Alley Cat Redbud

You won't find more intensely variegated leaves in an ornamental redbud. Variegations carries through all season spring to fall, making this tree one of the most unique you can find. If you consider yourself someone who collects plants or prefers unique cultivars this is a tree for you. It's rare for us to get them and when we have them supplies are very limited - 5 to 10 trees per year.

Alley Cat is a medium redbud that tops out around 20 feet at full maturity. It shares many of the characteristics of the common redbud with purple/pink spring blooms and general tolerance of many soil conditions and resistance to most disease. Placement is important. To ensure the best variegation we recommend no-less than 4-6 hours of sunlight, ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade. Ours is in full sun and does well, but in the mid-summer sun I think it would prefer a bit of respite from the sun's rays.

When planted in full sun the redbud will have a more well-rounded, symmetrical tree form which makes it a beautiful specimen tree to highlight a garden or to place beside a patio. The redbud tree can also be planted in partial shade or partial sun which will create a more open, irregular shape as the limbs branch out looking for the sun. This open look, as well as the bright flowers, adds dimension and color to a shaded garden.

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.