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John Rickard
Fabaceae
CERCIS chinensis 'Avondale'
Avondale Redbud, Chinese Redbud
When 'Avondale' came onto the scene, its small size meant that the beauty of the Chinese redbud would fit spaces and gardens too small for the species. A deciduous shrub or small tree native to China and Japan, Cercis chinensis is found thriving in a wide range of growing conditions. One aspect of its beauty lies in its leaves: rounded hearts that hang gracefully from fine, reddish stems. They are held on the upright gray branches of a vase shaped shrub or multiple-trunk tree.
The gorgeous spring blooms of 'Avondale' verge on pink-violet to purple and are encrusted on one or two year-old twigs like barnacles. They give way to rusty-brown flat pods. Bloom is early, often the only hot color in the very young spring landscape. As the flowers fade, the leaves emerge bronzish, then turn to light green for the summer. In the fall they turn smoky, sunset hues. The only time this plant lacks interest is in full winter dormancy.
Use 'Avondale' for diversity in mild temperate climate landscapes (including the high desert) where it has proven to be quite successful despite heat, cold and poor soils. Smaller stature makes it a good foundation shrub with the bonus of seasonal changes. Integrate it into mixed borders for variations in leaf texture. Above all keep it well in view to enjoy every nuance of its evolution. Situating it in front of a dark evergreen hedge or dark colored building accentuates the drama of viewing the springtime flowers.
9 - 3
6 - 9
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Shrub
Full Sun, Partial Sun
8'-10' / 2.4m - 3.0m
4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m
Early Spring, Spring
China, Japan
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Drought
Medium
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Upright/Erect
Spring, Summer, Fall
Showy
Purple, Hot Pink, Violet
Sienna, Chocolate
Green
Green, Dark Green
Yellow, Orange, Yellow Green
Gray
No
Single
Glossy
Smooth
Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border
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