Carolina Sweetheart™ Redbud

Botanical Name: Cercis canadensis ‘Carolina Sweetheart’

Common Name: Carolina Sweetheart Redbud

Mature Height and Width:
20–30' tall × 20–30' wide

Growth Habit: Upright-rounded small ornamental tree with moderate branching density and layered canopy structure. Typically develops a strong central leader with secondary branching and balanced crown architecture. Moderate growth rate.

Foliage Description: Variegated heart-shaped foliage displaying irregular patterns of burgundy, pink, white, and green. New growth emerges with strong pink and burgundy tones, transitioning to multi-tonal variegation through summer. Moderate canopy density with layered leaf presentation.

Flower Description: Rosy lavender-pink pea-like flowers borne along stems and branches prior to leaf emergence. Bloom density moderate with typical redbud trunk and branch flowering habit.

Bloom Time: Early spring before foliage emergence.

Fall Color: Variable yellow to muted bronze tones.

Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade; best foliage coloration achieved with partial afternoon protection in hotter exposures.

Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 5–9

Notable Landscape Uses: Specimen ornamental tree; lawn accent; patio tree; focal foundation planting; courtyard tree; collector landscape specimen.

Deer Resistance: Moderate
Young growth may experience browsing.