Plant of the month | Forest Pansy

Spring is here!  Tiny buds are appearing on trees that have been barren all winter.  One spectacular example is the ‘Cercis Canadensis’ – the Forest Pansy.  The sight of the tiny bright pink flowers appearing in clusters against its metallic-grey bark along the zig-zag branches heralds warmer weather and news that summer is coming.  Having stood proud and bare all winter, this display is the start of a long, varied and glorious one.

Following the pink blossom, tiny blood-red heart-shaped leaves begin to show.  These eventually become large, shade-giving and deep burgundy in colour.  Come autumn their final show is a brilliant display of purple, gold and orange tones before the leaves start to drop and the story is over until the next Spring.  This particular tree is the dwarf variety so grows to only 5m and therefore suitable for smaller gardens.  Prefers fertile, moist and well drained soil in a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade.

Botanical name:                ‘Cercis Canadensis’
Common name:                 Forest Pansy
Family:                                     Fabaceae
Origin:                                      Eastern North America