About

Cercis canadensis 'Melon Beauty' is a deciduous small tree or multi-stemmed shrub featuring heart-shaped foliage. The leaves emerge in a bronze hue, transitioning to a vibrant yellow-green before finally turning yellow in the fall. In mid-spring, before the foliage unfolds, dark pink blossoms emerge directly from the stems. This cultivar requires minimal maintenance and is well-suited for smaller gardens, making it a suitable choice for container cultivation as well.

About the genus

Cercis consists of deciduous shrubs or small trees characterized by their heart-shaped foliage. The plants produce clusters of vibrant pink pea-like blossoms that emerge either before or alongside the leaves. After flowering, they develop flattened pods that are deep purple in color.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand, Clay, Chalk
Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Trees
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; plant in final location when young, older plants resent transplanting. For more information see tree cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or Pruning group 7 if carried out in dry weather in late spring or early summer to deter the entry of decay organisms
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to leafhoppers and scale insects
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to verticillium wilt, coral spot and honey fungus