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Spring colors are outstanding this year
Mississippi Gardens Newspaper and Web Column - March 24, 2003

Blooms are busting out all over creating a color display that is more impressive than any in recent years. It seems that nearly every spring blooming plant received just what it needed to produce an abundance of brilliantly colored flowers. Some say the reason for this outstanding spring show was our colder than usual winter. Others suspect that last year's drought had something to do with it or perhaps it was the plenteous rainfall from October through March. The truth is, all these factors played an important role in bringing us a spectacular spring showcase of color to enjoy!

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees are especially noticeable in Southern landscapes for a couple of reasons. First, they bloom relatively early in the spring when few other trees are blooming. Secondly, the remarkable color of the blossoms themselves, being rosy pink tinged with purple make them quite easy to find in the landscape. Flowers usually persist for up to 3 weeks and occur on the tree at a relatively young age (4 to 6 years). The blooms are edible and are sometimes eaten fried or used in salads.

The Eastern Redbud has long been a favorite for Southern landscapes as a single specimen or in shrub borders and naturalized or woodland settings. It is tolerant of many soil types but prefers those that are moist, deep and well drained. It is often seen in natural settings where it would appear as though it were growing in boggy conditions. On closer inspection one finds that it is not situated where soils are permanently wet. Eastern redbud is versatile when it comes to light exposure. It can take full sunlight or shade. To keep one most vigorous it should be placed in the landscape where it can be watered during dry periods and fertilized with the rest of the landscape trees and shrubs.

There are a number of cultivars available in the market places that are significant improvements over the native seedling trees. White flowering types are available including 'Alba' and 'Royal White'. One known as 'Forest Pansy' is very popular now in the south because of its vigorous growth, maroon foliage and double rose-pink flowers that seldom sets seed pods. Weeping forms are also available with names like 'Covey' and 'Lavender Twist' whose arching branches and umbrella shaped crowns are uniquely interesting in the landscape.

The Eastern Redbud is truly a tree that fits well into our Southern landscapes. All will enjoy its attractive foliage and striking seasonal blooms. Happy Gardening!

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These archived columns were written by Kerry Johnson, a hobby gardener, former weekly newspaper columnist and an Area Extension Horticulture Agent for 11 coastal counties in Mississippi.