Cercis canadensis Lavender Twist - Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis Lavender Twist is a recent variety of Eastern Redbud, still uncommon in our gardens. This small weeping tree is one of the most astonishing of its kind and its modest size allows it to be adopted even in limited spaces, in open ground in a small garden or on a sunny terrace. In spring, it is transformed into a cascade of Japanese-looking pinkish-purple blooms. Its pea-like flowers adorn the trunk and bare branches, just before the appearance of translucent red shoots. It is also a very accommodating plant, as long as the soil it is planted in is not too dry.

Cercis canadensis is native to eastern and central United States, and belongs to the Fabaceae family. It can reach a height of 12 m (39.4 ft) in its natural habitat but rarely exceeds 4 m to 7 m (13.1 ft to 23 ft) in cultivation. It forms a more or less twisted tree, with branches close to the ground, often wider than tall. The Eastern Redbud has given rise to numerous varieties with different habits, flower colours, and foliage.

Lavender Twist was born in Israel. It stands out for its weeping habit but also because of its particularly twisted branches going in all directions and hanging down to the ground. Like all representatives of the Cercis genus, its foliage is deciduous but the tree retains its interest in winter thanks to its sinuous and unusual silhouette. The Lavender Twist variety does not exceed 3.5 m (11.5 ft) in height with a spread of about 2.5 m (8.2 ft). Flowering takes place in April-May depending on the climate. Its drooping, leafless branches are adorned with an abundant pinkish-purple flowering, which is highly appreciated by pollinating insects. The pea-like flowers are particularly numerous, clustered along the branches. Once flowering is over, it is covered in heart-shaped leaves. When they emerge, they are purplish, then gradually turn bright green. In autumn, the show ends in a flourish as the leaves turn bright yellow before falling. Older specimens often have a twisted framework that gives them a fascinating, very Japanese-like silhouette.

It forms a unique and attractive shrub almost all year round. It takes up little space and has a strong personality, adding a unique touch to a small garden or in the centre of a large bed. It only requires fairly deep soil, regardless of its nature, even limestone. It is very hardy, and does not require any particular pruning: in short, it is a very accommodating plant that can thrive in any garden!

Lavender Twist can be planted as a specimen for its year-round presence, especially in a space dominated by mineral elements, surrounded by large rock stones. An older specimen, carefully trained in an 'umbrella' shape on a sinuous trunk, could also make a good impression on a carpet of Mascarene grass (Zoysia tenuifolia), standing in the middle of a small Japanese scene. It is also easy to imagine it standing out against the background of a wall or evergreen foliage, accompanied by Elderberry 'Plumosa aurea' and Ceanothus 'Concha' for colour and shape contrast, with a few Darley Heath and hellebores for winter! You could even consider planting it with a dwarf winged Euonymus and a beautiful 'Grace' Smokebush for splendid autumn colour.