{"product_id":"redbud-merlot","title":"Redbud, Merlot","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRedbud, Merlot (\u003cem\u003eCercis canadensis 'Merlot'\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMerlot Redbud is a compact, drought-tolerant cultivar of the native Eastern Redbud, bred for glossy, deep purple foliage and vivid magenta-pink spring flowers. A hybrid between \u003cem\u003eCercis canadensis\u003c\/em\u003e and the Texas Redbud (\u003cem\u003eCercis canadensis var. texensis\u003c\/em\u003e), Merlot combines the cold hardiness of Eastern Redbud with the heat tolerance and thicker leaves of its southwestern relative. It's a brilliant small tree for edible landscapes, pollinator gardens, and native-inspired designs, offering ornamental value across multiple seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMagenta-Pink Flowers for Early Pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn March to April, Merlot Redbud bursts into bloom with small, vibrant, pea-like flowers directly on bare branches (a trait called cauliflory). These blooms feed native bees, bumblebees, and early-season pollinators, offering a critical nectar source before most plants leaf out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlossy Purple Foliage with a Compact Form\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter flowering, Merlot leaf's out with rich, burgundy-purple, heart-shaped leaves that mature to a deep wine color and hold through summer. The leaves are thicker and glossier than typical redbuds, with better heat and drought resistance, and the tree grows to a compact 12-15 feet perfect for smaller gardens or layered native plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdible Flowers and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLike other redbuds, the flowers are edible and can be used in salads or pickled. Native peoples also used parts of the tree for dye and traditional medicines. While Merlot is bred for landscape use, it retains the ecological and ethnobotanical qualities of its wild ancestors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrought Tolerant and Low Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThanks to its Texas Redbud parentage, Merlot is more drought and heat tolerant than most Eastern Redbuds. It thrives in well-drained, medium-dry to medium soils and needs little pruning or care once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutstanding for Native Gardens and Permaculture Landscapes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith its modest size, deep color, and spring nectar value, Merlot fits beautifully into pollinator gardens, understory layers, woodland edges, and food forests. Its multi-season interest and ecological function make it an ideal small tree for regenerative landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cultivar; hybrid of \u003cem\u003eCercis canadensis\u003c\/em\u003e — \u003cem\u003eCercis canadensis var. texensis\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Life Cycle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deciduous small tree\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSun Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-dry to medium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12-15 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e March-April\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Magenta-pink\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5-9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMerlot Redbud brings together bold foliage, early-season pollinator support, and compact size-all in one resilient, beautiful tree. It's an excellent addition to any native plant garden, orchard edge, or layered permaculture design.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Farm Connection","offers":[{"title":"7 Gallon \/ 4-5' \/ Standard Rootstock","offer_id":49371943272707,"sku":"NAT-1876","price":1.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/1128\/8067\/files\/Redbud-Merlot-Bare-Root-Tree-For-Sale.png?v=1760124423","url":"https:\/\/tfcnursery.com\/products\/redbud-merlot","provider":"The Farm Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}