'Ace of Hearts' redbud

'Ace of Hearts' summer foliage

Ace of Hearts redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Ace of Hearts’) is an arboreal treasure, a compact form of our native redbud. Heavy clusters of light purple pea-like flowers cover twigs and branches from late March into early April, depending on your locality. Ace of Hearts grows 12 by 15 feet in height and spread, roughly one-third smaller than standard seedling redbuds. It makes an ideal fit in small and suburban gardens.

Its small semi-glossy heart-shaped leaves are less than half the size of other redbuds. Leaves are spaced close together, each one overlapping another like shingles on a roof. Its dark green summer foliage turns yellow in autumn before falling. Few, if any, unsightly seed pods are produced.

The overall tree holds its dense dome- shaped canopy over several years. Established (2 years planted) trees are exceptionally heat and drought tolerant. Ace of Hearts is susceptible to very few serious disease and insect problems.

Grow this redbud in any well-drained garden soil in full or partial sun, providing a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight to insure good flowering. This compact grower requires very little annual pruning, which is best performed after flowering.