Why Plant Forest Pansy Redbud?
There is perhaps no better patio tree than Forest Pansy Redbud. The branches of this small, vase-shaped tree will arch over your outdoor seating area, creating an intimate, shady space in which to enjoy a meal al fresco or just sit to unwind. Look at the "ceiling" above and you'll see the bold burgundy leaves that make Forest Pansy Redbud so special. In spring, before the leaves emerge, you'll see delicate lavender-pink flowers lining the branches instead -- and you can reach up and grab a few for your salad! This is also a choice tree to show off in the front yard landscaping of your home, where it will add rich color and instant curb appeal.
Redbud is a common sight in the Eastern U.S. Being native, it has played a role in American life since there were people here to enjoy it. Native Americans and English colonists used to eat the spring flowers (what a pretty salad that would be!). George Washington planted Redbuds at Mt. Vernon. Forest Pansy was discovered in 1947 in Tennessee at the nursery of Hiram B. Stubblefield (there's a British children's book character in there somewhere). It was named 'Forest' for Forest Nursery and 'Pansy' for its pansy-shaped, violet-colored leaves.
How to use Forest Pansy Redbud in the landscape?
Some call it Redbud, some call it Cercis, but I prefer Forest Pansy. This tree is beautifully vase-shaped, just like my Great-Aunt Nancy! Pea-like flowers of purply pink bloom along branches in spring. Leaves form in the shape of a heart, just makin' the season sing! The leaves are a vibrant purple, lasting all season long. Plant this native selection in the front yard landscaping of your home, where it will add rich color and instant curb appeal - how could you go wrong?
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
How To Plant Forest Pansy Redbud
Forest Pansy Redbuds are beautiful woodland-like trees and they are incredibly easy to grow. This is the only tree that flowers on their bark. This means that the vibrant pinkish-purple blooms will appear on their trunk as well as on their branches. They bloom in April and their floral display is like no other flowering tree! In some instances of extreme winters they will get tip dieback. Do not get discouraged! Just be patient -- the tree will bloom and leaves will appear in May. Forest Pansy Redbuds will tolerate sun -- this also helps the Forest Pansy to keep its burgundy foliage color. Forest Pansy Redbuds also have no major insect or disease problems -- and that's always a plus!
How To Water
They require keeping the soil moist (not too wet) after initial planting. Once established, they are more tolerant of drought conditions, reducing your hand-watering responsibilities.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant Food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.
How To Prune
Redbuds occasionally sprout "suckers" around the base of the tree, as they appear be sure to prune them off. But when it comes to pruning the branches of your Redbud -- don't be afraid! They are so easy to prune -- prune to whatever shape you like. If you don't want to touch it -- that's fine. If you want to cut everything off except two branches that look like rabbit ears, that's fine too (although you might get some weird looks from the neighbors -- and your family).
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
