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Cercis ‘Merlot’
Cercis canadensis
Cercis canadensis ‘Merlot’ is a Canadensis and texensis cross to produce a more drought and heat tolerant tree. It has glossy, small rounded dark purple leaves and has an upright vase-shaped growth habit. It has a tighter, denser habit than Cercis “Forest Pansy” and is more heat tolerant and drought tolerant (texensis factor.) Leaves of ‘Merlot’ are smaller, thicker, and glossier than those of ‘Forest Pansy’. Mature plants flower heavily with strong bright pink flowers that are self-cleaning and have a low seed set. ‘Merlot’ does not show leaf stress in the heat of summer.
Use ‘Merlot’ as a specimen or part of a group, even in urban settings. It reaches about 12 to 15 feet high and wide.
Origin: USA
Description / Plant Notes:
- USDA Zones 6-9 (-10°F or -23°C)
- Outstanding glossy dark purple foliage
- Excellent heat & drought tolerance (The C. texensis factor)
Patent Status: PP 22,297
| USDA Zone: | 6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Height: | 144 to 180-inches 366 to 457-centimeters |
| Spread: | 144 to 180-inches 366 to 457-centimeters |
| Seasons: | Early Spring |
| Flower Colors: | Purple-pink |
| Foliage Colors: | Plum, Dark Purple |
| Light Levels: | Full-Sun, Partial-Sun |
| Growth Habit: | Upright-arching |
| Usage: | Containers, Garden border, Gardens, Landscapes, Mass landscape planting, Pollinator Plant, Pots |
| Patent Status: | PP 22,297 |
| Origin: | USA |
Grower Culture |
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| General: |
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| Media: | Well-draining media |
| Water: | Well-Drained to Moderate |
| Crop Timing from Rooted Liners: |
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| 3-gallon: | 78 to 104-weeks with 1 ppp |