This cultivar is a true stunner. Like all Eastern Redbud trees, 'Alley Cat' sports pea-like clusters of flowers (dark pink in this case) in early spring directly on its bare branches. But then comes the even more dramatic foliage. The heart-shaped leaves emerge a copper pink and soft green that matures into a variegation of speckles and splashes of white. The leaves do not revert to green and do not scorch in the sun. 'Alley Cat' is a large selection with upright branching that provides a striking silhouette in the winter landscape.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil
Size: 20'-30' tall, 25'-35' wide
Zone: 5 - 9
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bees, especially bumblebees
Photos: David Korbonits