Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis Lavender Twist = 'Covey'

Water

The Eastern Redbud 'Covey', also known as Lavender Twist, should be watered deeply once a week, with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for young trees, increasing to 2 to 3 gallons for established trees. During the first growing season, ensure consistent moisture to establish a deep, extensive root system, watering twice a week if there isn't sufficient rain. Reduce the watering frequency once the tree is established, but water more often in extreme heat or drought. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of disease.

Light

Eastern Redbud 'Covey' flourishes in a location with full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is one that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade as it may reduce the flowering and can lead to a leggy growth habit.

Temperature

Eastern Redbud 'Covey' is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 and can withstand winter temperatures as low as -20°F and is heat tolerant up to around 90°F. The ideal temperature conditions for this plant are between 60°F and 85°F, which allows for optimal growth and flowering.

Pruning

Prune Eastern Redbud 'Covey' in late winter or early spring before new growth starts to remove any dead or broken branches and to maintain its shape. This weeping variety typically requires minimal pruning, just enough to enhance its natural form or to remove any growth issues. It is best to prune immediately after flowering if shaping is required, as this species blooms on old wood.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The best soil mix for optimal growth consists of loamy soil supplemented with compost and peat for moisture retention and nutrient richness. It is crucial to ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root rot.

Repotting

The Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist' is typically planted directly in the ground and does not require repotting as it is a tree. However, if grown in a container, repotting should be done every 2-3 years or when the tree outgrows its pot, monitoring root development as the indicator for repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions. It can thrive in the variable humidity levels found in typical outdoor environments, without any specific humidity requirements, making it versatile for different garden settings.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not ideal for indoor growing due to its size.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Eastern Redbud 'Covey' (Lavender Twist) begins its life as a dormant seed, which requires stratification to mimic winter conditions before it will germinate. Upon germination, the seedling grows into a small shrub, establishing a root system and foliage. As it matures into a juvenile plant, it forms a distinctive twisted, weeping habit, for which it is known, and begins to produce heart-shaped leaves. During its reproductive stage, likely a few years after planting, it blooms early in the spring with clusters of lavender-pink flowers before the foliage emerges, which are pollinated by insects. After flowering, it produces flat, bean-like seed pods that persist into winter. As a woody perennial, the Eastern Redbud 'Covey' can live for many years, going through repeated cycles of dormancy in winter, flowering in the spring, and seed production in the summer to fall.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• The Eastern Redbud 'Lavender Twist' (Cercis canadensis 'Covey') is most commonly propagated by grafting. This process involves taking a scion, which is a cutting from a mature 'Lavender Twist' tree that includes a bud, and joining it to a compatible rootstock. Grafting is usually performed during the late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow. The scion should be around 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length, and it is attached to a rootstock of another Cercis species or variety that is known for its vigorous growth and hardiness. The connection point is carefully wrapped and sealed to prevent desiccation and infection, allowing the scion and rootstock to fuse as they grow. This method maintains the distinct weeping and twisted growth habit and flower color of the 'Lavender Twist' while taking advantage of the hardiness of the rootstock.