Dwarf and weeping ornamental trees are gaining rapidly in popularity. With yard sizes of new homes getting smaller, homeowners are looking for attractive trees that will fit in small spaces. Breeders have responded by creating many dwarf and weeping versions of popular flowering trees.
Redbuds (Cercis) are the latest trees to undergo this attention. The 'Covey' redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Covey') produces bright purplish pink flowers in early spring. The tree has an umbrella form so when in bloom it looks like a cascade of color. It's hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Another small redbud is the 'Ace of Hearts' (Cercis canadensis 'Ace of Hearts'). Featuring the same purplish pink flowers, this variety has small, heart-shaped leaves that are spaced close together, giving the tree a bushy appearance. It's hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Both redbuds grow less than 10 feet tall and wide at maturity, can be grown in full sun or part shade, and have yellow fall foliage color.
Charlie Nardozzi is an award winning, nationally recognized garden writer, speaker, radio, and television personality. He has worked for more than 30 years bringing expert gardening information to home gardeners through radio, television, talks, tours, on-line, and the printed page. Charlie delights in making gardening information simple, easy, fun and accessible to everyone. He's the author of 6 books, has three radio shows in New England and a TV show. He leads Garden Tours around the world and consults with organizations and companies about gardening programs. See more about him at Gardening With Charlie.
