New Cercis on the runway

Two new, exciting Redbuds will be showcased on the runway at the “Sweet Melissa Fashion Show” on Sunday, Jan. 9, at the National Green Centre in St. Louis, Mo.

PlantHaven, Inc. represents the new Cercis varieties and is supporting Honey Creek Nursery, which has entered Cercis 'Merlot' (above, top photo) and 'Ruby Falls' (above, bottom photo) in the Fashion Show. The new Cercis are from a 10-year ongoing breeding program by Dr. Dennis Werner of NC State University. 

Cercis 'Merlot' has outstanding glossy purple foliage and a tight dense habit and is the perfect tree for smaller yards. It has proven to be more heat- and drought-tolerant than C. 'Forest Pansy', making it a perfect choice for the southern United States.

'Ruby Falls' has large, heart-shaped purple foliage. Breakthrough breeding has produced the first purple redbud developed with a unique weeping habit. It is the perfect weeping tree for smaller yards and is also suitable for large patio containers. 

The “Sweet Melissa Fashion Show”  is a benefit for  the Sweet Melissa fund, which helps lung transplant recipients. The show will be hosted by Dr. Michael and Bonnie Dirr, and will feature the hottest new plants for 2011. This will involve professional models, a professional fashion show coordinator, runway, lights and music. Following the show, the plants will be auctioned off in a silent auction benefitting the Sweet Melissa Fund.

For more information on the new Cercis, please contact Keith Manbeck at (805) 569-0502 or email keith.manbeck@planthaven.com.