Cercis canadensis Vanilla Twist - Eastern Redbud

Cercis Canadensis 'Vanilla Twist', also known as Eastern Redbud, is a recent variety of Judas Tree with a weeping habit and abundant white spring flowering. The contrast between the whiteness of its flowers that appear before the foliage and its black trunk is striking. The interest of this bush extends until autumn when its leaves turn a bright golden yellow. Its hardiness and drought resistance make it an easy subject to live with and cultivate. This variety is suited to small spaces thanks to its modest size and can even be grown in pots for the enjoyment of city dwellers!

Cercis canadensis is native to eastern and central United States, and belongs to the Fabaceae family. It can reach a height of 12 m (39 in 5 ft) in its natural habitat but rarely exceeds 4 m to 7 m (13.1 ft to 23 ft) in cultivation. It forms a more or less twisted tree, with branches close to the ground, often wider than tall. The Eastern Redbud has given rise to numerous varieties with different habits, flower colours, and foliage. Cercis Canadensis 'Vanilla Twist' was born in 2013, thanks to a cross-breeding between C. 'Royal White' and C. 'Covey'. It owes its originality to its weeping habit but also to its particularly twisted branches going in all directions and hanging down to the ground. Like all representatives of the genus Cercis, its foliage is deciduous but the tree retains its interest in winter thanks to its sinuate and unusual silhouette. The 'Vanilla Twist' variety does not exceed 3.5 m (11.5 ft) in height with a spread of about 2.5 m (8.2 ft). However, its modest size does not prevent it from standing out, especially in spring! Indeed, in April and May, its drooping branches are adorned with an abundant pure white flowering, like a waterfall, and bring a surprising enchantment to the garden. The flowers appear on bare branches. They are spectacularly numerous, papilionaceous, and clustered along the branches. Its black wood beautifully contrasts with the colour of the flowers. In summer, when the flowers disappear, it is covered in heart-shaped bright green leaves. In autumn, the show ends with a flourish when the leaves turn bright yellow before falling for the winter.

Cercis canadensis 'Vanilla Twist' tolerates all types of soils as long as it benefits from good drainage. It likes sunny exposures but also accepts a semi-shaded location. Its tolerance to drought, once established, makes it an ideal bush for dry gardens. Similarly, its incredible hardiness allows it to withstand temperatures down to -30° C (-22° F). This bush will suit a small natural garden thanks to its modest dimensions and wild appearance. It will work wonders in a Japanese-style garden with its asymmetrical allure and flowering reminiscent of a cherry tree. Cercis canadensis 'Vanilla Twist' can also be planted in the background of a flower bed or within a country hedge, alongside a Forsythia or a Viburnum to enjoy a colourful spring. It will easily flourish in a large container on a terrace or balcony to adorn your living spaces with its unique charm.