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Cercis canadensis 'Whitewater'

Description

'Whitewater' redbud is a deciduous woody shrub or tree in the Fabaceae (bean) family. The parent plant is native to eastern and central North America. This cultivar from Dr. Dennis Werner of North Carolina State University has a weeping habit and grows to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. The genus name Cercis comes from the Greek word kerkis, which means weaver's shuttle, referring to the fact that the seed pod resembles the size and shape of a weaver's shuttle used to move thread back and forth on a loom. 

This plant requires full sun to partial shade. It is at its best in full sun but benefits from some afternoon shade in hot climates. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH and is highly tolerant of urban pollution, even thriving in inner city environments. Plant it in a relatively sheltered location and consider applying a thick layer of mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. Maintenance is low; any pruning should be accomplished after the flowers have bloomed.

Deep rose-purple, pea-shaped flowers bloom in April and May and are displayed on the bare branches. The flowers give way to heart-shaped leaves, which emerge mostly white with green flecks and mature to mostly green with white flecks. Its weeping habit is an exciting addition to the bright variegated foliage.

‘Whitewater’ is versatile in the landscape. With this stunning combination of features, it is perfect as an accent or specimen plant, although it is also suitable in a border, as a foundation or mass planting to provide screening, or near the street. Its relatively small size also lends it to small spaces, patios, ponds, walkways, and containers. Alternatively, use it in a pollinator, butterfly, cottage, or rock garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Some insects affecting this tree are twig borer, treehoppers, caterpillars, scales, and leafhoppers. It is also susceptible to canker and dieback and can suffer from damage caused by deer. Transplanting of mature trees should not be attempted, as the tree may have a difficult time surviving.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Cercis canadensis.

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Tags:
#weeping#showy flowers#deciduous#nectar plant#showy leaves#winter interest#flowering tree#year-round interest#specialized bees#nci#showstopper#variegated#pollinator plant#deciduous tree#compact habit#bird friendly#bee friendly#compact#wet soils intolerant#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#weeping#showy flowers#deciduous#nectar plant#showy leaves#winter interest#flowering tree#year-round interest#specialized bees#nci#showstopper#variegated#pollinator plant#deciduous tree#compact habit#bird friendly#bee friendly#compact#wet soils intolerant#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Cercis
    Species:
    canadensis
    Family:
    Fabaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    United States
    Wildlife Value:
    The flowers provide nectar for bees and once pollinated form leguminous pods, the seed can be consumed by birds. Members of the genus Cercis support the following specialized bee: Habropoda laboriosa.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Colorful
    Screening
    Wildlife Food Source
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Highly tolerant of urban pollution, will thrive in inner city environments. Deer resistant.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Rounded
    Weeping
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Legume
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Deep rose-purple, displayed on bare branches, before the leaves emerge.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Heart-shaped leaves which emerge mostly white with green flecks, and mature to mostly green with white flecks. It has the appearance of someone spilling a can of white paint on the plant.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Near Septic
    Patio
    Pond
    Pool/Hardscape
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Flowering Tree
    Foundation Planting
    Mass Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Small Tree
    Specimen
    Street Tree
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Dry Soil
    Pollution
    Poor Soil
    Urban Conditions