Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’ -Lavender Twist® Redbud

Botanical Name: Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’

Alternate Name: Lavender Twist® Weeping Redbud

The Lavender Twist® Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’) is a weeping deciduous  shrub or small tree. It is a cultivar of the Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) and is a smaller tree than the species, reaching only 7 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It also differs in its form, which has slightly twisting but elegantly cascading branches.

The gray bark is covered in tiny, lilac-pink pea-flower blossoms in spring, and then beautiful, heart-shaped, mid-green leaves later in the spring and summer. This cultivar puts on a good fall display with its leaves turning bright yellow. Even in winter, the tree’s beautiful weeping form provides interest and structure in the garden.

The Lavender Twist® Redbud is wonderful for featuring near a patio or entryway. It can be carefully pruned to accentuate its attractive weeping form. This tree can also be trained to grow taller if the leader branch is trained upwards.

It is also useful in mixed borders, adding variety and interest when combined with evergreen shrubs such as conifers and rhododendrons.

The Lavender Twist® Redbud is tolerant of pollution and thrives in small, urban landscapes, providing that it is protected from strong prevailing winds. Mulching around the roots will protect the roots from frost damage.