Redbud

Redbud 'Merlot' (Cercis canadensis 'Merlot') is a small deciduous tree that reaches about 3.5m tall and 3m wide, which puts a genuine flowering tree within reach of a courtyard or a front garden. In early spring, before any leaves appear, pink purple pea flowers open directly along the bare branches. The heart shaped leaves that follow emerge deep wine red and hold that colour through summer heat better than older redbuds manage.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers on bare wood. The spring display runs along the branches themselves, which is a striking effect no other small tree in this size range delivers.
• Wine dark foliage all summer. Glossy heart shaped leaves in deep burgundy, then autumn colour before they drop.
• Small garden scale. At roughly 3.5m by 3m it fits a courtyard, a front lawn or a narrow entry bed without dominating.
• Roots that stay out of trouble. Non invasive roots mean it can sit reasonably close to paths, driveways and paving.
• Hardy once settled. Frost hardy, heat tolerant and drought tolerant after establishment.

Where it works best

Feature planting. A single tree in a lawn or bed is how it is best used. Place it where you see the bare branches against the sky in early spring, since that is when it earns its keep.

Small gardens and courtyards. Its modest spread and well behaved roots suit tight urban blocks, and the open canopy still lets you plant underneath.

Driveways and pots. A matched pair either side of an entry works well, and a pot 600mm or wider holds a young tree for several years with reliable watering.

Growing Redbud in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the deepest leaf colour and the heaviest flowering, though it accepts light afternoon shade in hot inland gardens. It suits cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean climates and is fully frost hardy. Humid subtropical and tropical gardens do not give it the winter chill it needs.

Soil. Well drained and moderately fertile, with compost worked through a wide planting hole. It will not tolerate waterlogging, so raise the bed on heavy clay and mulch 75mm deep clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak weekly through the first two summers, then taper off. A complete slow release fertiliser in early spring is all the feeding it needs.

Pruning. Keep it light. Remove crossing or damaged wood in late winter after flowering and resist shaping cuts, because redbuds heal large wounds slowly and the flowers form on older wood.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in two advanced sizes: 400mm pots and 100L specimens. Both arrive as formed young trees with a clear trunk and a branching head, so you are buying structure rather than starting from a whip. The 100L option is the one to choose when the tree needs to look established the day it goes in.

If it arrives leafless through winter that is normal for a deciduous tree, not a fault. Plants are delivered Australia wide with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery, and advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Choosing a feature tree for a front garden
• Browse the deciduous tree range
• Compare small trees for urban gardens
• See trees with non invasive roots

Common questions

How close to paving can I plant it?

The roots are non invasive, so it is a safer choice than most trees near hard surfaces. Around 2m of clearance is sensible, mainly to give the canopy room rather than out of concern for the roots.

Does it flower in its first year?

The advanced sizes are usually old enough to flower, though a tree spends its first spring settling in and the display builds over following seasons.

Will it grow in a warm humid climate?

Not well. It needs a proper cool season to flower reliably, so cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens are where it performs.