Golden Leaved Eastern Redbud / Eastern Redbud Aurelian / 'Golden Leaf' Eastern Redbud
Botanical Name: Cercis canadensis 'Aurelian'
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: Eastern North America (cultivar)
Plant Type: Deciduous small tree / large shrub
Overview
A compact Eastern Redbud selection valued for its golden to chartreuse, heart-shaped leaves and blossoms on bare wood. In late winter–spring, rose-pink pea-like flowers smother the branches, then bright new foliage emerges gold/yellow, maturing to lime-green through summer and often yellow again in autumn. Ideal as a feature for small gardens, courtyards and streetscapes in temperate/Mediterranean climates.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 3-4 m H x 3-4 m W
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Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
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Foliage: Golden/chartreuse spring growth, lime-green in summer, yellow autumn; heart-shaped leaves
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Flowers: Rose-pink clusters on bare stems late winter–spring (Aug–Oct SA); lightly fragrant
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Seasonal Interest: Showy late-winter/spring bloom; bold foliage colour spring–autumn
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Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and other pollinators
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Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant; light–moderate frost hardy. Best away from exposed salt spray
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Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 9–16 m² (space 3–4 m apart) depending on canopy
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Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic; any ingestion may upset pets
Where It Works Best
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Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (in hot sites, give afternoon shade to reduce leaf scorch on golden foliage)
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Soil: Well-drained loam or clay loam; avoid waterlogging
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Water Needs: Establishment 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
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Maintenance: Light shape/prune after flowering; mulch spring; feed lightly in early spring
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Lifespan: 25-50 years
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Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA, sheltered coastal interiors
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Soil pH: Neutral (tolerates slightly acidic to mildly alkaline if free-draining)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Feature/specimen tree for courtyards, entries and lawn islands
- Underplant with spring bulbs or low groundcovers for a layered display
- Small shade tree for patios and seating areas; pairs well with dark evergreen backdrops
Why You Will Love It
A four-season standout: pink blossom on bare branches, luminous golden foliage, and a neat, rounded form—big impact with little fuss in smaller gardens.
