Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy'(02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Spring to early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 9m
Eventual Spread: 10m
Hardiness: 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Family: Fabaceae
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ is a small deciduous tree or large shrub with a spreading sometimes multi-stemmed habit. It purple leaves are inversely heart shaped with entire margins, up to 12cm long and 12cm wide. Its bark is dark and smooth. Its dark pink to white flowers are pea like, up to 15mm long and appear before its leave in clusters on old wood. Its fruit is a pea like seed pod, when mature it is brown and up to 10cm long.
The species Cercis canadensis, commonly known as Eastern Redbud, is native to east North America. In its native habitat it grows within deciduous woodlands, usually as an understory plant or at their margins.
The etymological root of the binomial name Cercis was a name given to the plant by the ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus. Canadensis is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Canada’.
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ Leaf (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ useful as a small tree with attractice spring flowers and purple leaves.
Ecologically, Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ flowers will attract pollinating insects, including bees.
The Royal Horticultural Society have given Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit 1993.
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ requires little maintenance. Dead or damaged material may be removed at the end of winter.
Landscape Architecture