Merlot Redbud Cercis 'Merlot'
- Phonetic Spelling
- SER-sis
- Description
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'Merlot' redbud is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the Fabaceae (bean) family that got its common name from the color of its foliage, similar to the wine of the same name. 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. Developed by Dr. Dennis Werner in the Department of Horticulture Science at North Carolina State University in conjunction with JC Raulston Arboretum, 'Merlot' is a hybrid of the Cercis canadensis subsp. texensis 'Texas White' and C. canadensis 'Forest Pansy," which grew adjacent to each other in the landscape at NCSU. This breeding was an attempt to develop a purple-leafed form of redbud with smaller, glossy leaves and a semi-upright growth habit. Seed was collected in 1998, and in 2002 the seedlings flowered.
‘Merlot’ does best in full sun to partial shade and will grow in any type of soil if it is well drained. This variety grows 9 to 12 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. It has a low canopy, typically 1 foot above the ground, is vase-shaped with age, dense, and has a semi-upright habit. Left on its own, it will form a multi-trunked specimen. Selective pruning when young will allow for a more tree-like form and will also help to develop a strong branch structure.
It differs from other cultivars of the genus in that it tolerates heat and drought conditions. The smaller, rounded, glossy leaves assist it to hold water and reduce the rate of transpiration.
Birds, bees and, butterflies flock to the springtime flowers making this small tree an excellent specimen in a pollinator garden, or understory tree in a wooded landscape. Plant it in small groups for a dramatic effect in a cottage garden or as a patio planting.
More information on Cercis canadensis
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Although generally pest free, canker, dieback, mildew, blights, and verticillium wilt can occur. This tree can suffer from damage caused by deer. The thin bark can be damaged by mowers and trimmers.
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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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cercis
- Species:
- canadensis
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern North America
- 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
- Easy to Grow
- Screening
- Wildlife Food Source
- Dimensions:
- Height: 9 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Dense
- Erect
- Rounded
- 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
- Occasionally Wet
- 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
- Fruit Description:
- This variety of the genus has significantly fewer fruits than other varieties, making maintenance minimal.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Prior to the tree leafing out, clusters of bright rosie/pink flowers emerge on the bare branches in the springtime. They can be present for 2 to 3 weeks.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The red leaf buds begin to open from within the flowers. The large, dark burgundy leaves will not fade through the summer months. The leaves range from 4-6" long and 2-4" wide. The leaves emerge deep purple, progress to burgundy then turn green in summer.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Features a multi-stemmed deciduous tree.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Patio
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Flowering Tree
- Foundation Planting
- Screen/Privacy
- Small Tree
- Specimen
- Understory Tree
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Heat
