The Cercis can Hearts of Gold Tree, also known as the Golden-Leaf Redbud, is a modern ornamental tree valued for both its flowers and its striking foliage. This cultivar was bred in North Carolina, USA, and was the first Cercis variety to display truly golden foliage, setting it apart from traditional redbuds.
In early spring, before the leaves appear, the tree produces clusters of pink pea-like flowers directly on its bare stems and branches. These blossoms provide a spectacular floral display, attracting pollinators and brightening gardens at the start of the growing season. After flowering, the tree develops its signature heart-shaped leaves in shades of golden yellow. As the season progresses, the foliage softens to warm chartreuse tones, ensuring continuous interest from spring into late summer. This extended colour period makes it a particularly valuable feature in garden design.
The golden foliage of this cultivar is rare among Cercis trees, making it a unique addition to planting schemes. Its leaves stand out against both dark evergreen backdrops and mixed planting borders, providing a bold contrast and lifting shaded corners of the garden. Unlike some golden-leaved plants that may scorch in full sun, this variety performs well in sunny positions while also tolerating partial shade, giving gardeners greater flexibility in choosing its location.
The Cercis can Hearts of Gold Tree is compact and rounded in growth habit, reaching approximately 3–4 metres in height and spread after ten years. Its manageable size makes it well-suited for smaller gardens, where it can serve as a central specimen, or for larger landscapes, where it provides contrast among other trees and shrubs. Its balanced shape also makes it a good option for container growing on patios or terraces.
This cultivar thrives in fertile, well-drained soils, preferring conditions that are not overly wet. It is low-maintenance, requiring only light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape. Minimal care is needed, making it accessible to gardeners of all experience levels. With proper placement and basic care, it will reward with reliable performance year after year.
Whether used as a specimen tree, part of a border, or a feature in a compact outdoor space, the Cercis can Hearts of Gold Tree combines ornamental spring flowers, rare golden foliage, and practical growing qualities. It brings warmth, colour, and character to gardens, ensuring it remains a favourite choice for those seeking a tree with standout seasonal appeal.
The Cercis can Hearts of Gold Tree is a small ornamental tree with a mature size of approximately 3–4 metres in both height and spread after ten years. Its rounded, compact habit makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, patios, or as a container feature.
In early spring, clusters of pink pea-like flowers emerge directly from bare stems and branches, adding seasonal colour before foliage develops. This is followed by vibrant golden-yellow, heart-shaped leaves that transition to chartreuse in summer, providing long-lasting impact through the growing season.
With its compact growth and striking colour, it is suitable as a specimen tree, a focal point in borders, or for brightening shaded areas. Its manageable size ensures it fits well into a wide variety of garden settings without overwhelming surrounding plants.
