allow to soak overnight.
2. Sow seed in a container to the depth of seed width.
3. Ensure the mix is moist but not water-logged.
4. Place the container in a plastic bag.
5. Place the bagged container in the refrigerator for 42-56 days.
6. Germination generally occurs in 21-28 days when moved to warmer temperatures after cold treatment.

General note: Seeds of many plants are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.