shrub

Whitewater Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'Whitewater'

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Whitewater Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Whitewater') at Marcum's Nursery

Whitewater Redbud

Whitewater Redbud

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Whitewater Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Whitewater') at Marcum's Nursery

Whitewater Redbud foliage

Whitewater Redbud foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  8 feet

Spread:  6 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  6

Other Names:  Weeping Eastern Redbud, Judas Tree

Description:

A spectacular variety that is showy all season: deep rose-purple flowers held tightly on bare branches in early spring; emerging foliage is white, maturing to deep green splashed with white; yellow fall color; a great small ornamental tree

Ornamental Features

Whitewater Redbud has rose pea-like flowers with purple overtones along the branches from early to mid spring before the leaves. It has attractive white-variegated dark green foliage with hints of chartreuse which emerges white in spring. The heart-shaped leaves are highly ornamental and turn yellow in fall.

Landscape Attributes

Whitewater Redbud is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a rounded form and gracefully weeping branches. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Disease

Whitewater Redbud is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Whitewater Redbud will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Massing  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color 
Ornamental Features