Eastern Redbud ‘Merlot’ is a cultivated Eastern redbud tree with distinctive leaves that set it apart from others in the family. The leaves are a dark, almost blackish red color, similar to Merlot wine. It’s also how the tree got its name. While cultivated for its foliage, the tree is also heat and drought tolerant, unlike other Redbud species.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Noted for its dark foliage and excellent tolerance to drought and heat, Cercis canadensis ‘Merlot’ (Eastern Redbud) is a compact, deciduous tree with an upright, dense, vase-shaped habit. Masses of pea-like, bright pink flowers held in clusters cover the bare branches in the spring, before the foliage emerges, creating a most dramatic display. The cheerful blossoms are on display for 2-3 weeks.
The foliage of small, heart-shaped, shiny, wine-red leaves does not show leaf stress in the heat of summer. A cross between Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ and Cercis canadensis var. texensis (Texas Redbud), this dwarf Eastern Redbud adds elegance to any space, including small gardens.
II. How to Grow and Care
Eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ is a low-maintenance ornamental tree known for its attractive purple foliage and springtime flowers. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade, although it thrives in full sun. A special care point for eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ is to provide regular watering during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Pruning is not generally required except to remove any damaged or crossed branches to maintain a healthy growth structure.
Sunlight
Eastern Redbud responds well to direct sunlight and does best in partial shade, whereas Western Redbud thrives in full sun. That’s why eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ is found in a variety of moist, well-drained soils, and grows more densely on sunny slopes where it enjoys more intense sunlight with less plant competition.
Temperature
Eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ adapts to wide fluctuations in temperature and growing environment, ranging from -28 ℃ in the winter to 32 ℃ during summer. To induce flowering, eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ needs temperatures below -2 ℃. Some research reports it can withstand 40 ℃. Eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ grows in areas with an annual rainfall of 51 to 127 cm. It needs sufficient water for its growth and is somewhat resistant to drought.
Watering
Originating from regions with moderate climates, eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ has adapted to thrive in conditions that mimic its natural setting, where consistent moisture is balanced by well-draining soil. This species exhibits a preference for regular hydration without being waterlogged, aligning with its drought-tolerant nature. Accordingly, it should be watered twice a week to maintain optimal health. Cultivated primarily outdoors due to its size and ornamental value, eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ is deciduous, shedding leaves seasonally which impacts its water uptake and conservation strategy.
Soil
Eastern Redbud can well grow outdoors in moist, loamy, or sandy soils. Its occurrence on slopes with more sunlight is prevalent. It is acclimatized to a wide range of pH; however, it thrives best with a pH range of 6.6-7.8 or above. It doesn’t tolerate inundated sites, poorly aerated soils, or sandy soils.
Western Redbud is adapted to grow in a wide variety of soils, including course and nutrient-deficient soils that are well-drained. It grows as an understory cover tree and is fairly tolerable to lime and acidic soils. It also tolerates alkaline soil and clay; its best pH range is 5.5-7.8.
Fertilizing
To maintain eastern redbud ‘Merlot”s vibrant growth and flowering, use balanced or high nitrogen fertilizers. Fertilize in spring, prior to the flowering period, to support bud formation. Annually apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer, observing label rates to avoid overburdening eastern redbud ‘Merlot’. Excess can harm, so follow a moderate approach, enhancing eastern redbud ‘Merlot”s health without risking nutrient burn.
Seasonal growth stages dictate adjustments in fertilization frequency and quantity, with less required in dormant winter months. A practical tip: water eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ post-fertilization to help nutrient absorption and prevent root scorch.
Planting Instructions
Eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ is fairly easy to propagate by direct sowing. It can also be grown in a container during spring or fall.
Collect seeds from pods with a dark brown or reddish-brown color, as this indicates the maturity of the seed pods. Preserve seeds in an airtight container at 3 ℃. The hard outer seed covering requires seed scarification and stratification to break dormancy. Put seeds in steaming hot water for 30 minutes and follow moist sand stratification for 6-8 weeks at 5 ℃. Seeds are now ready to be planted during the current fall or upcoming spring.
Dig the soil to a depth of 30 cm; make a fine tilth that allows the young roots to easily penetrate it. Eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ has a tap root system that grows quickly during the first year. Bed size can be adjusted depending on the available space. During late spring, put your seeds in the bed to a depth of 4 to 5 cm and cover gently with garden soil. Seedlings or already growing plants can also be planted in prepared beds adopting the “balled and burlapped” method.
Pruning
Eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ requires regular pruning for pedestrian clearance beneath the canopy, as it usually branches low on the trunk. The tree grows in a multi-trunk fashion that can be trained to continue with a single dominating trunk. Trees must be pruned to remove overcrowded branches, weak branches, forks, and dead limbs to give its canopy a rounded, vase shape that adds value to your garden landscape.
Prune at the appearance of new leaves or in the late fall. Reduce the number of lateral branches and maintaining a reasonable distance between them.
Propagation
A striking ornamental tree, eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ thrives when propagated by cuttings, allowing garden enthusiasts to truly harness its beauty. For runners to manifest the vibrant foliage and florals of eastern redbud ‘Merlot’, it’s key to cut during peak vigor; select healthy, semi-hardwood sections. Dip these cuttings in rooting hormone to catalyze root development and nestle them into a well-draining, moist medium, ensuring a stable environment for optimal root establishment.
Transplanting
The prime window for relocating eastern redbud ‘Merlot’ is from the tail-end of spring until the cusp of summer, leveraging optimal growth conditions. Choose a spot with dappled sunlight and well-drained soil. Be gentle with the roots to maintain eastern redbud ‘Merlot”s vitality.
III. Uses and Benefits
Cercis species are often used for ornamental purposes, such as in landscaping or as specimen trees. They produce showy, small flowers in the spring, followed by heart-shaped leaves that turn a striking range of colors in the fall.
