Carolina Sweetheart® ('NCCC1') Eastern Redbud is an unusual new Cercis, from NCSU in partnership with the North Carolina nurserymen. The heart-shaped leaves emerge in April, in shades of bronzy purple with vivid pink and white margins. The tri-color effect is striking, and since it follows the classic lavender purple flower display, Cercis Carolina Sweetheart® is a dramatic standout in the landscape for a long period. By mid summer the foliage is primarily bronze green, but the new growth continues to be colorful.