Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy

Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy is a purple leaved version of the popular Judas tree, or Eastern Redbud, which is native to Canada and Eastern USA.

Distinctively, like all Cercis species, this attractive specimen tree produces bright pink flower straight from the wood in the spring time, which is intriguing.  The leaves are heart shaped and emerge a deep purple in the spring, sometimes coinciding with, sometimes after, the display of flower.  In the autumn the leaves take on luminescent red tones as they begin to shut down for winter.

Cercis Canadensis Forest Pansy does best in free draining soils and can be slow to root into the ground, so take care to ensure that stakes or securing systems stay in place for at least the first 3 years after planting.

This Eastern Redbud Forest Pansy forms a rounded crown at maturity and can be produced as a multi-stem bush or single trunk standard; we have both available at Barcham. 

It is best planted in gardens which are South facing with a sunny aspect, as not only does this ensure the leaves retain their bright purple colour for the longest period possible, it also ensures the tree is in a position to make the most of the hot temperatures; it produces its best growth in warmer summers.

Like all purple leaved trees, this specimen will draw your eye to it instantly in a planting scheme and therefore this round headed beauty is best planted towards the back of a collection. 

Purple tends to draw the eye to it, limiting appreciation of trees and plants past this point, thus be careful to plant at the farthest point suitable and incorporate other green tones to act as contrast.

Mature Height: 3-7m