We’re turning the spotlight on three standout Cercis cultivars that redefine garden drama. Each one brings its own flair - whether it’s elegance, variegation or a kaleidoscope of shifting hues.
Cercis canadensis ‘Ace of Spades’
Bold and dramatic, Cercis ‘Ace of Spades’ makes an instant statement. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves emerge in a deep purple and hold their richness throughout the season, providing a strong structural backbone in planting schemes. In Spring, clusters of magenta-pink pea-like blossoms appear before the foliage, adding a burst of colour to bare branches. As Autumn arrives, the leaves shift to warm bronze tones.
Compact and versatile, the ‘Ace of Spades’ is ideal for borders, smaller gardens or as a specimen tree - it offers year-round interest with minimal effort. Typically reaching around four metres in height and spread, it thrives in well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade, and is both hardy and low-maintenance.
Cercis canadensis ‘Alley Cat’
Few trees brighten a garden quite like the Cercis ‘Alley Cat’. Its green leaves are splashed and streaked with creamy white, creating a fresh variegated pattern that shines throughout the Summer months. The foliage stays vibrant and resists scorch, even in heat, ensuring it looks its best long after its pink Spring flowers have faded.
Forming a dome-shaped tree, it reaches around five metres high by six metres wide over the course of 20 years. It flowers most freely in full sun but tolerates partial shade. It is especially effective for bringing light and contrast into shaded corners or mixed borders.
Cercis canadensis ‘Eternal Flame’
As its name suggests, ‘Eternal Flame’ delivers colour that never stops changing. New growth emerges a glowing red and matures to burnt orange and bright yellow, before finally settling into a rich green. Because the heart-shaped leaves are often at different stages at once, the tree appears to glow with various shades in dappled light. In Spring, small dark pink flowers appear before the foliage takes over.
A compact grower, it typically reaches three metres by three metres, making it ideal for gardens of all sizes and containers. Best in full sun and well-drained soil, it’s hardy and, once established, can tolerate some drought.
A trio in harmony
Plant these three cultivars together and you’ll have a display that moves seamlessly from the rich depth of the ‘Ace of Spades’, to the fresh sparkle of the ‘Alley Cat’, to the glowing colour shifts of the ‘Eternal Flame’. Whether grouped as a trio or planted individually, they bring lasting character, colour and interest to the garden.