Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Covey')
Cercis canadensis 'Covey' is a compact, weeping Eastern redbud, highly valued for its lavender-pink spring blooms and low maintenance.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’, often known as the Weeping eastern redbud, offers a dramatic architectural form perfect for smaller garden spaces. This cultivar is distinguished by its dense, umbrella-shaped crown with strongly contorted, arching, or pendulous branches, making it a stunning specimen plant. Its value lies in its spectacular early spring display of lavender-pink, pea-like flowers blooming profusely before the heart-shaped foliage emerges.
Growing Eastern redbud varieties like ‘Covey’ requires moderate attention to placement, as they thrive best in average, well-drained soils receiving full sun to part shade. While maintenance is generally low once established, being planted young is crucial because this tree does not transplant well when mature. Gardeners appreciate this specialty cultivar of Eastern redbud for its unique shape, low stature, and drought and soil tolerance.
Wildlife enthusiasts will note that the early flowers of Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’ attract hummingbirds, providing a vital nectar source as spring begins. For those seeking year-round interest, the twisted structure of the dark bark handles winter elegantly, while the foliage transitions from a reddish tint to a mature blue-green before turning yellow in autumn.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Fabaceae
- Plant Type: Tree
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-10 ft
- Spread: 4-10 ft
- Bloom Time: April
- Bloom Description: Lavender pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’ should occur when the tree is young to minimize transplant shock, as it resents being moved later. Choose a location providing full sun to light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. The soil must be average, fertile, and medium moisture, ensuring excellent drainage, as wet or poorly drained conditions must be strictly avoided.
Water needs are medium; perform regular, consistent watering, especially while the weeping eastern redbud is establishing its root system. This cultivar benefits from soil with regular moisture rather than periods of drought or saturation. Fertilization should be moderate, focusing on maintaining vigor rather than excessive, rapid growth.
Pruning is usually minimal for this weeping form. However, the central leader may be lightly staked to encourage height if your design requires a taller plant, up to 8-10 feet. If staking is removed, the upward growth will cease, allowing the natural arching habit of Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’ to dominate. Remember, this is a patented plant propagated by grafting.
Landscape Uses
As a flowering tree, the primary role of Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’ is as a striking focal point or specimen plant. Its manageable size, reaching only 4 to 10 feet in height and spread, makes it ideal for small gardens, courtyard plantings, or situated near patios where its weeping form can be appreciated up close.
The twisted, arching branches offer exceptional textural interest, particularly effective when planted on slopes or retaining walls where the branches can cascade gracefully. Consider pairing this Eastern redbud with broader-leafed evergreens or later-blooming shrubs that provide backdrop contrast to the early spring bloom of the redbud. Its small stature also allows it to function well in specialized containers for mobile garden displays.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
This specific cultivar, ‘Covey’, is highly unusual for the species due to its pronounced weeping habit and lack of a strong upright leader, resulting in a dense, umbrella-shaped crown. The lavender-pink, pea-like flowers appear for two to three weeks in early April before the foliage emerges, creating a stunning visual effect. The heart-shaped leaves emerge with a red tinge, mature to a dark blue-green, and provide excellent contrast to the weeping structure throughout the season.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Clay Soil
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Canker disease presents a significant health risk to many redbuds, requiring vigilance. To mitigate this and other potential issues like fungal leaf spots or mildew, maintain tree vigor through proper watering and fertilization. Promptly prune out any branches showing signs of dieback immediately upon detection.
Insect pests such as Japanese beetles, borers, and scale can sometimes afflict the Eastern redbud. A generally healthy, well-watered tree is naturally more resistant to severe insect infestations. Deer typically avoid browsing on Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’, offering a relief for gardeners managing deer populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’) suitable for?
This weeping eastern redbud thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’ grow?
When left unstaked, this cultivar typically reaches 4 to 10 feet in both height and spread, maintaining a compact footprint.
What sun exposure does Eastern redbud need?
Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’ performs best when placed in full sun to part shade; part shade is recommended where summer heat is intense.
When does Eastern redbud bloom?
This tree bursts into bloom during April, presenting clusters of attractive lavender-pink flowers before the leaves fully expand.
Conclusion
The compact stature and dramatic weeping habit of Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’ make it one of the most architecturally interesting small trees for contemporary landscapes. This low-maintenance Eastern redbud provides essential early-spring color and unique texture, unlike standard upright cultivars. Ensure soil drainage is superb and check local hardiness zone compatibility before planting this exceptional specimen tree.
Wildlife Benefits
As an early-season bloomer, the flowers of this Eastern redbud are a crucial food source. The lavender-pink flowers provide sought-after nectar for early-emerging hummingbirds, giving them vital energy reserves. Following the bloom, the seedpods and flowerbuds offer supplemental forage for various songbirds throughout the season.
Design Ideas
Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’ excels as a specimen planted near entryways or focal points where its twisted branching structure can be viewed year-round. Plant it slightly uphill from a pathway or near a pond edge to emphasize the cascading nature of its branches, creating living water-like movement in the landscape. Avoid crowding; give this weeping redbud adequate space so its unique silhouette is not obscured by taller neighbors.
