Merlot Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Merlot') | Deep Purple Foliage

Merlot Eastern Redbud

15 Gallon

$209.00

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Merlot Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'Merlot'

A fast-growing redbud with glossy deep purple-burgundy foliage and profuse magenta-rose spring flowers, offering improved heat tolerance.

$209.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Cercis canadensis 'Merlot' is a stunning, fast-growing deciduous tree prized for its glossy, deep purple foliage and profuse, magenta-rose spring flowers. A hybrid between 'Forest Pansy' and 'Texas White', this improved selection offers the intense dark foliage of 'Forest Pansy' with better heat tolerance and a more upright, rounded form . In early spring, before the leaves emerge, the bare branches are covered in clusters of small, pea-like, magenta-rose flowers that are highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators . The large, heart-shaped leaves emerge glossy deep purple, mature to a rich burgundy-wine color (true to its namesake), then transition to bronze-purple in summer and finally to yellow-orange in fall . With excellent drought tolerance once established, good cold hardiness, and superior heat tolerance, it is an outstanding choice for a specimen tree, mass plantings, or as a colorful accent in small to medium landscapes .

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Large, heart-shaped, glossy deep purple leaves (emerge deep purple, mature to burgundy-wine, turn bronze-purple in summer, yellow-orange in fall); profuse clusters of small, pea-like, magenta-rose flowers in early spring (before leaves).
Mature Height: 12-18 ft
Mature Spread: 12-20 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 6-9 (best in zone 6a-9)
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (morning sun/afternoon shade)
Core Benefits: Glossy deep purple-burgundy foliage, profuse magenta-rose spring flowers, fast-growing, heat tolerant (improved over 'Forest Pansy'), attracts pollinators.
Best Uses: Specimen tree, mass plantings, lawn tree, foundation planting, small gardens, street tree, woodland gardens.

Q: How is 'Merlot' different from 'Forest Pansy'?
A: 'Merlot' offers improved heat tolerance (less leaf scorch in summer), a more upright, rounded habit, and similar deep purple-burgundy foliage. It is a hybrid of 'Forest Pansy' and 'Texas White'.

Q: When does it bloom?
A: It blooms in early spring (March-April), producing clusters of magenta-rose flowers on bare branches before the leaves emerge.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: It performs best in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, morning sun with afternoon shadeis ideal to prevent leaf scorch.

Q: How large does it get?
A: It is a medium-sized tree, typically reaching 12-18 feet in height and 12-20 feet in spread at maturity.

Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: Yes, it is reliably hardy in USDA zones 6-9, tolerating winter temperatures as low as -10°F.

Q: Does it attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the early spring flowers are highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.