Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' (Redbud)

Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' is an attractive eastern redbud variety known for its striking yellow/chartreuse-toned foliage and profuse, rosy-pink flowers that appear before the foliage in early spring. Originating from a chance seedling found in a garden in Greensboro, North Carolina in the early 2000s, 'Hearts of Gold' is sure to win you over with its broad, heart-shaped leaves in shades of golden to lemon yellow. Cheerful pink spring blossoms persist for several weeks, attracting early-season bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and these blooms contrast beautiful with the attractive, yellow-toned foliage that opens later in the spring. And the seasonal ornamental appeal doesn't end there, with cooler weather drawing out an attractive array of colors including darker golden yellows and even darker wine-red hues before leaves start to fall, revealing dark, chocolate brown seed pods that feed birds through the winter.

Found in the wild as a small understory tree or large multi-stemmed shrub, Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' is slow growing, but will typically reach a mature size of 20-25' tall and 25-35' wide, taking on an upright, vase-like habit as it matures, making it a great compact specimen tree to attract birds, butterflies, and bees. Since it is typically found as an understory tree or in forest margins, Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' grows well in full sun to partial shade and excels in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Like the parent species, this cultivar is also deer resistant and tolerant of black walnut and heavy clay soils, but is intolerant of being moved once established.