Captivating Cercis

Thanks @dulceylima

Captivating Cercis

Cercis canadensis are noted for their stunning, tiny rose-purple, red, magenta, pink or white pea-like flowers which bloom profusely in clusters of 4 – 8 on bare dark branches in early spring (March-April) before the foliage emerges.  Commonly called eastern redbud, it is a deciduous, understory tree or multi-trunk shrub with heart shaped, glossy leaves in bright green, purple or multi-colored depending upon the variety.  It is one of the first trees to bloom in early spring and may bloom profusely even when very young.  The form varies based on variety.  It is especially popular for home gardens due to its compact size, beautiful flowers and adaptability.   It is excellent as a specimen or foundation plant, in small groups, as a lawn or street tree, in shrub borders or patios.  

Culture: Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter.  The best flowering examples are found in full sun.  Most Cercis require regular summer water and fertilization; var. mexicana is adapted to drier climates and is drought tolerant when established.  They develop a deep taproot so carefully consider where you plant a young tree, as they are adverse to transplanting.  Fall color is a mix of pale green and yellow but unpredictable.  Although attractive to many pollinators, only long tongued bees can reach the nectar.  The tree is native to eastern and central North America to Mexico and is found naturally in open woodlands, glades, forests, streams and bluffs. 

Multi-Color Foliage 

C. canadensis ‘Flame Thrower’

Heart shaped foliage emerges burgundy-red and fades to yellow and matures to green.  Ever changing display of colorful foliage continues to fall with rounded, open growth habit. 

Grows 15-20’ x 15’.

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Green Foliage 

C. canadensis var. texensis ‘Traveller’

Pendulous, tiered growth habit with weeping branches and glossy, heart-shaped, green foliage.  Emerges reddish in spring and turns yellow, orange and copper in fall.  Clusters of tiny, fuchsia-pink flowers.

Grows 5-6’ x 12’

C. canadensis var. texensis

‘Oklahoma’

Rounded, tiered growth habit with glossy, blue green, leathery foliage.  Clusters of tiny, wine-red flowers.

Grows 15-20’ x 15-20’ 

C. canadensis var. mexicana

Narrow, upright growth habit with small, wavy edged, blue-green leaves.  Drought tolerant once established.  Clusters of tiny, purple flowers.   

Grows 12-15’ x 5-7’

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Purple Foliage 

C. canadensis
‘Ruby Falls’

Forms a weeping, umbrella form with pendulous branches that cascade to form curtains of maroon-red, heart shaped leaves that transition to green in late summer.  Clusters of reddish-purple to deep lavender flowers on bright red stems. 

Grows 6-8’ x 4-6’ Dwarf

C. canadensis

‘Forest Pansy’

Glossy purple-green foliage on horizontally tiered reddish branches with rounded, tiered growth habit.  Clusters of lavender-pink flowers in spring. 

Grows 15-20’ x 15-20’

C. canadensis ‘Merlot’

Upright, vase-shaped growth habit with small, lustrous, thick, glossy, rounded, dark purple foliage on reddish branches.  Leaves are smaller, thicker and glossier than ‘Forest Pansy’ with tighter, denser habit.  Clusters of tiny, bright lavender-pink flowers.

Grows 12-15’ x 12-15’