Trees

Cercis canadensis 'NCCC1'

Carolina Sweetheart redbud

Carolina Sweetheart® redbud, Cercis canadensis 'NCCC1' PP27,712. Photo courtesy of Star® Roses and Plants, used under its customer promotional photo grant; native photograph extracted from supplier guide and

Carolina Sweetheart offers a changing display of heart-shaped leaves rather than one fixed foliage color. Purple new growth develops pink and white variegation before becoming greener in summer. Rose-pink flower clusters precede the leaves in spring, and the rounded, vase-shaped crown makes a colorful garden focal point.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Size: Height: 20–30 ft · Width: About 30 ft
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 5–9
Bloom: Rose-pink, spring

Sizes & prices

#7$199.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental specimen; Understory planting
Major issues: Canker, dieback, Verticillium wilt and borers can affect stressed redbuds; avoid root disturbance.
Form: Rounded to vase-shaped
Growth rate: Species: moderate; compact and weeping cultivars differ in extension growth.
Fruit / litter: Species-type brown pods may persist and drop; production varies by selection and pollination.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Browsing can be significant despite some resistance reports; protect young trees.
Drought: Parent-species guidance: Drought can stress plants; irrigate through dry periods.
Wet soil: Parent-species guidance: Avoid waterlogged soil.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees, Butterflies
Caterpillar host: Caterpillars
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivar/selection of a species native to eastern and central North America. Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.
Tristate native status: Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Purple new leaves become pink-white-green variegated

Growing & care

Site: Water well during establishment. Avoid root disturbance and remove dead branches.
Pruning: Maintain sound branch attachments while young; remove dead wood and weak crossing branches. Preserve a weeping cultivar's trained leader and remove shoots below any graft.
Soil: Moist, well-drained; brief dry periods tolerated

Sources & photo credits

Star Roses and Plants

Piedmont Carolina Nursery

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Rutgers Cooperative Extension

The Morton Arboretum

horticulture.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: Carolina Sweetheart® redbud, Cercis canadensis 'NCCC1' PP27,712, photo courtesy of Star® Roses and Plants; resized for web. · Star Roses and Plants customer promotional-use photo grant

Image notes: Carolina Sweetheart® redbud, Cercis canadensis 'NCCC1' PP27,712. Photo courtesy of Star® Roses and Plants, used under its customer promotional photo grant; native photograph extracted from supplier guide and resized for web.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.