Carolina Sweetheart Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'NCCC1'
Mature Height: 20 to 25 ft.
Mature Spread: 15 to 20 ft.

Out of stock
Regular price $79.99
Size

Shipping

Shipping Starts: October 30, 2023
Local Pickup: Avaliable
Ships in a moisture-lock bag or pickup locally
Shipping in a moisture-lock bag is free.
Learn more about shipping |  When does it ship?
Does not Ship to CA, WA, OR, AZ.

The variegated leaves on the Carolina Sweetheart™ Redbud are unlike anything we have ever seen. Following the pink flowers, maroon, red and pink leaves emerge in early spring transitioning to variegated green and white as they age. These leaves keep the tree awash with reds, pinks, whites, and greens that swirls through the leaves and tree. As fall approaches the tree transitions to shades of yellow with the reds and whites of the variegation still apparent. Topping out around 20-25 ft. the Carolina Sweetheart™ makes an excellent understory tree or center piece for a section of your garden. It's Latin name is Cercis canadensis 'NCCC1' because it was created by horticulturalists at NC State University and it can be difficult to propagate making it a rare and special tree.

Like most redbuds varieties, these are hearty trees that grow quickly. In the spring, you should enjoy the clusters of 1/2 inch purple pink flowers that appear directly on the bark. A healthy tree will have the strongest variegated growth immediately after flowering early in the spring. Variegation will fade somewhat into the summer depending on location and health of the tree. To protect the trees roots from summer heat stress refresh 2-3 inches of organic wood mulch annually - especially if the tree is in full or afternoon sun. In the fall, prior to leaf drop apply 5-7 month slow release fertilizer to encourage strong spring growth. Variation tends to be strongest on new growth, so trim dead branches in the late fall/early winter. We recommend keeping the 2-3 foot radius around the tree clear of grass and well mulched for the first few years, this will keep grass from competing for water and encourage root growth. Once the tree is well established, (3-4 years) grass can be allowed to return.

Customer Reviews

Based on 12 reviews
75%
(9)
8%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
17%
(2)
C
Collene Kunz
Carolina Sweetheart Redbud

Glad I read other reviews so I kind of knew what to expect. This is a very young tree, ( think of a long twig like tree)
I ordered the 5-6 ft size, and althought the main trunk is about the size of my pinky, it was loaded with new buds ready to burst.
The tree itself was more like a 8-9 foot height instead of 5-6 ft.
Tree is planted following instructions to a tee, it’s doing great.
Can’t wait to see next year in full bloom

B
Brandon Loehmer
I was sent a dormant bare root tree in April

I ordered a Carolina sweetheart redbud from New Blooms Nursery for $150. I was sent a decently sized tree with almost no roots whatsoever, in mid April. The planting time for bare root trees in my zone is between November and March. The tree had basically no time to root in, has yet to break dormancy as of June 3rd, and seems to be dying branch by branch. The root zone has remained consistently moist, but it didn’t have enough time to establish and survive the heat of May. It’s extremely bizarre to ship a dormant bare root tree in mid spring. I was given NO indication that that’s what I would receive.

C
Cathryn Fageros
Incorrect information

I recently purchased a Carolina sweetheart tree from new blooms. The site here says zones 4-9. When the tree arrived it was tagged by star roses and plants as having a hardiness zone of 6-9. I am in zone 5 so this is a big problem for me because I just spent $140 bucks on a tree, lots of time and labor holding onto it until Mother’s Day and planting it before I read the tag which informs it will not make it through next winter. Very disappointed.

It appears that the Star and Roses plant hanger has the incorrect information - the North Carolina State University page where this plant was developed reports this plant having a cold tolerance similar to other redbuds up to zone 4. Additional sources back this up. I would say that zone 4 is always going to be a stretch for a redbud of any kind except for the specific varieties developed for cold hardiness. Zone 5 should not be a problem - especially if extra mulch is applied through the winter months to protect the tree.

K
Kaylen
Carolina Sweetheart Redbud

Curbside pickup was very convenient. The tree had both the last remnants of spring flowers and new red leaves when we picked it up. Stood about 7.5 ft tall. Tree has been very healthy and put out a profusion of gorgeous leaves. Very happy with our purchase and glad to have been able to find this variety.

L
Leigh Todd
New Bloom Red Bud's

I ordered two red bud's from new bloom. Both trees arrived in sealed plastic in good shape. They were not cheap but shipping was included and the size made them very competitive on price. I planted them the day they arrived and am waiting for them to break bud. I live in zone 7a. Thank you!