Merlot Redbud (Cercis canadensus var. ‘Merlot’) is a small, heat- and drought-tolerant deciduous tree with glossy, dark purple, heart-shaped leaves that turn green by late summer. It produces bright, showy purple-pink flowers in early spring on bare branches before the foliage emerges. A hybrid of Eastern and Texas Redbuds, this cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 and typically reaches a mature height and spread of 12 to 15 feet, making it suitable for smaller yards.

• Mature Height: 12–15 feet
• Mature Spread: 12–15 feet
• Habit: Compact, dense, and semi-upright
• Leaves: Heart-shaped, glossy, and dark purple, maturing to green in late summer 
• Flowers: Bright reddish-purple to purple-pink, appearing in clusters on bare branches from late winter to early spring
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade 
• Drought & Heat Tolerance: Excellent heat and drought tolerance due to its Texas Redbud parentage