Grow A Little Love

When we put plants that speak to our hearts in the garden, we’re always growing a little love. Maybe it’s a peony that reminds you of your grandmother. Perhaps you get joy from plants with fragrant flowers, or those with a particular color of blooms. Some feel their spirits lifted when they add plants that support pollinators and birds to their garden. In these situations, our plantings are truly life-affirming.

But another way to grow some love is when you use plants with heart-shaped leaves. From many varieties of Hosta and Epimedium to the annual moonflower vine, there are several plants with foliage that looks like a green valentine. Perhaps the plant that comes to mind most for growing hearts is the redbud tree.

Cercis canadensis, aka eastern redbud, is a small tree that is native to the northeast. Since it doesn’t grow huge it’s very appropriate for smaller landscapes. Redbuds do well in full to part sun, and best of all, there are several varieties that have colorful foliage.

Here are three we have in the garden center right now. They are perfect for honoring a birthday, wedding or anniversary. Or plant them just because they make you smile.

Ruby Falls is a weeping variety with purple foliage. Being narrow, they make good upright focal point plants in smaller spaces.

‘Ace of Hearts’ is prized for its compact habit, semi-glossy leaves on zig-zag stems, and a dense canopy .

The Rising Sun redbud has several colors of leaves on the plant well into the summer. Lime green is the predominant shade, with smaller peach-colored foliage and splashes of darker green variegation. An artist’s plant for sure! Grow Rising Sun in full sun to part sun.