Whitewater Redbud Cercis canadensis 'Whitewater'
Other Common Name(s):
- Description
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'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.
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- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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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.
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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 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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Legume
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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.
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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 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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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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