Cercis canadensis Carolina Sweetheart ('Nccc1')

RHS Plant Profile

eastern redbud [Carolina Sweetheart]

RHS

Synonyms

Cercis canadensis 'Nccc1'

Trees

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A deciduous, spreading, often multi-stemmed tree to around 3m in height, with a rounded crown and umbrella-shaped habit. Maroon-red, elegant heart-shaped leaves appear in early spring, changing to green with a white margin as they mature. Clusters of pink-purple, pea-like flowers appear on the bare branches before any leaves appear. A great choice for smaller gardens due to its more compact habit and slow growth

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H5

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Cercis are deciduous shrubs or small trees with heart-shaped leaves and clusters of bright pink pea-flowers opening before or with the leaves, followed by flattened, deep purple pods
Name Status: Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers and scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to verticillium wilt and coral spot