Chinese Redbud Cercis chinensis 'Avondale'
ABOUT
The Cercis chinensis 'Avondale', commonly known as the Chinese redbud 'Avondale', is a captivating ornamental plant that displays a magnificent floral showcase. This variety is particularly noted for its densely packed clusters of deep purple-pink flowers that appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. The blossoms emerge directly on the woody stems and branches (a characteristic called cauliflory), creating a breathtaking display that envelops the plant in vibrant color. Following the floral parade, heart-shaped leaves make their debut. These leaves unfurl with a tinge of red before maturing to a rich green hue, creating a lovely contrast against the darker branches. As the seasons change, the foliage transitions to a warm, yellow color, offering another layer of visual interest in the autumn landscape. The growth habit of the Chinese redbud 'Avondale' is multi-stemmed, with a graceful, slightly arching form that lends itself to an elegant silhouette against the sky. The bark is smooth and dark, adding further distinction to the plant, especially during winter when the foliage has fallen and the structural beauty of the limbs stands out. The Chinese redbud 'Avondale' can be easily integrated into garden designs as a focal feature due to its striking flowers and attractive foliage. It is often used for its ornamental value in residential gardens, public landscapes, and by roadsides where its beauty can be fully appreciated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Chinese Redbud, Avondale Redbud
Common names
Cercis chinensis 'Avondale'
ToxicityTo humans
The Chinese redbud, including the 'Avondale' cultivar, is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting any part of this plant typically does not cause harm or symptoms of poisoning in people.
To pets
The Chinese redbud is also not known to be toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of this plant should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or adverse health effects in animals such as dogs and cats.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
10-12 feet (3-3.7 meters)
Spread
10-12 feet (3-3.7 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Avondale redbud is highly prized for its profuse purple-pink flowers that cover the branches in early spring before the foliage emerges, creating a stunning display.
- Landscape Use: Its compact size makes it suitable for small gardens, urban landscapes, and as a specimen or accent plant.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers provide an early nectar source for bees and other pollinators.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care other than occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead wood.
- Drought Tolerance: It is relatively drought-resistant, making it suitable for regions with dry climates or water restrictions once established.
- Seasonal Interest: In addition to spring flowers, it has attractive heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall, adding to its seasonal appeal.
- Edible Flowers: The flowers are edible and can be used in salads or as garnish, adding a unique flavor and color to dishes.
- Urban Tolerance: The tree exhibits a tolerance to urban pollution, making it a good choice for city environments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: The vibrant flowers of the Chinese redbud can inspire artists for various mediums such as painting, photography, and textile design, capturing its vivid colors and springtime beauty.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried branches of the Chinese redbud can be used in floral arrangements to add a unique and natural touch to home decor or special occasions.
- Natural Dyes: The flowers and bark of the Chinese redbud can be used to make natural dyes for coloring fabrics, yarns, or even Easter eggs with hues of pink and purple.
- Bonsai: Due to its attractive form and colorful blooms, Chinese redbud can be cultivated as a bonsai, adding an exotic and elegant touch to indoor or outdoor spaces.
- Educational Tool: The tree can be used in educational settings to teach children and students about plant biology, phenology, and the changing of seasons through observation.
- Urban Landscaping: Chinese redbud trees are suitable for urban environments, helping to beautify city spaces and provide a splash of color among concrete structures.
- Photography Prop: The striking appearance of the Chinese redbud in bloom can serve as a beautiful backdrop or subject for professional and amateur photographers alike.
- Culinary Garnish: While avoiding medical claims, the edible flowers of the Chinese redbud could be used as a springtime garnish for salads and desserts, offering a colorful and mild-flavored addition.
- Woodworking: The wood from the Chinese redbud can be used in fine woodworking projects for small items such as jewelry boxes or inlays, prized for its hard, dense nature.
- Culture and Festival Decoration: Chinese redbud can be incorporated into festival decorations, particularly in East Asian cultures where the tree's blossoms are celebrated during specific spring festivals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chinese Redbud is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chinese Redbud is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The heart-shaped leaves of Cercis chinensis 'Avondale', commonly known as the Chinese redbud, are often associated with love and passion, making it a symbol of romance.
- Renewal: As a plant that blooms early in spring, the Chinese redbud represents renewal and the start of new beginnings, signaling the end of winter and the arrival of warmer days.
- Hope: With its vibrant purple-pink flowers that emerge even before the foliage, the Chinese redbud symbolizes hope and the perseverance of life in adverse conditions, often inspiring optimism.
WaterChinese redbud 'Avondale' should be watered deeply, ensuring that water reaches the roots, without causing standing water around the base. Generally, water the Chinese redbud once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, but adjust to your local conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to every 3-4 days. Conversely, during rainy seasons or cooler weather, you can cut back on watering. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
LightChinese redbud 'Avondale' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is best planted in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, though afternoon shade can be beneficial in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade, as this can reduce flowering and lead to weak growth.
TemperatureThe Chinese redbud 'Avondale' is tolerant of a range of temperatures, ideally growing in zones 6 through 9. It can withstand minimum winter temperatures down to about 0°F and is most comfortable in temperatures that do not exceed 85°F to 90°F during the growing season. Proper mulching and watering can help regulate root temperature and overall plant health.
PruningPrune the Chinese redbud 'Avondale' to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. It is best to prune after blooming, usually in late spring to early summer, as the tree flowers on old wood. Minimal pruning is usually required, focusing only on shaping the tree and removing any branches that are rubbing together or growing inward.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Chinese Redbud 'Avondale' is well-draining loam with some organic matter such as compost or peat moss to retain moisture. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5, is ideal for this plant.
RepottingThe Chinese Redbud 'Avondale' does not often require repotting as it is typically grown as a garden plant. If grown in a container, repot every 3-5 years or when rootbound.
Humidity & MistingChinese Redbud 'Avondale' does well in average outdoor humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements, making it quite adaptable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and protect from draft.
Outdoor
Full to partial sun, shelter from wind, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chinese redbud 'Avondale' begins its life cycle as a seed, which after a period of dormancy, requires stratification or a period of cold to stimulate germination. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and gradually develops into a juvenile plant, characterized by the growth of its distinctive heart-shaped leaves and sturdy stem structure. As it matures, the 'Avondale' transitions to the flowering stage, typically in the early spring, producing prolific clusters of deep pink to purple flowers directly on the branches before the foliage emerges. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods that mature through the summer and are ready for dispersal in the fall, thus completing the reproductive stage. The plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter, when growth slows or ceases and the plant conserves energy. Throughout its life, the Chinese redbud 'Avondale' experiences cyclic periods of growth and dormancy, corresponding with the seasons, which recur annually until the end of its life span, which can extend several decades under optimal conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The Chinese redbud 'Avondale' is typically propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is done during the late summer when the current year's growth has begun to mature and harden. Cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) are snipped from a healthy branch, taking care to include several nodes. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect light until roots have developed, which can take a few weeks to a few months. Once rooted, the new plants can be transplanted to a permanent location.
