Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' (PBR)
ABOUT
The 'Hearts of Gold' redbud is a captivating variety cherished for its stunning foliage and charming spring blossoms. This plant is most recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves that display an enchanting golden-yellow hue, especially when they first emerge. As they mature through the seasons, the leaves adopted a more subdued green with hints of chartreuse, yet the inner foliage retains a luminous yellow glow. Adding to its decorative appeal, the 'Hearts of Gold' redbud produces an abundance of small, sweetly scented flowers that appear to hug the branches in early spring. These blossoms exhibit a rich lavender-pink color, providing a striking contrast against the vibrancy of the new leaves. This display of flowers creates a breathtaking spectacle that precedes the full development of its distinctive foliage. Overall, the 'Hearts of Gold' redbud presents a rounded, grace aul form that is ornamented with the bright colors of its leaves and the springtime floral show. Its ability to boast multiple seasons of interest makes it a sought-after choice for gardeners looking to add year-round visual appeal to their landscapes. The enchanting features of the 'Hearts of Gold' redbud stand out in any garden setting, making it a celebrated ornamental tree sure to draw the eyes of passersby.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Eastern Redbud, American Redbud, Hearts of Gold Redbud
Common names
Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The Eastern Redbud, including the variety Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold', is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. However, as with any plant material, if it is consumed in large quantities it may cause stomach upset or discomfort due to the natural defense chemicals plants contain. Normal handling or incidental contact with this plant is not known to lead to any adverse health effects.
To pets
The Eastern Redbud, including the variety Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold', is generally not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from this plant in pets, and it is not listed as a common toxic plant to pets by major animal welfare organizations. Ingesting large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, as is the case with many plants when consumed excessively, but toxicity is not a significant concern with this species.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Golden
Flower color
Pink
Height
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Spread
25-35 feet (7.5-10.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: The 'Hearts of Gold' Redbud features bright, heart-shaped golden-yellow leaves that provide striking visual interest.
- Spring blooms: Clusters of small, lavender-pink flowers bloom in early spring, before the foliage emerges, offering a beautiful contrast.
- Shade tolerance: This variety can grow well in both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different garden settings.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, while the seed pods attract various birds.
- Compact size: With a mature height of 20-30 feet, it is suitable for small yards and gardens without overwhelming the space.
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those seeking low-maintenance landscapes.
- Seasonal interest: Offers year-round interest with its unique foliage color in the growing season and attractive silhouette in the winter.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it has a certain degree of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subjects: The unique foliage color of Eastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' provides a stunning backdrop for photographers, particularly in spring when the foliage is fresh and vibrant.
- Teaching tool: Horticulture and botany teachers can use the 'Hearts of Gold' variety to explain plant breeding and the development of new plant cultivars. The distinct yellow leaves demonstrate genetic variability within species.
- Natural art supplies: The vibrant heart-shaped leaves can be pressed and used for botanical art projects or as natural embellishments in scrapbooking.
- Seasonal celebrations: Branches of Eastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' may be used in floral arrangements for events and holidays that celebrate spring, given their bright color and season of bloom.
- Wedding decor: The unique foliage and delicate flowers can be incorporated into eco-friendly wedding decorations, from bouquets to table centerpieces.
- Urban heat reduction: Planting 'Hearts of Gold' Eastern Redbud in urban areas can help reduce heat island effect due to its canopy providing shade with light-colored leaves that reflect sunlight.
- Beekeeping support: The early spring flowers can serve as an important nectar source for bees, supporting local beekeeping and pollinator-friendly gardens.
- Leaf casting: The distinct leaves of 'Hearts of Gold' can be used to make leaf castings – a process that creates a concrete replica of the leaf which can be used as decorative garden art.
- Thematic gardening: Eastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' can be used to create a 'gold-themed' garden, paired with other plants that have golden foliage or yellow flowers to create a bright, cheerful landscape design.
- Photographic reference: Artists and illustrators can use 'Hearts of Gold' as a live reference to study the form and color of plant life for their artworks.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Eastern Redbud is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Eastern Redbud is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: The Eastern Redbud, particularly the 'Hearts of Gold' variety, often symbolizes spring and renewal because it is one of the first trees to bloom in the early spring with vibrant flowers.
- Love: With heart-shaped leaves, this tree commonly represents love and the emotional heart, making it a favorite in romantic contexts or as a gift to express affection.
- Hope: The bright yellow of its 'Hearts of Gold' leaves can symbolize hope and the promise of new beginnings, inspired by the freshness of its springtime foliage.
WaterThe Eastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' prefers regular watering, particularly during dry spells. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The amount of water needed will depend on the weather and soil conditions, but a general guideline is to provide 1 to 1.5 gallons per square yard of soil each week. During the hotter summer months, make sure the tree receives at least 1.5 gallons weekly if rainfall is insufficient. Adjust the amount of water during wet seasons or if the plant shows signs of overwatering, such as yellowing leaves.
LightThe Eastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, although it can tolerate partial shade, especially in areas with hot afternoon sun. The ideal spot for this tree is a location where it can enjoy the morning sun and be protected from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun.
TemperatureEastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' tolerates a range of temperatures and is hardy from USDA zone 5 through 9. It can survive minimum temperatures down to -20°F and maximum temperatures well above 100°F. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth and bloom would be between 60°F and 85°F. Protect the tree from extreme conditions with proper mulching and watering.
PruningPruning Eastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' is essential to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead or crossing branches, and thin the crown to allow light and air to penetrate, which reduces the risk of disease. Pruning can be done annually or as needed, focusing on keeping the tree's natural form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with an ideal pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingEastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' being a large shrub or tree, typically does not require repotting as it is commonly planted directly in the ground.
Humidity & MistingEastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth due to size.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Eastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' begins with germination, where the seeds sprout in spring after a period of cold stratification. Seedlings rapidly grow through spring and summer, establishing a root system and foliage. The young tree goes through a juvenile phase, marked by vigorous growth and maturation for several years before reaching reproductive maturity. Upon maturity, typically at around 4-8 years, the Eastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' produces abundant, heart-shaped golden leaves and clusters of showy, pink flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. The flowering stage is followed by the development of seedpods which dry and release seeds in late summer to autumn. The tree continues its life cycle by entering a period of dormancy during winter, conserving energy for the following spring's growth and reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Eastern Redbud 'Hearts of Gold' (PBR) is most commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the current season's growth that have partly matured, typically in late summer. The ideal cutting is usually 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and includes at least two or three leaf nodes. Cuttings should be taken from healthy branches and the leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed. It's often helpful to dip the cut end in a rooting hormone before planting the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. The container with the cuttings should be kept in a warm place with indirect light and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagation chamber to maintain high humidity until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks.
