American Redbud

Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: slow-growing
• Flowering period: March to April
• Flower colour: pink
• Other features: stunning royal purple foliage
• Hardiness: very hardy
  
  Deep purple, heart-shaped leaves on a spreading, often multi-stemmed tree. In spring, crimson, purple or pink flowers appear on the bare stems but it is the leaves which make this tree so attractive. The colour becomes subdued in summer but it is one of the best coloured-leaved small trees. Like Cercis siliquastrum, it does prefer a warm, south-facing spot.
  
  
• Garden care: Plant in their final location when young as they resent being transplanted. Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly.
  
  
• Goes well with: Kolkwitzia amabilis 'Pink Cloud', Ceanothus x delileanus 'Topaze', Lavatera 'Barnsley', Verbena bonariensis, Perovskia 'Blue Spire', Ruta graveolens, Dianthus caryophyllus, Stachys officinalis