Merlot Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Merlot') is a compact, heat-tolerant ornamental hybrid tree featuring glossy, wine-purple leaves and vibrant pink spring blossoms. It thrives in USDA zones 6 through 9 and reaches a mature height and width of 12 to 15 feet.
Available as 20-28 inch tall potted trees.
Foliage is glossy, with thick, heart-shaped leaves that emerge glossy dark purple, holding its deep burgundy color well into the summer before turning green or bronze-green later in the season. Abundant flowers are vivid magenta-pink pea-like that burst across bare branches in early spring before the leaves emerge. This multi-stemmed tree is upright, and has rounded growth that forms a dense canopy.
Merlot Redbud is an excellent specimen tree for small front yards, patios, or courtyards. Ideal for mixed shrub borders, accent planting, and urban gardens due to its high tolerance for city pollution. This redbud attracts early-season pollinators like bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich spring blooms.
Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun) to partial shade. Unlike other redbud varieties, its glossy leaves resist scorching in hot, sunny locations.
Performs best in average, consistently moist, but well-drained soils. It has superior drought tolerance once established compared to standard redbuds.
Highly adaptable, tolerating a wide pH range from slightly acidic to mildly alkaline (ideal range roughly 6.5 to 8.0), and handles higher pH levels well.
Can be planted directly into the ground. If your USDA zone is 7 or higher, can be Fall, Spring or Summer planted. If colder zone, Spring or Summer plant. Provide water, wind protection and afternoon shade first summer.
Needs a very well draining soil, especially if planted in containers. If planting in a container, we recommend our "Potting Soil Mix For Any Plants That Require Well Drained Soil".
Ships with leaves in Spring and Summer and dormant without leaves in Fall and Winter.
Free Shipping to most locations. We cannot ship larger boxes or to AK, HI, APO, US Territories, or areas considered remote without a freight surcharge.
If your temperature is warmer than 89 degrees or colder than 20 degrees, we will hold order until temperature improves. Please put your desired ship date in Special Instructions to Seller at checkout.
All plants are inspected for quality prior to shipment. Plants are rarely damaged in shipping, but if they are, please let us know right away so we can help. If there is any plant damage, take a photo of the package and plants. This will help us solve the problem. Please message us prior to placing your order if you have any questions.
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