Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
mc510

Replacement tree for dying Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'?

mc510
12 years ago

I put a 'forest pansy' redbud tree in my small front yard, but (long story) it got a little bit buried and is now dying from crown rot. Seeing as I'm going to have to replace it, I'm now wondering if I should go with a different tree. I've been seeing a lot of comments about how redbud reseeds prolifically, which sounds like a pain.

The tree needs to stay under 25 feet; grow reasonably fast (japanese maples, sadly, are out); have a spreading form; create dappled (rather than total) shade; and be comfortable with cool summer coastal weather. Obviously the forest pansy has burgundy leaves, but that's not a requirement. I've got a lot of ants, so trees that are popular with ants and aphids are probably not my best choice.

Any good choices come to mind?

Comments (11)

  • dicot
    12 years ago

    I was thinking one of the lavateras (tree mallows) until you got to the aphid part, it does get those & scale with ants around sometimes. But I'm sure your costal view would look just like this with one, right?

    {{gwi:544935}}

    {{gwi:544936}}

  • mc510
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    Heh, heh; I *wish* my view were *anything* like that! My view is of the across-the-street-neighbor's steel fence and residential junkyard; it's coastal only in the sense that the cool fog rolls in from the SF Bay a mile away.

    I got thinking about small maples that might be faster-growing than Japanese maples; don't know anything about these but have made a note of:

    Trident Maple (Acer buergeranum)
    Purple blow maple (Acer truncatum)
    Three Flowered Maple (Acer triflorum)

  • onederw
    12 years ago

    If you want one that flowers, how about Prunus cerasifera "Krauter Vesuvius," or Prunus blireiana or Chionanthus retusus, or one of the Lagerstroemias?

    Otherwise, perhaps Liquidambar styracaflua "Cherokee" (although this may eventually get taller than you might like) or a European weeping birch?

    Kay

  • landperson
    12 years ago

    Hi there. I found this thread because I am also looking to add another smallish tree. Today a 60' maple came down and the lack of at least some places of shade is going to irritate a lot of my shade-loving plants....not to mention me.

    Since an earlier post mentioned the Trident Maple, I can say that it has grown steadily and nicely in my front yard. It was a good choice. Others that you might enjoy would be the Smoke Tree (cotinus), Fringe Tree, Western Redbud. They are all small and attractive and do well here just 50 miles north of SF.

    Now back to my search for yet another tree before I decide to get another one that I already have.....

    Susan

  • hosenemesis
    12 years ago

    I like my Fringe tree. It has a nice shape, lovely flowers, pretty foliage- it's the best tree on the property.
    Renee

  • calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
    12 years ago

    I am happy with my Chitalpa, for a long blooming deciduous small tree. My favorite evergreen shade tree is the Arbutus Marina, which has beautiful foliage and lovely red bark and form. To keep under 25 feet would require pruning every few years. Neither has a problem with ants. Al

  • landperson
    12 years ago

    Hey, Al, I think you are almost a neighbor, so tell me a bit more about the Chitalpa. Did you find it locally? How long have you had it? It looks lovely and would complement all of the roses and other bloomers. I favor deciduous trees, so all in all it sounds like a winner.

    Susan

  • landperson
    12 years ago

    What about Magnolia Stellata?

    Here is a link that might be useful: Magnolia Stellata

  • landperson
    12 years ago

    at one of my very favorite local nurseries (Peacock Horticultural)

    Acacia Stenophylla
    Cotinus Golden Spirit
    Magnolia Wada's Memory

    And yes, I got all three.....:-)))))

    Susan

  • calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
    12 years ago

    {{gwi:544937}}

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us
    Chitalpa in bloom
    This tree started from a cutting 20 years ago, is now about 20 feet tall. It is cut back every year and is now almost pollarded. Al

  • landperson
    12 years ago

    Thanks, Al

    In the picture it looks a bit like an Oleander but with prettier softer flowers.

    Susan