Cercis canadensis 'Carolina Sweetheart®' (Eastern Redbud)

Cercis canadensis 'Carolina Sweetheart' is a gorgeous, incredibly unique cultivar of eastern redbud known for its striking foliage and profuse, rosy-pink flowers that appear before the foliage in early spring. Developed as a collaboration between North Carolina State University and Star Roses, 'Carolina Sweetheart' is an absolute showstopper, noted for its attractive, multi-color variegated foliage and cheerful pink spring blossoms that persist for several weeks, attracting early-season bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After their bloom in early spring, the 'Carolina Sweetheart' variety's foliage begins to open up and mature, developing into broad, heart-shaped leaves that start bright pink before deepening to variegated greens, with variable leaves producing dark, rich greens, bright lime greens, and pleasing cream-white tones, adding an unbelievable amount of visual appeal to the spring, summer, and fall landscapes. As cooler weather approaches, more pinks and darker purple hues can be seen 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 'Carolina Sweetheart' is slow growing, but can reach sizes of 15-30' tall and wide over time. The 'Carolina Sweetheart' cultivar is a full-sized specimen, taking on an upright, vise-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 'Carolina Sweetheart' 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, and is intolerant of being moved once established.