{"product_id":"purple-leaf-eastern-redbud-cercis-canadensis-merlot","title":"Merlot Redbud Tree (Cercis Canadensis ‘Merlot’)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"plant-type plant-info\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTransform Your Landscape with Stunning Purple Foliage and Spring Blooms\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merlot redbud tree gives California landscapes a compact focal point with deep purple foliage, showy lavender-pink flowers, and season-long ornamental color without overwhelming smaller spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis highly ornamental small tree brings instant drama in early spring, when distinctive violet flower buds open into vibrant purple, magenta, and pink flowers on bare branches before the leaves emerge. As the season continues, the foliage emerges deep purple-red, shifts to burgundy, and may soften toward green in summer, followed by appreciable fall color in orange, gold, or bronze tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor front yards, patios, shrub borders, woodland margins, and pollinator garden designs, \u003cstrong\u003eCercis canadensis ‘Merlot’\u003c\/strong\u003edelivers the transformation people want from a landscape tree: spring bloom, dark purple leaves, glossy heart shaped leaves, and a refined rounded form that fits beautifully into California gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpectacular Four-Season Interest\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Merlot redbud offers deep purple spring foliage, burgundy summer color, occasional green tones in summer heat, and vibrant fall color that keeps the tree attractive beyond bloom season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly Spring Drama\u003c\/strong\u003e – Showy lavender pink flowers and lavender pea like flowers appear on bare branches in early spring to mid spring before foliage emerges, creating a spectacular bloomer effect when most other landscape plants are still waking up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia-Perfect Durability\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Merlot redbud tree thrives in USDA Zones 6 to 9 and prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth, with good heat tolerance and drought tolerant performance once established, similar to other colorful options like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/red-crape-myrtle\"\u003eRed Crape Myrtle tree for warm climates\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect Size for Any Space\u003c\/strong\u003e – The ‘Merlot’ Redbud is compact, typically growing to a manageable size of 12 to 15 feet tall and wide, making it ideal as a lawn tree, patio accent, or small tree under power lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow Maintenance Beauty\u003c\/strong\u003e – This relatively low maintenance tree needs minimal pruning once established, produces significantly fewer seed pods than other redbuds for a cleaner late summer and fall appearance, and offers excellent ornamental value with less cleanup, much like compact \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/rocky-mountain-glow-maple-acer-grandidentatum-rocky-mountain-glow%C2%AE\"\u003eRocky Mountain Glow maple shade trees\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMerlot is especially useful where you want healthy plants that provide strong color, pollinator value, and a low canopy without the scale of larger flowering trees. For bigger projects, pairing it with other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/landscape-trees\"\u003elandscape trees to structure your yard\u003c\/a\u003e can create a layered, long-lasting design. It can be grown as a multi stemmed deciduous tree or trained into a more standard tree shape depending on your landscape applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost flowering trees offer either spring flowers or colorful foliage, and choosing the right \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eflowering trees for California landscapes\u003c\/a\u003e can dramatically improve curb appeal and seasonal interest. \u003cstrong\u003eMerlot Redbud\u003c\/strong\u003e gives you both: current season's flowers in early spring and rich foliage color from spring through fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMerlot Redbud\u003c\/strong\u003e offers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnique Hybrid Heritage\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Merlot redbud was hybridized from the Texas White and Forest Pansy redbud varieties at North Carolina State University in 1998 and was formally released in 2009. This phenomenal hybrid combines the purple-leaf beauty of \u003cstrong\u003eCercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’\u003c\/strong\u003e with the heat resilience associated with \u003cstrong\u003eTexas White\u003c\/strong\u003e and texas redbud genetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlossy Heart-Shaped Leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Merlot Redbud is known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves that add ornamental value to gardens, making it a popular choice for landscape design. The ‘Merlot’ Redbud's leaves are thicker, leathery, and glossy, preventing water loss and helping the tree maintain its rich color longer into summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Color Season\u003c\/strong\u003e – Its leaves are deep purple-red in spring, transitioning to burgundy and then green in summer, providing a rich color palette throughout the growing season. The name ‘Merlot’ is derived from the tree's deep, glossy, wine-colored foliage, not because it produces wine grapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMerlot is a cultivar of the eastern redbud family, a native North American species in the Fabaceae family. Botanically, it is listed as \u003cstrong\u003eCercis canadensis ‘Merlot’\u003c\/strong\u003e and sometimes as \u003cstrong\u003eCercis canadensis var. texensis ‘Merlot’\u003c\/strong\u003e. The genus name \u003cem\u003eCercis\u003c\/em\u003e comes from a Greek word that means weaver's shuttle, a reference to the seed pod shape; redbuds are also sometimes called judas tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompared with \u003cstrong\u003eForest Pansy\u003c\/strong\u003e, Merlot has a more compact semi upright growth habit, glossier leaves, improved summer heat performance, and a cleaner appearance because it forms fewer pods. The Forest Pansy redbud, or \u003cstrong\u003eCercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall and is known for its heart-shaped leaves that change color throughout the seasons, offering fall drama similar to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/october-glory%C2%AE-red-maple-acer-rubrum-october-glory\"\u003eOctober Glory maple fall color trees\u003c\/a\u003e. Merlot gives a similar deep purple effect in a more space-conscious, California-friendly form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow The Merlot Redbud Successfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant in Fall or Early Spring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor growing Merlot redbud in California, plant in fall or early spring so the root zone can establish before peak summer heat. In colder microclimates, choose early spring after the hardest frost has passed; in warmer regions, fall planting often gives the tree the best start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose Full Sun to Partial Shade Location\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSelect a site with full sun to partial shade, full sun to partial, or morning sun with afternoon part shade in hotter inland areas. Full sun encourages stronger bloom and deeper foliage color, while partial shade or partial sun can help reduce stress in exposed locations with reflected heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant at the Right Depth and Spacing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDig a hole 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball and set the tree at the same depth it grew in the container, keeping the root flare visible. Space Merlot Redbuds about 10 to 12 feet apart for small groups, and allow room for the mature 12 to 15 foot rounded form and typical clearance beneath the low canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy Years of Beauty\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWater regularly during establishment, add a thick mulch layer over the root zone, and prune lightly after bloom to remove dead, crossing, or weak branches. Once established, Merlot becomes a relatively low maintenance tree with excellent drought tolerance compared with many other redbuds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merlot redbud is somewhat drought resistant but requires sufficient water for flowering, particularly thriving with temperatures as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit for better spring blooms. In hot inland California landscapes, consistent deep watering during dry spells helps preserve dark purple leaves and supports healthy new growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCercis canadensis\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Merlot’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Multi stemmed deciduous tree or large shrub; can be trained as a small tree\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily \/ Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern redbud cultivar; native North American species heritage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 to 15 feet tall and wide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi upright habit with a dense, rounded form and relatively coarse texture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glossy heart shaped leaves; foliage emerges deep purple-red, matures burgundy, and may show green tones in summer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Showy lavender pink flowers, pea like flowers, and distinctive violet flower buds with pink overtones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early spring to mid spring before leaves emerge\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Pods:\u003c\/strong\u003e Produces significantly fewer seed pods than many other redbuds for a cleaner late-season look\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 to 9, perfect for many California regions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun, partial shade, sun to partial shade, or full sun partial exposure depending on microclimate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e This tree can adapt to a variety of soil types, including moist, loamy, or sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate during establishment; drought tolerant once established, with better bloom and foliage performance when watered during extended dry periods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape Applications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Focal point, lawn tree, pollinator garden, shrub borders, woodland margins, patios, entry gardens, and city environments, and can be paired with sun-loving, drought tolerant \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/purple-bougainvillea-bougainvillea-spectabilis\"\u003epurple bougainvillea for bold color\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUrban Use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for many inner city environments and has useful tolerance of urban pollution when planted in well drained soil, especially when combined with other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/\"\u003eevergreen and privacy trees for city yards\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merlot redbud, or \u003cstrong\u003eCercis canadensis ‘Merlot’\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a cultivar of the Eastern Redbud family, known for its deep purple-red leaves and vibrant spring flowers. It is not a wine grape plant; the name reflects its deep, glossy, wine-colored foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalifornia homeowners