Cercis Flame Thrower®

Nursery professionals chose the new 2020 Cercis Flame Thrower® to receive the People’s Choice Best in Show award, New Varieties Showcase, at the 2019 Farwest Show.

Usually the most appealing feature of a flowering tree is its bloom cycle. Not so for Cercis Flame Thrower®. Although the early spring bloom of slightly sweet-scented pink clusters of 5 to 12 flowers is quite stunning, the pure novelty of the multicolored foliage and semi-weeping form is overshadowing. The unique foliage of Cercis Flame Thrower® emerges burgundy and turns chartreuse, yellow, and green as it ages. The colors stay throughout the season, and at any given time, one branch could display several different shades all at once.

This redbud grows at a moderate rate. It is easy to grow and requires little maintenance and minimal pruning, in late winter or early spring.

Cercis Flame Thrower® was developed by the JC Raulston Arboretum and NC State University