Cercis canadensis var.texensis Traveller - Eastern Redbud

The Cercis canadensis 'Traveller' is a recent variety of redbuds which are not yet common in gardens. It is a small bush that is adaptable and pretty, making it an excellent choice for small spaces like open ground or sunny terraces. This dwarf and weeping Texas Redbud has a strong and easy-going nature. It blooms in spring with pinkish-purple pea flowers, followed by translucent red shoots that unfold into glossy green leaves. The leaves turn into beautiful autumn colours, making them a great garden addition.

Cercis canadensis var texensis, or Cercis occidentalis, is a type of tree that belongs to the legume or pea family. This particular species of redbud tree is found in the western region of the United States, ranging from the mountains of southern Oklahoma to the central Texas limestone hills, as well as northeastern Mexico. It is more resilient to drought than its eastern relative, the typical Redbud tree of Canada, which is more commonly known.

'Traveller' is a small tree that grows slowly and can reach up to 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) in 10 years, depending on the growing conditions. The tree has a weeping habit, meaning its branches bend towards the ground, often forming a dense mass that is wider than tall. 'Traveller' produces pinkish-purple flowers that are pea-shaped and appear in April before the leaves. The leaves emerge red-purple and translucent, then turn into a shiny dark green colour. The leaves take on yellow, orange, or red hues in autumn, depending on the year and soil type. The tree's leaves are cordate, 6-7cm (2.4-2.8 in) long, and slightly villous underneath. The aged branches and trunk have a grey-black, fissured bark. The tree has a twisted-looking trunk and a 'parasol' canopy, which gives it a Japanese silhouette.

The 'Traveller' Redbud is a small, attractive bush that can add personality to any garden. It thrives in all soil types, including dry and chalky soil during summer. It is hardy and can grow anywhere without needing specific pruning. It can be planted as a standalone specimen for its year-round presence or used as an aged specimen trained to grow in the shape of an 'umbrella' on a twisted trunk in a small Japanese scene surrounded by Mascarene grass. Alternatively, it can be placed against a wall or evergreen foliage, accompanied by a 'Plumosa Aurea' Elderberry for colour and shape contrast. You can plant Darley Heath and Hellebores in its shade for the winter. You can also pair it with a dwarf Winged Euonymus and a beautiful Cotinus Grace, which has airy clusters of summer flowers and sumptuous autumn foliage.