Cercis chinensis 'Avondale'
(Chinese Redbud 'Avondale')
Family - Caesalpiniaceae
Category - Shrub
Origin - Raised in New Zealand
Season of Interest - Spring, Autumn
Hardiness - H5
Height - up to 3m
Width - 1.5m or more
Location - The Pond Garden
Description: A large Deciduous Shrub with a rounded habit with upright, spreading branches. Attractive, heart-shaped leaves emerge tinged with deep red in spring (hence the common name of redbud), and mature to dark green. The leaves are produced after the flowers emerge. Small pea flower-shaped Blooms are a shade of bright magenta pink. The flowers are held in clusters on the bare branches and are produced from mid to late spring. The leaves turn attractive shades of yellow in autumn.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Flower:
Abundant, bright magenta-pink, pea-like flowers are produced in clusters along the bare branches in April to May, possibly earlier following a mild winter.
Flower colour: Pink
Flower shape: Pea-like flowers in clusters
Flowering time: April, May
Foliage:
Leathery dark green leaves are Cordate in shape. The foliage is produced after the flowers emerge in spring. The leaves are Alternately arranged on the branches and turn bright shades of yellow in autumn before falling.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Cordate
Autumn Colour: Yellow
Propagation:
Cuttings, grafting.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained. Will benefit from a sheltered position.