Cercis x 'Merlot' Redbud

'Merlot' Redbud is a very exciting cross of 'Forest Pansy' and texensis 'Texas White', made by Dr. Dennis Werner of NCSU. The texensis genes enable Cercis x 'Merlot' to resist heat and drought better, resulting in more lustrous, deeper purple foliage. The rose-purple flowers appear in April and May; finishing just as the leaves are emerging. Tight, dense, semi-upright habit.