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Forest Pansy

Cercis canadensis
Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy leaves
Forest Pansy has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit

Forest Pansy is a popular small Cercis, usually reaching only around 2m by 2m, and therefore a good choice for bringing colour to a small space.

In spring it features a mass of small pansy-like flowers, with purple, mauve and pink hues, borne on bare branches ahead of the leaves - from a distance this intense display of colour can easily be mistaken for a flowering cherry.

Blooming is a week or so later than is usual for other varieties of the species Cercis canadensis.

The main attraction is undoubtedly the relatively large heart-shaped leaves. As is often the case with Cercis trees they are inherently multi-coloured, emerging with red burgundy hues and becoming purple/red as they mature. In autumn they take on purple, red and yellow hues.

Forest Pansy will often become multi-stemmed over time.

Forest Pansy cercis (redbud) trees for sale

  • 2-year pot-grown tree £97.00
    In a 12L pot
    Small size (1.5m-2.5m after 10 years)
Next deliveries

Order now for delivery from week commencing 6th January.

History

Forest Pansy was found in Tennessee in the 1940s, and is popular with plant breeders on account of its colourful purple foliage. The trait for purple leaves in Cercis canadensis is recessive, so not easily inherited, and therefore a rare and desirable characteristic.

Forest Pansy characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • AwardsRHS AGM (current) - 1993
  • Attractive featuresAttractive flowersAttractive foliageAutumn foliage colourVariegated foliageSummer foliage colour
  • Growth habitSpreading / Flat-toppedMulti-stem
  • Height after 10 years1.5m-2.5m / 5ft-8ft
  • SunlightTolerates shadePrefers full sun
  • PruningPrune after flowering
  • Site conditionsOccasional droughtFree-draining site
  • Flower colourPink - darkCrimsonPurple
  • Flower formSingle flower (5-8 petals)
  • Flowering monthMay
  • Leaf colourBronze
  • Leaf colour - autumnMultiple tints
  • Leaf/Flower sequenceFlowers appear first
  • Annual cycleDeciduous

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years.

Ceris Can Forest Pansy redbud