Cercis canadensis Golden Falls - Eastern Redbud

Cercis Canadensis 'Golden Falls' is a recent and amazing variety of Canadian Redbud. It is distinguished first by its voluminous heart-shaped leaves that change colour throughout the weeks. The young leaves are adorned with orange hues. Then, they turn golden yellow. And as autumn approaches, just before falling, they take on a surprising lemon green colour. But this Canadian Redbud also stands out for its abundant spring flowering in shades of pinkish purple that explodes against an almost black bark, covering the entire length of its branches. The last asset of this bush lies in its elegant weeping habit, both vertical, narrow and upright. Its size is ideal for enhancing a small garden or terrace. This hardy plant needs a sunny location to enhance the intensity of its colours. Not demanding in terms of soil, it nevertheless requires well-drained, not too dry soil.

The Cercis canadensis is a tree native to the eastern and central United States, belonging to the Legume family. It can reach a height of 12 m (39 ft 5 in) in its natural environment, but rarely exceeds 3 to 7 m (9 ft 10 in to 23 ft) in cultivation. It forms a twisted tree, with branches close to the ground, often wider than tall. The Canadian Redbud has given rise to numerous varieties with varied habits, flower colours, and foliage.

Cercis canadensis 'Golden Falls' is a recent American creation, credited to JC Raulstein Arboretum at NC State University. It is characterised by a very compact, upright and weeping habit. Like all varieties of the Cercis genus, its foliage is deciduous and takes on colourful hues before falling in autumn. The 'Golden Falls' variety does not exceed 4 m (13 ft 1 in) in height with a spread of about 1.50 m. Flowering takes place in May-June depending on the climate: its still leafless trailing branches are covered with an abundant rose-purple flowering, greatly appreciated by pollinating insects. They are particularly numerous, butterfly-shaped, grouped in clusters along the branches. Once flowering is over, the Canadian Redbud is adorned with large heart-shaped leaves.

It forms a very original and attractive shrub almost all year round. It takes up little space and has a strong personality: it is an ideal candidate to add a unique touch to a small garden or in the centre of a large flowerbed. It only requires a fairly deep soil, regardless of its nature, even limestone. It is very hardy and can be planted in all regions of France. It does not require any particular pruning: in short, it is a very accommodating plant that can thrive in any garden!

Cercis canadensis 'Golden Falls' can be planted as a standalone specimen for its year-round presence, especially in the middle of a small lawn in front of the house or to add vibrant colours to a flowerbed on the edge of a wood. It also looks stunning against the backdrop of a wall or evergreen foliage accompanied by a Golden Elder 'Plumosa aurea' and a California Lilac 'Concha' for the contrast in colour and form, with some clumps of Darley Heath and Hellebores in their shade for winter! Or, with a dwarf Winged Euonymus and a beautiful Cotinus Grace, adorned with one boasting a beautiful red and orange fruiting, and the other with an airy summer flowering, both offering a sumptuous autumn foliage...