Trees

Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold'

Hearts of Gold redbud

Hearts of Gold redbud, photograph; seasonal appearance varies.

Hearts of Gold begins spring with lavender-purple flowers on bare wood, followed by reddish young leaves that turn golden. Foliage in shade remains greener, adding subtle variation within the canopy. Although relatively compact when young, this deciduous redbud eventually becomes a substantial small tree and needs room for its spreading crown.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to partial sun
Size: Height: 20–25 ft mature · Width: 18 ft
Water: Water when top 3 inches dry
Hardiness: USDA 5–9
Bloom: Lavender-purple, early spring

Sizes & prices

#15Hearts of Gold Redbud$214.99

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

Ask about this plant

Select a section to expand.

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: Upright, spreading
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: Reddish new growth turns gold; greener in shade

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

Monrovia

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Rutgers Cooperative Extension

The Morton Arboretum

horticulture.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: JC Raulston Arboretum / NC State Extension, CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0

Image notes: Hearts of Gold redbud, photograph; seasonal appearance varies. Resized and converted to WebP.

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