Cercis canadensis 'FOREST PANSY' eastern redbud, love tree

Eastern redbud is a lovely, deciduous, small tree or a large shrub where the word “love” is the key feature. Why? Because its leaves are in a perfect shape of a heart that we are used to draw as an icon. Moreover, Forest Pansy variety has burgundy red to deep burgundy brown foliage. If placed in a location with reduced sunlight the leaves will turn dark green.

This plant is very impressive in the spring, too. It bears profusion of bright, purple-pink flowers on bare, purple-black wood. The stalks are miniature. Some tropical plants have the same type of flowering but redbud is not related to either of those.

If you grow it for leaves the largest size possible can be obtained by pollarding / cutting back every spring. Cut off last year’s growth by ¾ beginning of spring, after frosts. This will encourage long, new shoots with large leaves. Extra fertilizing is advisable in this case. The plant itself should be at least 5-years old, well established. Such plants will not flower. If grown on stems you can keep the crown compact by trimming it in the spring, either before flowering or immediately after.

Do not cut into old wood – badly treated cuts may be infected and the plant may die. Eastern redbud is soil tolerant but does best in moist but well-drained soil. It resents transplanting. Grow it in full sun, sheltered from drying winds, if possible. Fully hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 15-01-2009.