Cercis Forest Pansy, Eastern Redbud Tree or American Redbud Tree
The Eastern Red Bud Tree or Forest Pansy (Cercis Canadensis 'Forest Pansy'), is a small, spreading tree with attractive, heart-shaped purple foliage and gorgeous purple, pink and crimson flowers appearing before the leaves in early Spring. This tree will be of most interest to those with smaller gardens or those that have the middle names of "Forest" or "Pansy".
The catalogue describes the foliage as heart-shaped however no Cardiologist we contacted would confirm this so we suspect a horticultural artistic licence is at play again. The overactive marketing department describes the new leaves as a passionate, dark Ruby red that evolves through the kissing embrace of Summer into more of a feeling than a colour. Normal people will see dark red leaves turn purple in the Summer. The marketing department insists on calling the Autumn colours a striking orange, however, no Forest Pansy has ever been recorded as withholding their labour because of pay and conditions so we refused to use the term. Apparently velvety to the touch but make sure no one is watching if you go to stroke a tree to find out.
Some garden designers insist on planting in a position whereby the sun can be seen behind the tree as some foliage becomes translucent. If you find you are not experiencing this effect whatsoever, check it is not Winter and that you have your eyes open.
The Cercis Canadensis Forest Pansy has won the Award Of Garden Merit which means it is an outstanding tree compared to other similar trees or someone on the judging panel was paid off by an influential Cercis Canadensis.
We suggest that this tree is ideally planted in a spot out of harsh winds in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade but you will see better foliage colour with full sun. It has no preference for chalk, clay, loam or sand, acidic or alkaline soil. We know this because we asked it many times "Do you prefer any type of soil"...so far, no response. Try to plant in its forever home as Cercis Canadensis Forest Pansy is a bit like your grandad in front of the TV at Christmas and doesn't like to be moved. Tolerant of drought but make sure it has had at least one growing season in your garden before you abandon the watering regime.
It is a low maintenance tree so no need to change the oil or fan belt but always cut out dead, diseased or crossing over branches. If you want to promote more flowering the following year, prune hard after the flowers have gone.
The very ornate shape and colour of the foliage make it a popular choice for public parks.
It seems the Forest Pansy is a little elusive when it comes to pinning down the exact common name as it can go by two different ones. Either the American Redbud tree or the Eastern Redbud tree. If you research the tree, the Latin name is exactly the same, the characteristics are exactly the same but the common name can vary.
Expect a final height of around 6m and a width of around 8m, so this tree is ideal for a small garden or for those that appreciate the small and wide shape like Dwarfs with a slow metabolism. It is very hardy so can be planted almost anywhere in the UK so long as it gets no colder than minus 15 degrees centigrade.
See What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Eastern Redbud Tree
The tree a bought from you is fantastic. My sister has funded it for a birthday gift, she knew exactly what tree she wanted to buy for me but all the garden centres around her sent the trees they had to Chelsea..So my tree is a belated birthday gift from my sister, I found your web store through RHS site and purchased it. Arrival was perfect timing, son is home from uni and he’s dug the required hole to put it in and has been the general muscle behind planting it in it’s new home...I’ll be using your site again. Thank you Regards Adele Dance 0819
Plants arrived this afternoon and don't look at all bothered by the delay. They look wonderful, I'm really pleased with them. Thank you 0818
Thank you for the amazing tree that was delivered in excellent packaging. It hasn’t arrived damaged and looks in excellent health. I am extremely happy with the specimen you sent me. 0616
Have just taken delivery of the 3 trees (Cercis Forest Pansy being one of them) and I have to say the quality has far exceeded expectations. Thanks for helping me with my queries – the customer support has been refreshingly outstanding. I will definitely be returning next year as we tackle a long fence that is in desperate need for some tree and shrub companions!Darrel F. 0815
Yes thank you. It arrived safely. The courier carried it a long way on his shoulder so we were very impressed! It is now planted, following instructions on the label, and looks great, so fingers crossed it will live happily in its new spot. Thanks Ann Horne 0813
All present and correct, Eastern Redbud tree looks great, good service, great product, thank you, Sue M-N
Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A Fence
It is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
Our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Air and light is reduced in this location which could promote fungus and bacterial issues. If the corner is of the house and a fence then you also have leeching issues to contend with from cement and wood preservatives. Also when it rains, that area would experience higher water levels so we advise against it unless the plant is very hardy.
