The growth habit is the main point of it.

`Ace of Hearts` was selected in 2000 for its distinctive dwarf, compact habit; small, semi-glossy, heart-shaped leaves; and dense, dome-shaped canopy. While other redbud trees require some selective pruning to obtain a desirable shape, `Ace of Hearts` requires no pruning to maintain its dense, domed shape.

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=PP17161.PN.&OS=PN/PP17161&RS=PN/PP17161

its a dwarf form.. otherwise consistent with the usual ... that means its annual growth rate is less than the standard ...

here are some pix? https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Cercis+canadensis+ace+of+heart&t=ffcm&iax=images&ia=images

plz include location in every post ... unless you are in the PNW ... august is NOT tree planting time ...

either give them a deposit and have them put a sold sign on it.. and let them hold it until fall planting time ...

or drag it home.. and hold it yourself ... and try not to kill it in the meantime ...

ken

Oh yeah, I forgot this was a new thread...location is zone 6, central Indiana.

Of course it's too hot to plant now...but my local nurseries get their fall stock earlier and earlier every year it seems. I like to grab stuff when I see it available and hang on to it.

If anyone has first hand experience growing this, I'd love to hear how it performs.

We planted a couple Ace of Hearts 2 1/2 years ago, and other than some minor dieback after the first winter, they're doing OK. But they are located in a partial shade, somewhat protected location. I'm still a little concerned they may not be able to handle a "polar vortex" winter where temps get down around -20F (or colder). Habit is compact, but it does look like they may have the potential to develop the typical redbud structural problems (narrow branch crotches), and probably the same pest/disease issues. One local retailer has 'Pink Trim' (Northern Herald) which is supposed to have superior hardiness - we'll probably also give that one a try.

Thanks for the comments.

Sara...only 8' in 13 years? That is quite slow growing. If I go this route, I would definitely need to mix in other shrubs or trees...that's not quite big enough to stand alone so far out in the yard.

It only gets drip irrigation - that may be part of it. Also, I suck at estimating sizes! I may have slightly underestimated. And remember, it was pretty small when I planted it. I said #5 but I went back and looked at my records and it was a bareroot that I mail-ordered. But the point is, it is a demure and elegant little tree, so different from the gawky, awkward species or many of the other cultivars.

OK I said that I was not good at estimating (or remembering) the size of trees. My AoH is at leaste 10' tall and 8' wide. Sorry about that!

Hey Sara what’s your favorite redbud ? Sounds like you’ve been been through some trial and error. I know there are some cool ones but they struggle with lots of issues. Ace of hearts has peaked my interest. I am in zone 7a and the area is full sun.

James - I don't think Sara has posted anything for a while.

We've only planted a few Ace of Hearts, so our experience with them is limited. They've grown well for us with no significant hardiness issues so far, and they do seem to be more compact than the straight species while still putting on some decent growth. The larger one has been in the ground several years, the smaller just a couple years.