treeN. America Native

Lavender Twist Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'Covey'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

96 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

20-40 years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Cercis canadensis, or Eastern Redbud, is a small deciduous tree native to eastern North America, celebrated for its pea-like flowers that bloom on bare branches in early spring. 'Covey', sold as Lavender Twist®, is a unique weeping form with contorted branches, creating a dramatic, cascading silhouette that provides year-round interest.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This is a premier specimen plant, offering four seasons of interest. It explodes with lavender flowers in spring, has heart-shaped leaves in summer, yellow fall color, and a fascinating, contorted, weeping structure in winter.

Its small stature makes it an ideal choice for tiny gardens, courtyards, large containers, or entryways where a standard tree would be too large.

The early spring flowers are a crucial food source for emerging native bees, honeybees, and other pollinators. It is also a host plant for the larvae of the Henry's Elfin butterfly.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with well-drained soil; redbuds hate wet feet.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Carefully place the tree in the hole, keeping the root flare at soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Provide regular water during the first year of establishment.
Mulch to conserve moisture but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant it where its unique winter silhouette can be appreciated, such as against a wall or evergreen backdrop.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during extended droughts.
Protect the thin bark of young trees from mechanical damage.
Allow the weeping branches to cascade naturally.
Enjoy the early spring flower show on bare, twisting branches.

Don't

Don't plant in a waterlogged or poorly drained location.
Avoid major pruning, as it can ruin the natural form.
Do not fertilize heavily; redbuds fix their own nitrogen.
Don't transplant established trees, as they have a deep taproot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic weeping specimenFocal point for small gardensCascading accent over a wall or water feature

Companion Plants

Phlox divaricata Tiarella cordifolia Muscari armeniacum Heuchera 'Caramel' Carex pensylvanica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lavender Twist Redbud questions

What zones can Lavender Twist Redbud grow in?

Lavender Twist Redbud is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lavender Twist Redbud deer resistant?

Yes — Lavender Twist Redbud is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Lavender Twist Redbud bloom?

Lavender Twist Redbud typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lavender Twist Redbud need full sun?

Lavender Twist Redbud does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Lavender Twist Redbud drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Lavender Twist Redbud handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.