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Cercis canadensis ‘Merlot’ (Eastern Redbud)

Eastern Redbud 'Merlot'

Cercis canadensis Merlot, Eastern Redbud Merlot, Shrub, Small Tree, Pink Flowers, dark foliage
Cercis canadensis Merlot, Eastern Redbud Merlot, Shrub, Small Tree, Pink Flowers, dark foliage
Cercis canadensis Merlot, Eastern Redbud Merlot, Shrub, Small Tree, Pink Flowers, dark foliage

Noted for its dark foliage and excellent tolerance to drought and heat, Cercis canadensis ‘Merlot’ (Eastern Redbud) is a compact, deciduous tree with an upright, dense, vase-shaped habit. Masses of pea-like, bright pink flowers held in clusters cover the bare branches in the spring, before the foliage emerges, creating a most dramatic display. The cheerful blossoms are on display for 2-3 weeks. The foliage of small, heart-shaped, shiny, wine-red leaves does not show leaf stress in the heat of summer. A cross between Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ and Cercis canadensis var. texensis (Texas Redbud), this dwarf Eastern Redbud adds elegance to any space, including small gardens.

  • Grows up to 12 ft. tall (360 cm) and 15 ft. wide (450 cm).
  • 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.
  • Perfect choice as a specimen plant or for shrub borders.
  • Attracts birds, butterflies, and bees.
  • Generally pest free. Watch for canker, verticillium wilt, dieback, leaf spots, mildew, and blights. Deer tolerant.
  • 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.

Redbud Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success


While redbud trees are generally resilient and easy to grow, they are not without their challenges. From pest infestations to diseases and environmental stress, it’s crucial for gardeners to identify and address these issues promptly to maintain the health and vibrancy of these stunning ornamental trees.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fabaceae
Genus Cercis
Common names Redbud, Eastern Redbud
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 9' - 12'
(270cm - 3.7m)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Small Gardens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cercis chinensis (Chinese Redbud)
Cercis canadensis Lavender Twist (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis The Rising Sun (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis f. alba (White Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis ‘Alley Cat’ (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis Golden Falls® (Eastern Redbud)

Recommended Companion Plants

Betula pendula (Silver Birch)
Heuchera ‘Chocolate Ruffles’ (Coral Bells)
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ (Chinese Silver Grass)
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
35 Best Flowering Trees for a Spectacular Garden Display
Small Trees, Big Impact: Maximize Your Garden’s Potential
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
How to Create an Enchanting Butterfly Garden
For the Love of Butterflies: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
6 Reasons You Should Create a Butterfly Garden
Redbud Tree: Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Redbud Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success
Cercis (Redbud Tree)
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fabaceae
Genus Cercis
Common names Redbud, Eastern Redbud
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 9' - 12'
(270cm - 3.7m)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Small Gardens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cercis (Redbud)
Guides with
Cercis (Redbud)
Not sure which Cercis (Redbud) to pick?
Compare Now

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