Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ (Eastern Redbud)

Noted for its striking foliage, award-winning Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ (Redbud) is a large deciduous shrub or small, often multi-stemmed tree with profuse, pea-like, rosy-pink flowers that arise before the foliage in spring. The cheerful blossoms are on display for several weeks before being joined by broadly heart-shaped, shimmering red-purple leaves, 5 in. wide (12 cm). As summer turns to fall, the foliage turns attractive shades of orange, bronze, and red-purple. The graceful, flat-topped, vase-shaped habit of this majestic Redbud makes it a great landscape tree.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), along with Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis), Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis), and Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum), belongs to the legume family Fabaceae, sharing its lineage with plants such as peas, beans, lupines, and orchid trees.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 25-35 ft. wide (7.5-10.5 m).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this Redbud is easily grown in well-drained soils. Performs best in moderately fertile soils with regular and consistent moisture. The best flower production is obtained in full sun, but part shade is best in hot summer climates. Needs a winter chill before the flowers set properly.
• Attracts birds, butterflies, and bees.
• Perfect choice as a specimen plant.
• Generally pest-free. Watch for canker, verticillium wilt, dieback, leaf spots, mildew, and blights. Deer tolerant.
• Learn more about common pests and diseases affecting redbud trees
• Propagate by seed in autumn and semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
• Does not transplant well. It should be planted when young and left undisturbed.
• Needs very little pruning. Remove diseased, damaged congested, or crossing shoots.
• Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Cercis canadensis species is native to eastern and central North America from Connecticut to New York to southern Ontario and the Great Lakes south to western Texas and Florida.