Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’

Forest Pansy (Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy') is the small tree that earns its place twice over: pink pea flowers stud the bare branches at the end of winter, then heart shaped leaves unfurl in deep burgundy and carry the show through the warm months before strong autumn colour. It grows to about 5m tall and 4m wide with non invasive roots, one of the most liveable feature trees for a modern block.

Why you'll love it

• Burgundy heart shaped leaves. The foliage is the main event, a deep wine colour on new growth that reads beautifully against green gardens.
• Flowers on bare wood. Small pink pea blooms line the branches before the leaves appear, a display no evergreen can offer.
• Autumn colour to finish. The leaves warm through amber tones before they drop, a genuine fourth season.
• Roots that behave. Non invasive, so it can sit near paths, patios and garden walls.
• Kind to the household. It is considered non toxic to cats and dogs, and the flowers feed bees and butterflies.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Give it a position where the winter silhouette and spring flowers can be seen from the house. It reads especially well against a pale wall or fence.

Small gardens. At 5m by 4m it gives real tree presence without dominating, and light dappled shade beneath it keeps underplanting alive.

A shade tree for sitting under. The broad canopy shades a bench or a north facing window in summer, then lets winter sun through.

Large containers. Young trees grow happily for years in a wide tub, held to a smaller size.

Growing Forest Pansy in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to light shade. It is frost hardy and happiest in warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean climates. In hot inland districts give it afternoon shade to protect the foliage; in the humid subtropics it grows but rarely shows its best colour, and the wet tropics do not suit it.

Soil. Well drained soil improved with compost. It dislikes waterlogging, so mound the bed on heavy clay and mulch 75mm deep, kept clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak weekly through the first two summers. Once established it is surprisingly drought tolerant. Feed with a controlled release fertiliser in early spring.

Pruning. Light and rare. Shape immediately after flowering if needed, removing crossing branches and keeping the naturally layered form.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Forest Pansy from 300mm and 400mm pots through to advanced 45L, 70L, 100L and 200L trees, so you can start small or plant instant structure. It is deciduous: a tree delivered in winter arrives bare branched and budded, which is normal and healthy. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect the first spring flush to be modest while roots establish, then stronger growth from the second season. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Time the job with the best time to plant a tree in Australia.
• Browse more feature trees.
• See other plants with autumn colour.
• Compare deciduous trees for your climate.

Common questions

Will it grow in humid coastal gardens?

It will grow, but the burgundy colour softens quickly in humid heat and flowering is lighter. From warm temperate climates south it is reliable; in the subtropics choose a spot with afternoon shade and expect a quieter display.

When does it flower?

At the end of winter into early spring, directly on the bare branches before the leaves emerge. The floral display lasts a few weeks and the fresh burgundy foliage follows straight after.

Why are the leaves turning greenish in summer?

That is normal. The colour is deepest on new spring growth and relaxes toward bronze green as leaves age, especially in shade. Good sun keeps the strongest tone.

Can I keep it in a pot?

Yes, for years. Use a container at least 600mm wide, premium mix and consistent summer water. Expect a smaller tree, around half its in ground size.