The Cotton Candy Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Sjo’ PP29290) is a small deciduous tree known for its striking variegated foliage and early spring display of pink flowers. It stands out as a unique ornamental choice among redbud varieties.
Unique Characteristics
The Cotton Candy Redbud features shell pink, pea-like flowers with lavender overtones that emerge directly on its bare branches in early to mid-spring. These blooms create a captivating display for two to three weeks before the leaves appear. New foliage growth shows hints of light green before maturing to a clean medium green throughout the summer. In fall, the heart-shaped leaves turn yellow. This tree grows to a mature height of 20 to 25 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet, maintaining a rounded or upright, slightly arched form.
Planting Your Cotton Candy Redbud
The Cotton Candy Redbud thrives in full sun to partial shade. In regions with hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the leaves from scorch. It prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil with consistent moisture. The tree adapts to various soil types, including acidic, alkaline, or sandy conditions, but requires adequate drainage. Redbuds do not tolerate consistently wet or poorly draining soils, which can lead to decline.
When planting, dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground. After placing the tree, backfill the hole with native soil, then water thoroughly to settle the soil and remove air pockets. Applying a 2 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk, helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. New plantings require more consistent watering compared to established trees to help them develop a strong root system.
Care and Maintenance
Consistent moisture is important for the Cotton Candy Redbud, especially for young trees and during dry periods. Provide 1 to 2 inches of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and soil type. While established trees show some drought tolerance, regular watering promotes overall health. Fertilization can benefit the tree; apply an all-purpose or balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring and again in early fall, following product instructions.
Pruning should be done after the tree finishes blooming in late spring to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Remove any dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches. Redbuds can be susceptible to canker diseases, verticillium wilt, and leaf spot, which are often fungal. Proper watering, good air circulation, and sanitizing pruning tools help prevent disease spread. Pests like aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars may affect redbuds, but usually do not cause significant harm.
Landscape Design Ideas
The Cotton Candy Redbud, with its compact size and multi-stemmed form, is well-suited for various landscape applications. It performs well as a specimen tree in a lawn or garden, allowing its unique flowers and foliage to be a focal point. Its moderate size also makes it suitable for smaller landscapes or as part of a foundation planting near homes.
This redbud can also be integrated into mixed borders or planted along the edges of woodlands, where its early spring blooms provide a striking contrast. Companion plants that complement its aesthetic include hostas, which offer lush foliage, and daylilies with their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. Other suitable companions are spring ephemerals like Virginia bluebells, wild ginger, or various ferns and groundcovers such as creeping thyme, which thrive in dappled light and enhance the tree’s base.