Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis. FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE).
Planting and Growing Eastern Redbud Trees
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow eastern redbud trees in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and fruit of redbud
- Growing conditions for redbud
- When to plant redbud
- How to plant redbud
- How to prune redbud
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of redbud
- Landscape uses of redbud
- Pest and disease control for redbud
Growing Eastern Redbud Trees
Several cultivars of fast-growing, spreading, deciduous trees, to 40 ft. (12 m) tall, with glossy, bronze to purple, heart-shaped leaves, to 4 in. (10 cm) long, turning yellow in autumn.
Closely related Cercis chinensis, Chinese redbud; Cercis occidentalis, western redbud; and Cercis siliquastrum, Judas tree, have similar care needs.
Flowers and Fruit
Many rose pink, purple, white flowers, 1/2 in. (12 mm) wide, borne in clusters in early spring, form pealike, clustered fruit, to 3-1/2 in. (90 mm) long, in late spring. First blooms 4–5 years after planting.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 5–9. Best in cold-winter climates.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Rich. 6.5–7.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Open to partial shade. Space 20 ft. (6 m) apart.
Proper Care
Easy. Allow soil surface to dry between waterings until established. Fertilize every 2 months spring–autumn. Mulch. Prune in autumn. Protect from sun in hot climates. Propagate by cuttings, layering, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for backgrounds in cottage, woodland gardens. Good companion for dogwood. Disease resistant.