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Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4
- Spacing: 25-30'
- Exposure: Sun
- Deer Resistant: Yes
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Alley Cat Variegated Redbud
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Found growing wild in an alley, the Alley Cat Variegated Eastern Redbud Tree has turned out to be one sweet and adorable charmer when brought into the garden and shown a little love. Featuring lavender-pink flowers that hug the branches in spring and pretty heart-shaped leaves splashed with white variegation, this handsome ornamental tree will steal your heart. Alley Cat Redbud is a medium-sized tree that will fit into most gardens, yet it eventually grows big enough to sit under (if I fits, I sits!) during the dog days of summer. The purrfect addition to your entryway garden or backyard living space.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4
- Spacing: 25-30'
- Exposure: Sun
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Show more ›
The Story
Native to much of the eastern U.S., the Eastern Redbud Tree is that showy tree you see near woodland edges adding a pop of early spring color to the roadsides with its masses of small pink flowers. It brings a warm golden glow to those same areas in fall with its changing leaves. The Alley Cat Redbud Tree was discovered by plantsman Allen Bush in an alley near his home in Louisville, Kentucky. Unlike some other variegated Redbuds, the new tree shows an alley cat toughness; the foliage doesn’t scorch in sun, nor does the variegation fade in hot weather. Some believe it’s the best variegated Redbud on the market.
The Details
Pluck a Redbud flower the next time they’re blooming, and take a close look. The blossoms look like tiny hummingbirds! In most areas, hummingbirds arrive too late to enjoy their nectar, though bees and other valuable early-season pollinators will gladly service the flowers. The blooms themselves are edible to humans, and they make a lovely garnish for a fresh spring salad.
How to Grow
Alley Cat Eastern Redbud is an adaptable tree, but siting it carefully and paying it some kindness will result in a much healthier and happier tree. Though it performs admirably in full sun, this Redbud Tree is better off in dappled shade or in a site with morning sun and afternoon shade, at least in very warm regions. It isn’t picky about soils, but will quickly use up all of its nine lives if drainage is poor. Give it a layer of wood or bark mulch to replicate the woodsy conditions it prefers in the wild. Alley Cat Redbud also appreciates regular water during its first few years in the ground and irrigation during long dry spells after it’s established.
More Info
Size Guide
Scale
Size B
This graphic shows the approximate size and form of the Tree you are viewing.
Size B Trees:
6-8' Tall. Grown and shipped in our #15 tree container. This unique tree will have your whole neighborhood talking.
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