Cercis canadensis Alley Cat - Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'Alley Cat' is an attractive variety of Canadian Redbud for several reasons: its young shoots are largely pink. Then, large heart-shaped leaves, a pretty tender green splashed with white marbling. Its abundant flowering with pink-purple pea-like flowers also deserves attention, as it explodes on bare wood. In addition, its compact size allows it to be used to enhance a small lawn or a terrace container. This hardy plant up to -20°C (-4 °F) deserves a light location without scorching sun, which will enhance the intensity of its colours. Not demanding in terms of soil, it nevertheless requires well-drained soil, that is not too dry.

Cercis canadensis is a tree native to the east and centre of the United States, belonging to the large legume family. It can reach 12 metres (39 feet 5 inches) high in its natural habitat but rarely exceeds 4 to 7 metres (13 feet 1 inches to 23 feet) in cultivation. It forms a twisted tree, branched near the ground, often wider than tall. The Canadian Redbud has given rise to many varieties with varied habits, flowering colours, and foliage.

Cercis canadensis 'Alley Cat' is a recent American creation, originating from Hidden Hollow Nursery in Kentucky. It is distinguished by a bushy habit and foliage tinged with pink when it appears and becomes tender green marbled with white before falling in autumn. Like all trees of the Cercis genus, its foliage is deciduous and takes on orange-red hues before falling in autumn. The 'Alley Cat' variety does not exceed 3 metres (9 feet 10 inches) in height and 2 metres (6 feet 7 inches) in width. Flowering takes place in April-May depending on the climate: its still leafless trailing branches are adorned with an abundant pinkish-purple flowering, much appreciated by pollinating insects. They are particularly numerous, butterfly-shaped, grouped in clusters along the branches. Once flowering is over, the Canadian Redbud is adorned with large heart-shaped leaves.

It forms a very original and attractive bush almost all year round. It takes up little space and has a strong personality: it is an ideal candidate to add a unique touch to a small garden or in the centre of a large flowerbed. It only requires a fairly deep soil, regardless of its nature, even limestone. It is very hardy and can be planted in all areas. It does not require any particular pruning: in short, it is a very accommodating plant that can succeed in all gardens!

Cercis canadensis 'Alley Cat' can be planted as a standalone plant for its year-round presence, especially in the middle of a small lawn in front of the house or to punctuate a woodland border with vibrant colours. It can also be imagined standing out against a wall or evergreen foliage.