Cercis canadensis 'Merlot' (Eastern Redbud)

A hybrid of two Texas redbud cultivars, Cercis candensis 'Forest Pansy,' and Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Texas White,' the 'Merlot' cultivar is a seedling developed from a breeding program between its parents to produce a purple-leaf redbud cultivar but with smaller, glossier leaves and a more upright growth habit. Introduced in 2002, 'Merlot' presents all of the features that were being sought out, growing in an upright habit to only about 9-15' tall and wide. Glossy, 5" leaves emerge green with purple tint, before maturing to dark maroon-red and eventually to a pleasant dark green in late summer. Beyond its foliage, 'Merlot' is also well-regarded for the early spring flowers that gives redbud its name, with pink-purple flower buds emerging along branches before foliage in March and April.

Cercis canadensis 'Merlot' is widely considered an understory tree, and grows well in full sun to partial shade, working excellently as a specimen tree, but excelling when provided with a bit of shelter from strong winds and dry summer heat. Although 'Merlot' grows best in average, nutrient rich soils with medium moisture and good drainage, this redbud will also tolerate deer damage, black walnut soils, some drought, and sites with clay soil that hold onto water. In addition to its hardiness, 'Merlot' redbud is a great source of food for pollinators and birds, and its showy yellow fall foliage and persistent papery seed pods add multi-season ornamental appeal.