Redbud 'Merlot' #7

'Merlot' is a hybrid redbud selection that features colorful foliage and a showy display of purple-pink blooms in early spring. This cultivar is a second generation (F2) hybrid that resulted from crossing seedlings of Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Texas White' × C. canadensis 'Forest Pansy'. Mature plants will reach up to 15' tall with a similar spread and take on a densely branched, compact, upright to semi-upright growth habit. The glossy, heart-shaped leaves will reach around 5" long with an equal width. The foliage emerges in spring with dark purple shades before maturing to maroon and then a dark olive green by mid-summer. Fall color is typically shades of yellow.