
Ace of Hearts Redbud
Cercis canadensis 'Ace Of Hearts'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
144 inches
Width
180 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Relatively short-lived tree (20-40 years)
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Cercis canadensis, the Eastern Redbud, is a beloved North American native tree, famous for its profuse, pea-like flowers that bloom on bare branches in early spring. 'Ace of Hearts' is a naturally compact, semi-dwarf variety that requires no pruning to maintain its dense, dome-like shape. Its smaller, heart-shaped leaves are neatly layered along the stems, creating a unique, tidy appearance.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with at least 6 hours of sun.
- Ensure the soil is very well-drained.
- Dig a hole that is wide but no deeper than the root ball.
- Gently place the tree in the hole, keeping the root flare visible.
- Backfill with soil and water deeply to settle.
- Mulch the root zone to conserve moisture.
Pro Tip
Plant this tree in a location with well-drained soil, as it is highly susceptible to root rot in wet, heavy soils.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide supplemental water during dry periods.
- Appreciate its naturally tidy form that needs little pruning.
- Plant it where the early spring flowers can be enjoyed up close.
- Protect the thin bark of young trees from mechanical damage.
Don't
- Don't plant in poorly drained or consistently wet soil.
- Avoid heavy fertilization, which can lead to weak growth.
- Do not prune heavily or at the wrong time of year.
- Don't attempt to transplant an established redbud.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Ace of Hearts Redbud questions
What zones can Ace of Hearts Redbud grow in?
Ace of Hearts 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 Ace of Hearts Redbud deer resistant?
Yes — Ace of Hearts Redbud is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Ace of Hearts Redbud bloom?
Ace of Hearts 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 Ace of Hearts Redbud need full sun?
Ace of Hearts Redbud does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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