How to grow stunning blossom trees

The Cerciscultivars aren’t as well known as the other spring bloomers and include the ‘Forest Pansy’ and Judas tree.

Ideal for smaller spaces, they have tiny pea-like flowers all along the branches and lovely heart-shaped foliage.

FLOWERS Delicate fuchsia pinks to sumptuous rose-purples.

FOLIAGE Heart-shaped with many putting on a colourful autumn show.

SIZE Less than 5m tall by 5m wide with a number of varieties only 3 by 2m.

FORM Varies widely from upright and vase-like to loosely spreading trees.

Dig a hole at least twice the width of the bag, plant the bare-rooted tree, then water deeply once a week until established.

Step 1. Remove the tree

Remove the tree from the bag and find the original soil line on the trunk below the graft point.

Position in the hole with this line at the finished soil level.

Backfill and firm the soil to remove air pockets.

Create a dam of raised soil around the tree about 200mm from the trunk as a watering dish.

Apply a slow-release fertiliser, taking care not to let it touch the trunk.

Mulch the soil, keeping this clear of the trunk, then water in well.

Prune the tree by as much as one-third before or immediately after planting.

This will bring the canopy back into balance with the roots that were lost when the plant was cut from the ground.

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