Disanthus cercidifolius, commonly known as Redbud Hazel, is a deciduous shrub native to the understory of cool temperate forests in Japan. It belongs to the Hamamelidaceae family and typically grows to 3 m (10 ft) tall and wide. The Redbud Hazel is admired for its heart-shaped leaves that undergo a spectacular transformation in autumn, turning to shades of red, purple, and yellow. The flowers are small, reddish-purple, and appear in clusters in late autumn, adding to the plant’s ornamental value. The bark is smooth and gray, providing winter interest.

Redbud Hazel is valued for its stunning fall foliage and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and shaded borders. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in gardens. While it prefers a lime-free, acidic soil, it is adaptable to various soil types as long as they are well-drained. It requires medium amounts of water and benefits from mulching to maintain soil moisture. Redbud Hazel is relatively low maintenance but may require protection from strong winds. It is not commonly afflicted by diseases or pests, making it a robust choice for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0