Pike's Pick

Georgia Gardener Newsletter Cool Plant: May 14, 2009

Hearts of Gold Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold'

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Species Native Range: Eastern U.S.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-9
Mature Size: 20-30 feet tall & wide
Exposure: Full sun to light shade
Soil: Loose, well-drained
Drought Tolerance: Excellent
Ease of Culture: Easy

It only really happens once or twice a year that I come across a plant that really excites me. Last year, I saw Hearts of Gold Redbud at one of the trade shows and was intrigued to see a golden-chartreuse foliaged redbud - the first cultivar of its kind. Now this tree is becoming more available in the retail nurseries.

As with other redbuds, Hearts of Gold blooms with deep lavender flowers in March. The seasonal display continues after the flowering with the arrival of the wonderfully bright heart-shaped foliage. Too bad it doesn't bloom when the leaves are out but that in no way is an insult to this plant. For the remainder of the season, the foliage will retain this color perhaps even becoming more golden especially in full sun.

Grow Hearts of Gold Redbud as a specimen tree or in small groups in full sun to light shade with well-drained soil. Because redbuds are smaller trees, they make an outstanding choice for the smaller landscape. Since the color lavender is complementary to the golden-chartreuse color of the leaves, choose plants that have foliage or flowers to create an eye-catching combination. These include dwarf loropetalums, Purple Knockout lyre-leaf sage, May Night Salvia, coleus, etc. Conversely, plants with similar color foliage can create an intensely bright garden area. These include any of the golden spiraeas, creeping jenny, coleus, etc.

Sources

Try these locations for Hearts of Gold Redbud:

Pike Nurseries
Buck Jones Nursery