PlantHaven to spotlight two Redbuds at the National Green Centre

Two new exciting Redbuds from PlantHaven Inc. will be showcased on the runway at the “Sweet Melissa Fashion Show” on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, at the National Green Centre in St. Louis, Mo.

PlantHaven represents the new Cercis varieties and is supporting Honey Creek Nursery, which has entered Cercis 'Merlot' and 'Ruby Falls' 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' (pictured, left) has outstanding glossy purple foliage and a tight dense habit and is an ideal 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' (pictured, right) 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 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 is hosted by Dr. Michael and Bonnie Dirr and will feature the hottest new plants for 2011. The event 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. PlantHaven will make a contribution to a horticultural science undergraduate student scholarship fund at North Carolina State University for every Cercis tree sold.