Judas trees are known for the pink-purple flowers they produce on their delicate branches in early each spring. Some Judas trees also have purple, lavender, pink, or white blooms, although the most common have pink-colored flowers. These trees are fairly easy to plant when they are still young and are quite easy to maintain.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Initial Operations
Step 1. Choose a good location
Judas trees prefer light shade, especially in summer. The tree is quite adaptable however, and can even tolerate full sun. In fact, the more sun it receives during the cold months of winter, the better. The only places to avoid are those with strong shade.
Step 2. Amend the land only if you wish
Judas trees prefer loose, well-drained soil, but they are very robust and can thrive in most soil types. If you decide to modify the soil, however, you can do so by simply working the soil with a rake or shovel to loosen it. If it's very dense or clayey, you could also mix in some coarse garden sand to improve its ability to drain. It is not necessary to add fertilizer because Judas trees are able to absorb nitrogen through the air.
Step 3. Obtain a young potted Judas plant from a local garden store or nursery
Local stores may have qualities in stock that are more likely to withstand the climate where you live better. The tree can be difficult to transplant as it ages, so you should only get very young specimens.
Step 4. Dig a hole four times wider than the root ball
The roots need a lot of space to spread out inside the hole. The hole must also be approximately equal in depth to the height of the roots.
Step 5. Remove the Judas tree from its container
Place the bent tree to its side and gently unscrew the container.
Step 6. Insert the tree into the hole
Keep the tree as vertical as possible, getting help from another person if necessary. Add some soil to help keep the plant straight vertically.
Step 7. Fill the hole with water and the rest of the earth
Use a garden hose to fill the hole with water. Wait for the roots and surrounding soil to absorb the water before filling the hole with the rest of the earth, completely covering the roots. Give the soil another deep watering to help it settle down.
Step 8. Add mulch where you planted
Use bark shavings or another type of mulch capable of retaining moisture. Spread the mulch in a thin layer around the base of the tree, over the root zone.
Method 2 of 2: Taking Care
Step 1. Make sure the tree gets moderate amounts of water
Once established, the plant can withstand short periods of drought, but always prefers to be kept moist. While still young, by the first or second season after you plant it, you should give the tree a full watering if a drought occurs that lasts for two weeks or more.
Step 2. Keep the branches pruned
You can prune during late fall or on a moderately cold day in winter while temperatures are above freezing. You can also prune during late spring, after the flowers have fallen from the tree. Remove the diseased wood first. Then, cut off the lower old branches near the trunk, as well as any branches that intertwine or grow in the wrong direction. Never remove more than 1/4 of the shaft at one time.
Step 3. Skip the fertilizer
Judas trees grow quite well on their own without the use of fertilizers. Also, since trees have the ability to absorb nitrogen on their own, adding a nitrogen-rich fertilizer will be an overdose for them. If you feel you need to add fertilizer, choose a slow-release fertilizer with higher concentrations of phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen and apply it only once, towards the start of the growing season.
Step 4. Watch out for pests and diseases
Anthracnose of the leaves, tracheomycosis, known as gum cancer, and verticillium are the three diseases that affect Judas trees most frequently. Wood pests are known to attack the soft wood of these trees, and insects such as Judas plant moths, grape moths, and the Japanese weevil are known to eat the leaves. A healthy tree is less likely to succumb to these threats than a damaged tree, so prevention is the best remedy. An infected tree should first be disinfected before applying an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
