“Hearts of Gold” redbud (Cercis canadensis “Hearts of Gold”) remains healthy and vigorous if grown in full sunlight to light shade, but planting considerations shouldn’t stop there. The stunning leaf color that inspires this redbud’s name shines brightest in complete, direct sunlight. Lightly shaded spots will not diminish its health, but they’ll impact leaf color. Color turns the heart-shaped leaves of stone into hearts of green instead.
Sun and Blog Requirements
For optimum foliage color, provide “Hearts of Gold” redbud at least six to eight hours of complete, direct sunlight each day. Even in hot summer sun, the golden leaves defy sunburn. Blogs with four to six hours of each day, immediate sunlight meet the tree light needs, but they leave its foliage chartreuse. Without the powerful gold and lime shades complete sunlight brings, “Hearts of Gold” still lights up these part-sun spaces. The compact, compact tree grows just 12 to 15 feet in height throughout its first five years, but give it room to grow. “Hearts of Gold” matures to 20 to 25 feet tall and wide.
Light-Influenced Attributes
Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, “Hearts of Gold” blossoms in early spring to bare branches. Redbuds often take two to three years to blossom, but “Hearts of Gold” sets blossom buds its very first calendar year. More sunlight promotes more prolific, purple-pink flowers. When fresh foliage arrives, leaves carry a reddish-bronze cast before opening into gold. Growth tips retain orange-red tinges through the season, while leaves shift toward chartreuse. In autumn, the heart-shaped leaves turn brilliant yellow. Total sunlight enhances “Hearts of Gold” colours from start to finish. Flowers rarely produce seedpods.
Cultural Needs
“Hearts of Gold” redbud does well in most soil types from sand to loam and clay, as long as the soil has good drainage. Near-neutral soil pH is greatest. Until the tree becomes established, supply constant moisture of approximately 1 inch each week, including rainfall. Once shown, natural precipitation suffices except during extended drought. Avoid overwatering “Hearts of Gold” — it dislikes cold, wet dirt in particular. Adjust watering to compensate for seasonal weather shifts and the amount of sunlight the tree receives. Cool, shady locations hold moisture longer than warm, sunlit areas.
Planting Considerations
Like many redbuds, “Hearts of Gold” doesn’t like to be disturbed. The tree begins gradually and doesn’t transplant well. Young, container-grown plants adapt most easily to new websites. In Mediterranean climates, fall planting allows “Hearts of Gold” to root well before summer’s rigors start. If spring planting, the sooner the better. Planting depth is especially vital for the tree shallow roots. Consistently plant “Hearts of Gold” so the tree root ball stays in the same level or slightly higher than it did in the nursery or in its pot — at or slightly higher than the surrounding ground. Roots suffocate when planted too deep.