treeN. America Native

Merlot Redbud

Name: Merlot Redbud
Brand: Cercis
Availability: InStock

Cercis 'Merlot'

$63.95$109.00Save 41%

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

144 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Tolerates high humidity

Lifespan

Relatively short-lived tree (20-40 years)

Native To

Hybrid of North American species

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Redbuds are small, deciduous trees known for their profuse, pea-like flowers that bloom on bare branches in early spring. They often have an attractive, multi-stemmed or vase-shaped habit. 'Merlot' is a hybrid that combines the heat and drought tolerance of C. texensis with the form of C. canadensis. It features dark, glossy, wine-red leaves that hold their color well in the heat, and a tighter, more upright habit than 'Forest Pansy'.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Merlot' is a spectacular small tree, offering a profusion of bright magenta flowers on bare stems in spring, followed by glossy, deep wine-red foliage that holds its color better than older varieties. Its compact form is ideal for modern gardens.

Its small size makes it an excellent choice for planting near patios, in courtyards, or as an understory tree. The heat and drought tolerance inherited from its Texas redbud parentage makes it a tougher, more resilient choice for challenging sites.

The early spring flowers are an extremely important, high-quality nectar and pollen source for native bees, including bumblebees and mason bees, when few other trees are in bloom.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun and excellent drainage
Dig a hole no deeper than the root ball and twice as wide
Gently tease out circling roots before planting
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring it's at the correct depth
Backfill with native soil and water in well
Mulch to conserve moisture, but keep it away from the trunk

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for the best, deepest leaf color; foliage may turn greener in shade.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide good drainage; this is critical for redbud health
Water deeply during establishment and prolonged drought
Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches

Don't

Don't plant in a wet or poorly drained location
Avoid transplanting established trees as they have a deep taproot
Don't over-fertilize, which can encourage weak growth

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning small specimen tree for season-long colorUnderstory tree with dramatic foliageCourtyard or patio accent plant

Companion Plants

Helleborus Narcissus Phlox divaricata Heuchera 'Citronelle' Tiarella cordifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Merlot Redbud questions

What zones can Merlot Redbud grow in?

Merlot Redbud is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Merlot Redbud deer resistant?

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

When does Merlot Redbud bloom?

Merlot 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 Merlot Redbud need full sun?

Merlot Redbud does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Merlot Redbud drought tolerant?

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