who want a compact specimen tree with maximum color impact and appreciate the convenience of a full-service \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/pages\/plant-nursery-near-me\"\u003eplant nursery and landscaping support\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGardeners looking for early spring flowers, dark purple leaves, and appreciable fall color\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape designers creating focal point plantings in residential projects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmaller yards, patios, courtyard gardens, and spaces near power lines where a large shade tree would be too much\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePollinator garden designs that benefit from early nectar sources for bees and butterflies\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHomeowners replacing larger or messier landscape plants with a low maintenance tree, perhaps as an alternative to broader-canopy choices like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/blogs\/news\/what-to-know-about-the-california-pepper-tree\"\u003eCalifornia pepper tree for shade\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrban and suburban sites that need durable ornamental trees for city environments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Merlot if you want the beauty of \u003cstrong\u003ecanadensis Forest Pansy\u003c\/strong\u003e styling with a more compact shape and stronger summer performance. It works beautifully near lighter foliage plants, silver perennials, white flowers, ornamental grasses, and other landscape plants that contrast with its deep purple foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor best results in California, place it in a relatively sheltered location where it gets strong morning light, some relief from extreme reflected heat, and well drained soil. In windy or exposed locations, young trees may need staking and extra care until established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow quickly does Merlot Redbud grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMerlot grows at a moderate pace. It may be slower during the first couple of years while the root zone establishes, then can put on noticeable new growth each season under good watering, full sun to partial shade, and well drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it survive California's dry summers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, Merlot is drought tolerant once established and has excellent drought tolerance compared with many purple-leaf redbuds, but it still performs best with deep watering during extended summer heat. Thick mulch helps conserve soil moisture and protect the root zone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen is the best time to plant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFall and early spring are the best planting windows for most California gardens. Fall planting supports root development before summer, while early spring planting works well in colder microclimates after the risk of hard frost has passed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat companion plants work well?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMerlot pairs well with low-water perennials, silver foliage, white-flowering shrubs, ornamental grasses, ceanothus, manzanita, salvia, lavender, and other landscape plants that highlight its deep purple and burgundy foliage. It also works in small groups for a stronger color statement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need special soil preparation?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt does not need rare or complicated soil conditions, but drainage is essential. Amend compacted soil with organic matter, avoid planting where water pools, and keep the tree in well drained soil. Moist, loamy, or sandy soils are all suitable if excess water drains away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs disease Merlot Redbud a concern?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMerlot is generally a healthy, relatively low maintenance tree, but like other redbuds it can be affected by canker, dieback, verticillium wilt, leaf spots, scale, leafhoppers, or mildew when stressed. Good drainage, proper spacing, and pruning out dead wood warrant special consideration for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it be planted in full sun?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Merlot can grow in full sun, and full sun often improves flowering and foliage color. In very hot inland areas, afternoon partial shade or part shade can help reduce foliage fade during intense summer heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Add Stunning Color to Your Landscape?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose \u003cstrong\u003eMerlot Redbud\u003c\/strong\u003e for a refined, California-ready focal point with showy lavender-pink flowers, glossy heart-shaped leaves, and a manageable 12 to 15 foot size. Yardwork can help with selection, placement, delivery, and care guidance so your tree gets the right start in your specific microclimate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalifornia delivery available. Seasonal container sizes may vary, and you can also explore other options such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/california-pepper-tree-schinus-molle\"\u003eCalifornia pepper trees and companion plants for sale\u003c\/a\u003e. Ask Yardwork about current availability, planting support, and guarantee details before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"24\" Box","offer_id":38176332808365,"sku":"","price":1150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"36\" Box","offer_id":41686715203757,"sku":"","price":2150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/products\/purple-leaf-eastern-redbud-cercis-canadensis-merlot-pulled-nursery-1.jpg?v=1707262904","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/purple-leaf-eastern-redbud-cercis-canadensis-merlot","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}