Forest Pansy Redbud
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’Forest Pansy Redbud is a striking native tree valued for its deep purple to reddish foliage, vibrant spring blooms, and manageable size, making it a standout in both small and large landscapes. This cultivar of Eastern Redbud is particularly admired for the dramatic contrast its foliage provides against other garden plantings, as well as its seasonal interest that carries from spring into fall. Its combination of ornamental beauty and adaptability makes it a favorite for residential gardens, patios, and park settings.
In early spring, Forest Pansy Redbud produces an abundant display of small, magenta-pink pea-shaped flowers that bloom along bare branches before the leaves emerge. These blossoms create a vivid spectacle that attracts pollinators such as honey bees, while simultaneously adding early-season color to the landscape. As the blooms fade, large, heart-shaped leaves unfold in shades of purple, creating a bold canopy that provides structure, texture, and a tropical appearance during summer months.
The tree maintains a compact, rounded form, typically reaching 20–30 feet in height and width, making it suitable for small yards and garden spaces where visual impact is desired without overwhelming the area. In fall, the foliage may shift to rich bronze or burgundy tones, providing extended seasonal interest before dropping for winter. It’s natural, slightly irregular branching adds architectural appeal, offering beauty even when the tree is not in bloom or leaf.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Choose a full sun to partial shade location for best foliage color and flowering.
Soil: Plant in well-drained soil. It is adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soils.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, provide supplemental water during prolonged dry periods.
Fertilizing: Fertilize lightly in early spring if needed. Excessive fertilization is not required.
Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches.
Spacing: Space trees 20–30 ft apart to allow for mature growth.
Maintenance: Mulch annually and monitor moisture during establishment.
Forest Pansy Redbud thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a variety of soils as long as they are well-drained. It is a low-maintenance tree that benefits from occasional watering during extended dry periods, light fertilization in spring, and minimal pruning to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. Its moderate size and vibrant color make it an excellent specimen tree, a focal point in small gardens, or a complementary plant in beds and borders.
Size: Unless the product is labeled “B&B,” it comes in a container rather than ball-and-burlap. Sizes listed with ‘Cal.’ indicate the caliper of the trunk.
