Purple-leaved eastern redbud - Inland Valley Garden Planner

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Purple-leaved eastern redbud — Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'

Description

The Purple-leaved eastern redbud is one of the most popular foliage accent trees in commercial landscapes and residential gardens throughout the Inland Empire. It is a small to medium size deciduous tree growing with a low branching habit, that can eventually reach 25-35 ft. tall and as wide. Bright purple-red new foliage emerges in spring and then turn pale green by the end of summer. These leaves are heart-shaped with a long pointed tip, and grow 3-6 in. across. Clusters of showy magenta flowers occur in early spring and are followed by small bean-type pods. Foliage turns bright yellow-gold in fall.

Purple-leaved eastern redbud is naturally adapted to areas with cool and moist winters and regular summer for best flowering and foliage performance. In hot Inland Empire locations, it is best to select locations that are protected from hot afternoon sun during the summer months. It is an excellent shade tree for gardens, patios and front yards where it provides year around interest.

Water Needs

The Purple-leaved eastern redbud grows best without moisture stress and regular irrigation is recommended throughout the year. The chart shown below provides a baseline guide to the monthly irrigation schedule and volume of supplemental water needed to maintain healthy growth throughout the average year. The high and low range of moisture indicates it can grow with varying amounts of water; higher amounts of water will result in stronger springtime flowering performance and better summer foliage character.

Irrigation Schedule and Graph

Moderate Water Use Plants

Irrigation Schedule 4

	Jan*	Feb*	Mar*	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov*	Dec*
Runs per Month	0x to 3x	0x to 3x	0x to 3x	2x to 3x	2x to 3x	3x to 4x	3x to 4x	3x to 4x	2x to 3x	2x to 3x	0x to 3x	0x to 3x
Inches per Run	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"	1"

Inches per Month	0" to 3"	0" to 3"	0" to 3"	2" to 3"	2" to 3"	3" to 4"	3" to 4"	3" to 4"	2" to 3"	2" to 3"	0" to 3"	0" to 3"

Range of supplemental summer water: 17"-24"
Range of supplemental winter water: 0"-15"

0"-3"

2"-3"

3"-4"

2"-3"

0"-3"

Jan*

Feb*

Mar*

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov*

Dec*

For more information on how to use this Irrigation Schedule and Graph, follow this link.

For information how to calculate your irrigation system’s schedule and precipitation rate, please follow this link.

Plant Properties

Plant Type: Tree
Foliage Character: Winter deciduous
Habit: Upright, Multi-trunk, Low-branching
Growth Rate: Fast
Height: 25 ft. - 35 ft.
Width: 25 ft. - 35 ft.
Water Needs: Moderate 4
Foliage Color: Medium green, Seasonal yellow, Seasonal gold
Flower Color: Magenta
Flower Season: Spring
Soil Adaptations: Well-draining soil, Loam, Deep soil, Clay
Exposure Adaptations: Morning sun, Frost, All day sun, Partial sun
Function: Wildlife value, Specimen, Slopes, Raised planters, Flowering accent plant, Banks, Attracts butterflies, Small spaces

Maintenance

Prune when young as necessary to establish good long-term from. Best grown as a multi-trunk large shrub / small tree if there is room, but can also be grown as a single trunk tree. Organic mulch of 3-4 inch depth under the canopy, but held away from the trunk and root crown is ideal. Ideally plant in winter, when dormant, but fall is acceptable as well. Prune late fall or winter (D,S).

References