Carolina Sweetheart® Redbud

Carolina Sweetheart® is an eastern redbud grown for spring flowers and changing foliage. Pink blossoms appear before the leaves, which emerge purple and develop white, green, and hot-pink areas before becoming greener in summer. The cultivar is 'NCCC1'; [North Carolina State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cercis-canadensis-carolina-sweethearttm-nccc1/) describes it as a flowering tree with a cultivar size range of 15–30 feet high and 15–35 feet wide. ## Landscape Use Give this tree room as a specimen near a woodland edge, lawn, or larger mixed planting. Its foliage pattern is most visible against a simple green background and changes as the leaves mature. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun to part shade. Average, well-drained soil with consistent moisture supports good establishment; partial shade can help in hot-summer climates. Avoid wet or poorly drained sites. The extension profile lists USDA zones 4–9 and notes that redbud roots do not transplant well, so plant young and leave it undisturbed. ## Maintenance Water consistently during establishment and in dry weather. Prune out dead branches as needed, taking care to preserve the natural crown and avoid unnecessary cuts.