Limited Quantities - Reserve Now For Fall
-
Intermediate Zones 5-9
-
-
-
-
Forest Pansy Redbud Tree
Forest Pansy Redbud Tree
Couldn't load pickup availability
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’
Forest Pansy Redbud Tree
The Forest Pansy Redbud is a striking ornamental tree known for its vibrant purple foliage, magenta spring blooms, and multi-season appeal. A bold twist on the native Eastern Redbud, this variety adds dramatic color, texture, and elegance to landscapes large and small.
Its heart-shaped leaves emerge in deep burgundy, then mature to rich maroon and green tones through summer, creating layers of interest. This small flowering tree is ideal for front yards, patios, specimen plantings, and garden focal points.
Forest Pansy Redbud Tree Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Forest Pansy Redbud, Purple-Leaf Redbud |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 20–30 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 20–25 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Moderate (1–2 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 20–40 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 5–9 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best color in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; prefers regular moisture in hot months |
| 🌸 Flower Color | Magenta-pink; blooms in early spring before foliage |
| 🍃 Foliage Color | Deep purple in spring; shifts to maroon/green in summer |
| 🐝 Pollination | Attracts bees, butterflies, and native pollinators |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, spreading, multi-stemmed or single trunk form |
| ↔️ Spacing | 15–25 ft for standalone or ornamental groupings |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Specimen tree, shade garden, pollinator beds, patios |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low to moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Provides early-season nectar for pollinators and native insects
🌿 Adds shade, seasonal color, and ornamental structure to landscapes
🌎 Supports native plant biodiversity in managed and naturalized settings
🪶 Offers light cover and perching sites for small birds and wildlife
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 💜 Unique purple foliage and vibrant spring blooms | 🍃 Foliage color may fade in deep shade |
| 🌳 Compact size ideal for small spaces and urban yards | ❄️ Susceptible to frost damage in colder zones |
| 🐝 Excellent for pollinator gardens and seasonal interest | ✂️ May require structural pruning when young to train canopy |
| 🏡 Offers four-season beauty with ornamental bark and form | 💧 Needs consistent moisture in hot, dry climates |
| 🌸 Non-invasive native cultivar with bold color appeal | 🪵 Moderate lifespan compared to larger shade trees |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water thoroughly after planting and during extended dry periods
🕳️ Dig a hole twice as wide as the root mass; plant at the same depth as grown in nursery
🌾 Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around base to retain moisture and reduce weeds
💦 Water weekly during the first year and during high heat
✂️ Prune after bloom or in winter to shape or remove crossing branches
🧪 Fertilize in early spring with a balanced ornamental tree fertilizer
The Forest Pansy Redbud Tree is a colorful, compact showstopper that brings texture, pollinator power, and vibrant seasonal transitions to any yard or garden. Whether planted as a statement piece or integrated into layered beds, it offers beauty, biodiversity, and charm all year long.
Share
