Forest Pansy Redbud Tree
Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Preorder Shipping Schedule
We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.
| Zone 3-4 | Week of March 30th |
| Zone 5 | Week of March 16th |
| Zone 6-12 | Week of March 2nd |
Shipping Rates
Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Our Container Sizes
At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes
Quart
Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.
#1 Container
Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.
#2 Container
Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.
#3 Container
Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.
#5 Container and Larger
Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.
Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?
Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.
Root Pouch Containers
Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:
- Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
- Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.
Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.
Full Root Pouch planting guide
Choosing the Right Size
| Size | Plant Age | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Quart | 6 mo to 1 yr | Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings. |
| #1 Container | 1 to 2 yrs | Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners. |
| #2 Container | 2 to 3 yrs | Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment. |
| #3 Container | 3 to 4 yrs | Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size. |
| #5 and larger | 4+ yrs | Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact. |
Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Description
Ornamental Native Forest Pansy Redbud
- Very Ornamental Tree
- Early Spring Color
- Brilliant Fall Color
- Year-Round Appeal
- Hardy Native Plant Brings Butterflies
- Versatile in the Landscape
What a perfect name for an excellent tree! Early spring flowers and fall colors are the hallmarks of the Forest Pansy Redbud Tree (Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy').
You'll be thrilled to begin your growing season with a blast of electric reddish-purple flowers. The flower display can last for weeks long for you to enjoy. Think about it! Weeks of blooms to end the dreary winter season.
This hardy native tree is related to the Eastern Redbud. The common name of Redbud comes from those small reddish-purple buds that grow along the stems, bringing the plant to life after winter. Forest Pansy is a cultivar of the wildly popular Redbud tree. This variety has the stellar qualities of the original, but the leaves are a more intensely red-purple hue.
You'll know spring has arrived when your Redbud blooms. While much of your landscape still lies dormant, Forest Pansy Redbud will be covered with a profusion of flowering clusters. Early butterflies really appreciate this native nectar source.
The bright flowers are almost fluorescent when they bloom all along the smooth gray branches before any leaves emerge. You'll be amazed by how they seem to emerge directly from the woody bark. You'll get to really enjoy the wonderful presentation of rosy pink flowers.
The color is darkest at the start, and as they age, they'll finish to pink just as the foliage begins to unfurl. Snip a few of the fragrant blossoms to bring a little of that spring excitement indoors!
Let's talk about those leaves. The tiny leaves grow into deep, shiny, leathery-looking purple-colored, heart-shaped leaves. What a special gift to give someone you love!
The shiny red-purple color of the new foliage darkens to an incredible maroon. As the season progresses, the dark, leathery, purple leaves will pick up a slight green overcast, yet still hold on to the overall purple color. It's a strikingly modern display that works so well with all the vibrant perennials and shrubs available now.
The heart-shaped leaves introduce the next dramatic foliage color display in fall. Autumn arrives with the same intensity as spring, as your Redbud's leaves transform to a profusion of reds, purples, and yellows.
This native accent tree has it all: spring, summer, and fall colors in one easy-to-care-for ornamental tree. Order today!
How to Use Forest Pansy Redbud in the Landscape
This makes a spectacular spring accent tree near your home's entrance or along a walkway or patio. Be sure to site it where you can see it from a window to maximize its positive impact on you. You'll love seeing those blooms, even on a cool day in early spring.
Give it room to reach its mature height and arching spread. The spread of the wide, flat canopy is graceful and impactful. This makes it a perfect choice for use anchoring a garden bed.
Hang birdhouses on the lower branches and place feeders nearby. Use it to highlight a really special garden sculpture. Place a low-slung hammock, a magnificent large rock, or a child's garden table and chair underneath it.
It will work beautifully in naturalized landscapes in informal groups. For this application, it looks best to choose an odd number of trees. 3, 5, or 7 planted in a gentle curve in an island garden bed make a spectacular "vista" or view from a deck. Use them to give a precious sense of open, airy privacy near your patio.
They will look so beautiful planted at the edge of the woods. After all, that's where you'd find them in nature! Make sure they receive sun for the best foliage color.
How about Forest Pansy Redbud used as a perfect single specimen plant? Its beautiful form and lovely ornamental features would be a welcome addition just about anywhere. Create a special retreat or Meditation Garden to gift yourself with time "communing" with this special tree. This would be a successful focal point in an Asian-inspired Japanese Garden, as well.
#ProPlantTips for Care
Overall, this Redbud is easy to care for and tolerates many different soil conditions. However, all Redbud will enjoy careful watering as the roots are getting established. While they are relatively drought-tolerant after they are established, you'll want to provide additional water as needed during the extreme drought.
They love well-drained soil, so don't plant these too deep. Instead, make sure they grow at the same soil level they grew in at the nursery. If you have heavy clay soil, it's better to "plant high" and mulch over their roots.
Mulch keeps the soil evenly moist and keeps the weeds at bay. Be careful not to put any mulch up against the trunk.
We highly recommend Nature Hills Root Booster placed in the bottom of the planting hole. This solution helps roots grow quickly into the native soil.
Prune to "limb up" old wood as needed to keep the lines clean and the interior of the plant nice and open for great air circulation.
What a wonderfully ornamental native cultivar tree. You'll cherish this choice! Order your Forest Pansy Redbud Tree today.
Specifications
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Botanical Name
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Class
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Species
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Cultivar
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Growing Zones
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Height
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Sunlight
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Growth RateFast
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Flower Color
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Fall Color
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NativeYes
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring
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Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT, PR
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