Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’, sold as Lavender Twist®, is a deciduous redbud with arching, pendulous branches that form a low mound. Its bright magenta flowers open along the branches in mid to late spring, and its slow-developing height leaves the weeping outline as its main architectural feature. ## Form and garden use The [Dawes Arboretum record](https://dawesarb.arboretumexplorer.org/taxon.aspx?t=20764) identifies Lavender Twist® as the trade name for ‘Covey’, lists USDA zone 4, and describes a spread of about 12 feet. It also notes yellow fall color and reports that established plants perform well in urban landscapes. The cultivar was selected for its weeping habit; the patent records the selection as ‘Covey’ ([U.S. plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP10328P/en)). ## Siting Use it as a specimen where its arching branches can be seen and have room to mound. The species is native across eastern North America, but the exact cultivar record is the better guide to this selection’s hardiness and form. ## Maintenance Water new plantings while they establish and keep the root zone from drying for long periods. Preserve the arching framework when pruning; remove only dead or damaged branches unless a local nursery or arborist recommends structural work.