Cercis canadensis 'Whitewater'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- SER-sis kan-ah-DEN-sis
- Description
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'Whitewater' is a stunning redbud from the talented Dr. Dennis Werner of North Carolina. It combines a more vivid form of variegation with a broadly weeping habit. The pea-shaped flowers in April and May are a deep rose-purple, displayed on the bare branches. They are quickly followed by the heart-shaped leaves which emerge mostly white with green flecks, and mature to mostly green with white flecks. The weeping habit is an exciting addition to the bright variegated foliage.
This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. 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. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.
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.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This tree can suffer from damage caused by deer.
VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cercis
- Species:
- canadensis
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Wildlife Value:
- The flowers provide nectar for bees and once pollinated form leguminous pods, the seed can be consumed by birds.
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Highly tolerant of urban pollution, will thrive in inner city environments. Deer resistant.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Rounded
- Weeping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
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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 pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- Deep rose-purple, displayed on bare branches
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Variegated
- White
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- 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
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Small Tree
- Specimen
- Street Tree
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Pollution