Spring is announced in the Southeastern United States by the sight of small purple-rose flowers blooming on the redbud tree. The eastern redbud, scientifically known as Cercis canadensis, is a native North American species that can be found growing from parts of Canada to the northern regions of Mexico. Although it is prevalent throughout the Southeastern U.S., it has also gained popularity as an ornamental tree for home landscapes. Plant breeders have introduced several unique varieties of the eastern redbud.
One such variety is the Lavender Twist redbud, which was initially discovered in Connie Covey’s private garden in Westfield, NY, in 1991. Plant breeders propagated it through cuttings, and it was patented in 1998 as the ‘Covey’ eastern redbud. The Lavender Twist redbud is a dwarf tree that slowly grows 5-15 feet (2-5 m.) tall and wide. It is known for its weeping, pendulous habit, and contorted trunk and branches, which make it unique.
In early spring, Lavender Twist redbud trees bloom with small, pea-like pink-purple flowers that cover the tree’s cascading, twisted branches and trunk before the leaves emerge. The blooms typically last for three to four weeks. After the blooms fade, the plant produces bright green, heart-shaped foliage, which turns yellow in autumn and falls earlier than most trees. Because Lavender Twist goes dormant earlier than other varieties, it is considered more cold-hardy. Moreover, its contorted branches and trunk provide winter interest to the garden.
- A glorious cascade of purple-pink flowers in spring
- Graceful weeping shrub around 6 feet tall
- Blue-green heart-shaped leaves turn yellow in fall
- Only weeping form hardy in the North
- Easily grown and free of pests
Growth Guide:
The “Lavender Twist” redbud, also known as Cercis canadensis “Covey” or Cercis canadensis “Lavender Twist,” is a captivating plant that boasts attractive foliage and graceful, cascading branches. This plant produces showy rose-pink flowers in early spring, and its heart-shaped leaves turn golden yellow by the end of the growing season. At maturity, the umbrella-shaped tree typically reaches heights of only 5 to 6 feet, with a spread of up to 8 feet. The “Lavender Twist” redbud is suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.
If you have an established “Lavender Twist” redbud, it is crucial to water it once every month during warm weather. You can achieve this by letting a hose run slowly at the base of the plant for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, moving the hose once or twice during this time to ensure the soil is evenly saturated. If the leaves wilt and turn brown, provide additional water.
It is also recommended to feed the plant every five to six weeks between early spring and late autumn using a general-purpose garden fertilizer with a ratio such as 5-3-3. Simply sprinkle 1 cup of the fertilizer on the soil under the tree in an area extending to the drip line (where water drips from the tips of the outermost branches). During the first year, use only 1/2 cup of fertilizer each time.
Pruning your “Lavender Twist” redbud in late autumn is also necessary. Start by removing dead or damaged branches, then take a good look at the plant and trim as needed to maintain the desired shape and size.
Finally, staking the trunk of your redbud when the tree is young is a great way to promote upright growth. Drive a 6- to 7-foot stake into the ground about 1 foot from the tree and tie the tree to the stake with elastic garden ties. Be sure to remove the stake when the tree reaches the desired height.
Care Instructions:
- Light: full sun to part shade
- Water: drought tolerant
- Soil: adaptable, no special requirements
- Eastern redbud, and its various forms, is very easy to grow in north Florida. Its flowers signal the start of spring in Jacksonville.
