Redbuds--Good Small Trees for the North Shore

One of the finest small trees for our local environment is the Redbud, Cercis canadensis. Part of its appeal is that it flowers in late April-early May before the leaves emerge. We see unimpeded the fullness of its flowering. It stays small--20' tall--and is suitable for any side of the house--east, south, west, north--if it has at least four hours of sun per day.

The redbud is a delicate tree and its flowers are (see photo) a gentle pink.For a companion planting underneath it do not go bold--a mix of pale blue violas with a few pale yellow ones would be exquisite during the two weeks the tree flowers. For bulbs you might be able to time it with Muscari (grape hyacinth 'Blue Spike'--perhaps 100 planted in the Fall).

A truly lovely burgundy-leaved form is C. 'Forest Pansy.' Very few of these are to be found around and I suspect they are not as hardy as the species. From personal experience I have known one to last nine years and it is a joy to watch the shiny heart-shaped leaves come out in the Spring after the dark pink flowering.

Another fine form, especially for smaller gardens, is the weeping redbud known as both 'Covey' and 'Lavender Twist.' It grows slowly to about 9 feet and has a cascade of green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The Chicago Botanic has two of them at the entrance to the Circle Garden. It should be sheltered from strong winds.

Two newer dwarf redbuds are C. canadensis 'Little Woody' and C. can. 'Ace of Hearts.' These were propagated from seedlings discovered by Paul Woody in 1997. 'Little Woody' grows to 6-10' and has crinkled leaves which may not appeal to everyone. 'Ace of Hearts' grows to 12' x 15' and has a ladder-like leaf arrangement. It is not as graceful looking as the species.

'Ruby Falls' is a burgundy-leaved weeping form of 'Forest Pansy.' It is probably not reliably hardy in our area.

Cercis canadensis 'Alba' is a white-flowered form of the regular species that is far preferable if the tree is to be placed against a background of brick. Pink and orangey brick do not look well together.

Recommendations: No. 1 the regular species  No. 2 'Covey'/ 'Lavender Twist'  No. 3 'Forest Pansy.'

I have heard of a hardier form of the species called 'Columbus' but have not seen it in our area.

Redbuds last for about 20 years in good condition--trees can last longer than that but they lose much of their charm. Look for them around the North Shore and you will enjoy their gentle grace in early May.