Carolina Sweetheart is an excellent example of a modern Eastern Redbud. The main attraction is the multi-coloured heart-shaped leaves. These are a dark purple when they emerge in late spring, but change to green over the summer, splashed with pink and white.
It also features a profusion of small rosy purple flowers in mid-spring. These are borne on bare branches, before the leaves.
Carolina Sweetheart will eventually become quite a large tree - perhaps 4m-5m high, and a similar spread, in UK conditions. If left to its own devices it will usually become multi-stemmed.
Order now for delivery from week commencing 4th November for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.
Like all Cercis, Carolina Sweetheart does best in full sun, and needs a well-drained soil.
Carolina Sweetheart was developed by the North Carolina State University in collaboration with Star Roses and Plants Nursery.
This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2023.