Hearts of Gold Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold')
SIR-sis kan-ah-DEN-sis 'Hearts of Gold'

Deciduous Perennial Tree in the Fabaceae Family
 
Buy Hearts of Gold Eastern Redbud
Size Notes Price Availability
#7 gallon Field $168.03 Likely available
11/1 - 11/8
1/24 - 4/4

Cercis canadensis, commonly known as the Eastern Redbud, is a small, deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It typically grows 20 to 30 feet tall and wide, with a graceful, spreading, often multi-trunked form.

One of the most distinctive features of the redbud is its prolific spring bloom. Before the tree's heart-shaped leaves emerge, the bare branches become covered in an abundance of small, pea-like, magenta-pink flowers that often appear directly on the trunk and older branches (a trait called cauliflory). This showy floral display makes redbud a popular ornamental tree.

Cercis canadensis prefers well-drained, evenly moist soil and full sun to partial shade, and is not particular about soil pH. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established, though it appreciates supplemental water during hot, dry spells, especially in full sun. The tree provides year-round interest with its spring blooms, heart-shaped summer foliage, yellow fall color, and interesting seed pods that persist into winter.

In the landscape, the redbud makes an excellent specimen tree, accent plant, or addition to naturalized areas. Its smaller size also allows it to work well in urban settings and as an understory tree. Redbuds attract pollinators and provide cover for wildlife. The tree requires minimal pruning beyond occasional thinning or shaping, and has a taproot that makes it resent transplanting once established — it's best sited while young and then left undisturbed.

Pros

  • Spectacular early-spring flower show on bare branches, before most other trees have even leafed out
  • Small, well-behaved size (20-30ft) that fits easily into smaller yards and under power lines
  • Heart-shaped leaves and interesting seed pods add multi-season interest
  • Supports native bees and other early-season pollinators when few other flowers are available

Cons

  • Has a taproot and does not transplant well once established — site it carefully while young
  • Relatively short-lived for a tree, typically 20-25 years
  • Susceptible to canker and Verticillium wilt, which can kill branches or the whole tree
  • Branches are somewhat brittle and can break in ice or wind storms
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 20 - 25 feet tall. 25 - 35 feet wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium
Zones 5a - 9b (Usually hardy to -20° F)
Tags Attracts Butterflies, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Fall Color, Flowering Tree, Full Sun, Good for Accents, Good for Asian Garden, Good for Borders, Good for Butterfly Garden, Good for Cottage Garden, Good for Rain Garden, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Medium, Medium, Nativar, Ornamental Tree, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Shade Tree, Showy Flowers, Street Tree, Well-Drained Soil
Bloom Period March to April
Flower Color Reddish-Purple
 

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Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!