Cercis 'MERLOT'

Eastern redbud is a lovely, deciduous, small tree or a large shrub where the word 'love' is the tell: its leaves are in a perfect shape of a heart that we are used to draw as an icon. Merlot is a new variety from 2009, an interspecific cross between Forest Pansy (cercis canadensis) and Texas White (cercis texensis). The first parent offered red leaves, the second one better tolerance to heat and drought. It was bred by Dennis James Werner and Layne Karlton Snelling of North Carolina State University, and patented as PP22297 in 2009.

Merlot redbud, just the French grapevine variety of the same name, has leaves of the deepest wine red colour. They are deciduous, heart-shaped, and glossy. Compared to Forest Pansy they are a little smaller (abt. 10x13 cm), the plant is not as vigorous, and exhibits a more compact and denser habit. Another impressive feature is its spring flowering. Profusion of bright purple-pink flowers with miniature stalks are borne on bare, purple-black wood. The older the tree, the more flowers are produced.

Pruning is not necessary but can be done in spring after flowering. Do not cut into old wood – badly treated cuts may be infected and the plant may die.

Redbud is soil tolerant but does best in moist but well-drained soil. It resents transplanting. Grow it in full sun, keep very young plants sheltered from drying winds and strong late winter sunlight, if possible. The plant is bud hardy to min. -24°C, and the wood can take a few degrees lower (USDA zone 5b-6).

Last update 04-03-2018.