Description Family Fabaceae. Originating from North America (cultivar developed in the USA). Highly ornamental heart-shaped foliage is colourfully variegated Bright pink-purple pea-like flowers bloom profusely on bare branches in early spring. Compact and easy to grow in well-drained soil with full sun or part shade. The Variegated Eastern Redbud in Your Garden Endearingly heart-shaped leaves, each one a work of art, change continually throughout the season. Their progression from intensely red buds (hence their common name) to green, pink, and white splashed variegation is captivating. Further elevating this spectacle, the leaves are borne on black young branches and shoots. This distinctive foliage display is preceded by an equally exceptional flourish of pink flowers on its bare branches. Hardy in all but the coldest northern and central UK gardens; shelter from harsh north and easterly winds is beneficial. It reaches 4m in height and width over 10–20 years, often remaining smaller with minimal pruning. Its rounded crown, more compact than many Cercis varieties, makes it ideal for small Norfolk gardens and sheltered Suffolk patios. Its unique, colourful leaves make a striking impact from afar, but close up, the intricacy of their markings is fascinating. Plant near paths or place in pots near seating to fully appreciate them. Its flower buds are tightly clustered along its branches, like deep-red, pink shrimps, demanding close inspection. Opening to a lighter yet intense pink, the blooms develop short stems that entice nearby pollinators to an early-season feast. Did you know that Cercis canadensis is a sacred tree in some Native American traditions, with its early blooms representing renewal in the cycle of life? Growing Tips for Your Variegated Pink-Flowering Shrub, Cercis canadensis ‘Carolina Sweetheart’ Soil and sun: full sun or part shade in any free-draining soil that is not heavy and wet in winter. Planting: at any time of year. Never plant a dry plant! Plunge the root ball in its pot, or stand it in water, for 15 minutes to drench it before planting. Watering: moderate: will tolerate short periods of drought once established. Water regularly in its first summer while rooting out. Pruning: none required. If re-shaping is desired, prune lightly after flowering. Hard pruning will prevent or reduce flowering for a season. Unlike many early spring-flowering trees, Cercis flowers are not affected by late frosts. The species’ North American provenance gives them a toughness that many Magnolias and some ornamental cherries lack. Its hardiness and many ornamental features make it a standout choice for a variegated pink-flowering shrub. Planting Ideas for Your Eastern Redbud ‘Carolina Sweetheart’ Add an artistic contrast to contemporary planting schemes. Punctuate structural evergreens and restrained compositions with this sophisticated variety. We rarely recommend deciduous colourful plants for this style; however, its rich yet refined colour scheme is perfect for it. Interspersed between Cupressus ‘Totem Pole, Hakea lissosperma, Ligustrum ‘Rotundifolium’, Pittosporums tobira and heterophyllum and Pinus ‘Banshosho’, it is perfect ornamentation. Celebrate the subtle aspects of plants, rather than simply flowers; intricate variegation, fascinating bark, and beautiful leaf form. Not often leveraged in planting schemes, these qualities create an alluring spectacle worthy of close-up viewing. Abutilon megapotamicum ‘Veriegata’, Acer ‘Red Flamingo’, Fatsia ‘Tsumugi-shibori’, Myrtus communis, Pittosporum ‘Bannow Bay and Trachelospermum ‘Theta’ add in-depth detail.
