Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Cercis in a pot?

c_watkinsc_watkins Posts: 53
in Plants
Hello, does anyone know if growing a Cercis will work in a pot (for a few years maybe?)? My Mum would like one but it will have to be in a container. I know most aren't suitable but I'm wondering if anyone's had any experience of doing this or knows of one which would work? I'll probably take it on and plant it eventually if she decides to go for it.  Many thanks.

Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited November 2022
    According to this guide, yes as long as it's a large container and the plant is regularly pruned: Cercis - Growing Guide - Burncoose Nurseries.  The most common one seen in garden centres is Cercis Forest Pansy which seems to have excellent autumn colour - my neighbour has just planted one in her garden. There's a dwarf form which might be more suitable:  Cercis canadensis Ruby Falls | Weeping Redbud Trees (ornamental-trees.co.uk)
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    This is Cercis in a pot, in Dan Pearson's old garden. I like how sprawly it is.

    See the source image

    Cercis 'Avondale' is another smaller variety.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • dibdobdebdibdobdeb Posts: 23
    Many years ago I was given a Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' and a Cercis siliquastrum (Judas Tree). We were just about to move house so I kept them temporarily in large black plastic pots. 'Temporarily' turned into 4 years but they both seemed very healthy and happy. They have been in the ground now for approx 17 years and are still healthy and happy......but a lot bigger! They are beautiful trees and I love them.
  • c_watkinsc_watkins Posts: 53
    Thank you everbody that's all really helpful - they are beautiful aren't they? And I love the sprawly Dan Pearson one - mind you that looks like a whopping pot! But I guess they do grow pretty slowly. @dibdobdeb how big/tall did Forest Pansy get in its plastic pot before it went into the ground, if you can remember?
  • dibdobdebdibdobdeb Posts: 23
    It's a long time ago but I would say maybe 4' to 5'ish feet high. I have found them very happy to be lightly pruned so this should help you contain it and control the shape. Hope it all works out  :)
  • c_watkinsc_watkins Posts: 53
    That's helpful @dibdobdeb I'm going to go for it - cheers!
Sign In or Register to comment.