Cercis canadensis ‘Merlot’

‘Merlot’ is a bred-for-purpose redbud, a hybrid of Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ and the drought-tolerant Texas subspecies. The foliage emerges dark purple in spring, matures to glossy maroon, and by midsummer settles to a dark olive-green, with thicker, glossier leaves than ‘Forest Pansy’ that stand up better to heat.

Clusters of bright pink pea-like flowers cover the bare branches in early spring before the leaves appear, sometimes even breaking out along the trunk. Reaches around 4 to 5m tall and wide with a compact semi-upright habit.

Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Better drought tolerance than most redbuds thanks to its Texan parent.

A cracking small specimen tree for a front garden, a lawn centre, or a striking accent in a mixed border.