Cercis chinensis Avondale - Chinese Redbud

The Chinese Redbud Avondale, or Cercis chinensis Avondale, is a deciduous bush with an upright and compact habit, branching from the base. It offers intense flowering in April with clusters of small, bright-pink, pea-like flowers that cover each of its bare branches. Its deep-green, heart-shaped foliage is larger than other redbuds and turns golden-yellow in autumn. This low-maintenance bush is perfect for small gardens and can thrive in any well-drained soil, even dry, and is perfectly hardy.

The Cercis chinensis is a member of the Fabaceae or Leguminosae family and is native to China and Japan. The species was discovered in a botanical park in New Zealand as a spontaneous mutation called 'Avondale'. This small tree or bush has an upright habit and branches from the base, slowly growing to a height of 2 m (6 ft 7 in) and a width of 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in). 

In April, the flowers of this bush appear on its branches before the leaves do. They are cherry pink or bright pink in colour and are abundant and pea-like in shape, giving the plant a vibrant look. The plant's fruits form flat pods which appear in summer and remain on the plant throughout winter, a treat for the birds. The bush's foliage is heart-shaped, rounded, thick and smooth and measures around 7 to 8 cm (3.1 in) in length. The leaves emerge as red, changing to a deep and vibrant green colour, then turning yellow in autumn. The plant's bark is dark in colour.

This relative of the Judas tree has a low-growth habit, which makes it perfect for growing in containers on a balcony or terrace. It is not very demanding and can grow in normal or even dry soil. It can be planted alone or in a group with other flowering bushes like lilacs, shrub roses, and small buddleias.