Alley Cat Eastern Redbud

Alley Cat Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Alley Cat')

Alley Cat Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Alley Cat') is a unique variegated cultivar of the native Eastern Redbud, prized for its bold white-splashed foliage and soft lavender-pink spring blooms. With a naturally rounded shape and striking leaf coloration, this small ornamental tree offers multi-season interest and standout performance in a wide range of landscape settings.

Distinctive Features

'Alley Cat' produces the familiar rosy-lavender flowers typical of redbuds, blooming in early spring before the foliage emerges. As the flowers fade, its heart-shaped leaves unfurl in shades of green dramatically splashed with creamy white variegation. Unlike some variegated varieties, 'Alley Cat' is stable and sun-tolerant, holding its coloration well through summer. It grows 15 to 20 feet tall and wide, forming a broad, rounded canopy with an airy yet dense presence.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soils
• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates brief dry spells
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Variegated foliage and spring flowers create lasting visual interest
• Front Yard Accent: Eye-catching and well-sized for near-entry planting
• Mixed Borders: Blends beautifully with evergreens, perennials, and other natives
• Woodland Edges: Performs well in dappled shade alongside shade-tolerant companions
• Pollinator Gardens: Early blooms attract bees and beneficial insects

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during the first year; becomes more drought tolerant over time
• Pruning: Prune only to maintain shape or remove crossing branches after flowering
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer if growth is slow
• Mulching: Apply mulch to keep roots cool and conserve soil moisture
• Protection: Avoid exposed, windy sites that may scorch the foliage

Why Choose Alley Cat Eastern Redbud?

• Striking Variegated Foliage: White-splashed leaves brighten up any planting scheme
• Reliable Blooms: Soft lavender-pink flowers appear early each spring
• Native Roots: A cultivar of the beloved native Eastern Redbud
• Stable and Sun-Tolerant: Maintains bright foliage without scorching
• Focal Point: Distinctive foliage and form stand out across seasons

Cercis canadensis 'Alley Cat' offers the charm of native redbuds with an added twist�bold, variegated foliage that holds its color and form, making it a standout focal point in gardens and landscapes throughout the growing season.