Digging deeperPlant Library

Other Names:  Eastern Redbud, Judas Tree, Love Tree

Description:

A stunning accent shrub with gracefully arching and weeping branches, a twisted trunk and very showy pink to purple flowers held tightly on bare branches in early spring, curious heart-shaped leaves; an incredible garden accent, especially when in bloom

Ornamental Features

Lavender Twist Redbud has rose pea-like flowers along the branches from early to mid spring, which emerge from distinctive fuchsia flower buds before the leaves. It has forest green deciduous foliage which emerges burgundy in spring. The heart-shaped leaves turn buttery yellow in fall. The twisted dark brown bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Lavender Twist Redbud is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a rounded form and gracefully weeping branches. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Lavender Twist Redbud is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Lavender Twist Redbud will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to dry locations, and dislikes excessive moisture. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This is a selection of a native North American species.