Spring 2022We are now accepting pre-orders for delivery from September onwards for pot-grown trees and December onwards for bare-rooted trees.
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Merlot

Cercis canadensis x texensis

Merlot is a superb new Cercis variety, related to the colourful and popular Forest Pansy, from which it inherits its dense young burgundy foliage - turning to green over the summer.

The flowers, which appear before the leaves, are dark pink.

The tree grows with a pleasing spreading habit, reaching 3m-4m in the longer term.

Click this link to see a short video produced by North Carolina State University which illustrates several of their Cercis varieties.

Merlot cercis (redbud) trees for sale

  • 2-year pot-grown tree £76.00
    In a 12L pot
    Medium size (2.5m-3.5m after 10 years)
Pre-order now for delivery from September onwards for pot grown trees or December for bare-root trees and mixed orders.

History

Merlot was developed at North Carolina State University, and is a cross between Texas White and Forest Pansy. The intention was to create a small compact purple-leaved tree like Forest Pansy, but with the heat and drought tolerance found in the sub-species Cercis canadensis var. texensis.

Merlot characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Attractive featuresAttractive flowersAttractive foliageAutumn foliage colourVariegated foliageSummer foliage colour
  • Height after 10 years2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft
  • SunlightTolerates shadePrefers full sun
  • PruningDo not prune
  • Site conditionsOccasional droughtFree-draining site
  • Flower formSingle flower (5-8 petals)
  • Flowering monthMay
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf/Flower sequenceFlowers appear first
  • Annual cycleDeciduous