Hearts of Gold Redbud Tree

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

Hearts of Gold Redbud is a spectacular ornamental tree that combines vibrant rosy-pink spring flowers with brilliant golden heart-shaped foliage for season-long color. The leaves emerge bright golden-yellow after flowering before gradually maturing to chartreuse and soft green, creating a dynamic display throughout the growing season. With its colorful foliage, graceful branching, and manageable size, Hearts of Gold is an outstanding specimen tree for landscapes of every size.

Botanical name: Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold'
Bloom time: Early spring
Deciduous
Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT
Prefers full sun to partial shade.

WATER
Water deeply at the base when the top 2–3 inches of soil begin to dry. During establishment, this is typically once or twice per week, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once established, water less frequently during dry periods. Watering frequency may vary based on climate, soil type, rainfall, sunlight exposure, and establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE
Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Hearts of Gold Redbud thrives in temperate climates and performs beautifully as a specimen tree, front yard focal point, and ornamental landscape tree.

Note: Hearts of Gold Redbud's foliage is brightest in spring when the leaves first emerge. As the season progresses, the leaves naturally mature to chartreuse and soft green, creating beautiful color variation throughout the growing season.

For the healthiest establishment, check the soil near the base of the tree before watering rather than following a fixed schedule. Water deeply when the top 2–3 inches of soil begin to dry.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Hearts of Gold Redbud Tree, scientifically known as Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold', is a stunning ornamental tree prized for its brilliant golden-yellow heart-shaped foliage and vibrant rosy-pink spring flowers. In early spring, masses of pink blooms appear along the bare branches before the colorful leaves emerge. As the season progresses, the foliage matures from bright golden-yellow to chartreuse and soft green while continuing to brighten the landscape. Its colorful foliage, manageable size, and exceptional seasonal interest make it a beautiful focal point for front yards, patios, and ornamental gardens.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate-growing deciduous ornamental tree. Typically reaches approximately 15–20 feet tall and 25–30 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply at the base when the top 2–3 inches of soil begin to dry. During establishment, this is typically once or twice per week, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once established, water less frequently, providing occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Watering frequency will vary depending on climate, soil type, rainfall, sunlight exposure, and the tree's establishment phase.

Hearts of Gold Redbud grows best in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages the brightest foliage color, while afternoon shade can help reduce leaf scorch and preserve the vibrant golden leaves in hotter climates.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING
Prune immediately after flowering if needed to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and maintain the tree's naturally rounded canopy. Minimal pruning is generally required once established.

FERTILIZING
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if desired to encourage healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the tree to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION
Hearts of Gold Redbud is cold hardy throughout its recommended growing range. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help conserve moisture and insulate the roots during the first few winters after planting.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Plant Hearts of Gold Redbud in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the rootball and no deeper than the rootball itself. Position the top of the rootball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, backfill with native soil, water deeply after planting, and apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base while keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 5-9

Hearts of Gold Redbud thrives in a wide range of climates and performs best in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. It is cold hardy throughout much of the United States and adapts well to both residential landscapes and ornamental gardens. In warmer climates, afternoon shade can help preserve the brilliant golden foliage during periods of intense summer heat.

Important: USDA Hardiness Zones only measure a plant's cold tolerance. They do not account for heat tolerance, humidity, rainfall, or other climate factors. Always consider your local growing conditions in addition to your USDA Zone when selecting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Hearts of Gold Redbud get?

Hearts of Gold Redbud typically grows 15–20 feet tall and 25–30 feet wide, developing a graceful rounded canopy that provides beautiful color and light shade.

How fast does Hearts of Gold Redbud grow?

Hearts of Gold Redbud is considered a moderate-growing ornamental tree and typically grows approximately 1–2 feet per year under favorable growing conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Hearts of Gold Redbud?

Hearts of Gold Redbud grows best in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. It makes an outstanding specimen tree, front yard focal point, patio accent, or ornamental addition to landscapes where its brilliant foliage can be appreciated.

How far apart should I plant Hearts of Gold Redbuds?

Plant Hearts of Gold Redbuds approximately 25–30 feet apart to allow room for their mature canopy and healthy air circulation.

When does Hearts of Gold Redbud bloom?

Hearts of Gold Redbud blooms in early spring, producing clusters of rosy-pink flowers on bare branches before the colorful foliage emerges.

Will Hearts of Gold Redbud keep its golden leaves all season?

Hearts of Gold Redbud's leaves emerge a brilliant golden-yellow in spring before gradually maturing to chartreuse and soft green as the season progresses. In fall, the foliage turns attractive shades of golden yellow before naturally dropping for winter. This natural color progression provides beautiful interest throughout the year.

Why are the new leaves on Hearts of Gold Redbud brighter than the older leaves?

This is completely normal. New leaves emerge a brilliant golden-yellow in spring before gradually maturing to chartreuse and soft green as the season progresses. This natural color progression creates beautiful contrast within the canopy and is one of the signature characteristics of Hearts of Gold Redbud.

Does Hearts of Gold Redbud produce seed pods?

Yes. Like other Eastern Redbuds, Hearts of Gold Redbud develops slender brown seed pods after flowering. The pods provide additional seasonal interest and often remain on the branches into winter.

What makes Hearts of Gold Redbud different from other redbud trees?

Hearts of Gold Redbud is prized for its vibrant golden foliage that emerges after its spring flowers. While many redbuds are grown primarily for their blooms, Hearts of Gold provides months of colorful foliage that brightens the landscape throughout the growing season.

Why do homeowners love Hearts of Gold Redbud?

Homeowners love Hearts of Gold Redbud for its brilliant golden foliage, beautiful rosy-pink spring flowers, and season-long color. It provides outstanding ornamental value long after the spring blooms have faded, making it a true focal point in the landscape.

More Details

*SHIPPING DETAILS

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

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1 YEAR GUARANTEE

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.