Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'

RHS Plant Profile
eastern redbud 'Forest Pansy'

Synonyms

Cercis canadensis 'Purple Leaf'

Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs Trees

A large deciduous shrub or small, often multi-stemmed, tree. Leaves to 12cm in width, broadly heart-shaped, deep red-purple turning shades of orange, bronze and red-purple in autumn. Small, bright-pink flowers appear in clusters on bare stems before the leaves in spring. Grown mainly for striking foliage effects

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; plant in final location when young, older plants resent transplanting

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn and semi-hardwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or Pruning group 7 if carried out in dry weather in late spring or early summer to deter the entry of decay organisms

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers and scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to verticillium wilt, coral spot and honey fungus