Eastern Redbud Forest Pansy, Judas tree Forest Pansy

Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy is a purple-leave 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 Judas 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 to plant this tree in south-facing gardens with a sunny aspect. This ensures the leaves retain their bright purple colour for as long as possible and allows the tree to benefit from the hot temperatures. The tree produces its best growth in warmer summers.

Like all purple-leaf trees, this specimen instantly draws the eye in a planting scheme. Therefore, it's best to plant this round-headed beauty towards the back of a collection. To avoid limiting appreciation of other trees and plants, incorporate green tones for contrast and ensure it is positioned at the farthest suitable point.

Mature Height: 3-7m

Common names

Eastern Redbud Forest Pansy, Judas tree Forest Pansy

Height of tree

3-7m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Rounded

Blossom Colour

Pink

Foliage Colour

Red/Purple

Looks good in

Spring

Genus

Cercis