Blooms fill the branches of the redbud to announce spring’s arrival.
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Redbuds include some of our most charmingnative trees.
In the South, redbuds are typically planted in the fall along with most other trees and shrubs.
Credit:Inna Giliarova / Getty Images
They grow a foot or two a year, eventually reaching their full size of around 30 feet tall.
In winter, the dark, leafless branches form an attractive silhouette, especially effective against a light-colored wall.
Larger types make nicesmall shade treesfor patios and courtyards.
Eastern redbud tree (Cercis canadensis).Credit:Peter Haynes / Getty Images
Redbud Care
Redbuds will adapt to many conditions.
Most varieties aren’t fussy about soil pop in as long as they have good drainage.
Redbuds look their best planted in full or partial sun and when provided with consistent moisture.
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If your tree will face severe heat in the summer, light afternoon shade can help prevent scalding.
Soil
Most redbuds will tolerate average soil of any key in except for heavy clay.
orbiculata) and Texas redbuds (C. canadensis var.
texensis) prefer alkaline or neutral soil.
Redbuds do not do well in poorly drained or constantly wet soils.
Most redbud trees appreciate consistent moisture, but there are exceptions for drier areas discussed below.
texensis) and Mexican redbud (C. canadensis var.
These trees often grow in rocky, dry soils in their natural habitat.
But most redbud trees do best with consistent moisture and do nottolerate drought.
Provide afternoon shade if your garden endures very hot summers, such as in southern Alabama or northern Florida.
Know that this tree is more likely to appreciate a humid climate over a dry one.
Plant a Texas redbud like ‘Oklahoma’ or ‘Texas White’ if you live in a dry climate.
If you live in Zone 5, try an Eastern redbud (C. canadensis)bred for colder climates.
This tree is native to the eastern U.S. Leaves are usually rich green, 36 inches long, with pointed tips.
Flowers are small (1/2-inch long) and rosy pink or lavender.
Water regularly during dry spells.
Plant it as a specimen or understory tree.
mexicana): Zones 69.
This redbud grows in many areas of Mexico.
The most typical form is single-trunked, to 15 feet with leathery blue-green leaves and pinkish-purple flowers.
Requires moderate water but can handle occasional dryness.
WESTERN, CALIFORNIA, or TEXAS REDBUD(C. c. var.
texensis): Zones 6-9.
Native to the Southwest, this redbud grows to 1525 feet high and wide.
The tree takes moderate water and is more drought-tolerant.
Oklahoma' has deep purple buds opening to rosy-purple flowers; Texas White' bears pure white blossoms.
Both have thick, leathery dark green leaves.
Chinese Redbud (C. chinensis)
Zones 69.
Flower clusters are 35 inches long, deep rose, almost rosy purple.
Leaves (to 5 inches long) are sometimes glossier and brighter green than those ofC.
canadensis, with a transparent line around the edge.
Avondale' is a superior form with profuse deep purple flowers.
This redbud requires full sun and regular water.
Judas Tree (C. siliquastrum)
Zones 69.
Judas tree requires moderate to regular watering, but in well-drained soil.
‘Alba’ is a white-flowering form.
Pruning
Diseased or damaged branches can bepruned from the treeanytime.
Many redbuds start as multi-stemmed plants.
Remove any suckers that sprout at the base of the tree or on a limb.
Unfortunately, the long taproot makes these trees difficult to transplant.
Redbuds also are difficult to grow from cuttings.
Growing Redbuds From Seed
Overwintering
Redbuds generally don’t need winter protection in the South.
A couple of inches of mulch can help regulate moisture levels and soil temperature year round.
Verticillium wilt can key in your redbud from the soil or a wound, including from pruning cuts.
Leaves begin to turn yellow and brown until branches begin to die off one by one.
Always sanitize your pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease, and remove any dead branches.
Redbuds are also susceptible to canker from aBotryosphaeriafungus.
Symptoms include wilting and browning leaves and cankers or dark sunken spots on the branches.
The disease can be spread by splashing water and wind.
Prune out infested branches when you find them, cutting at least 3 or 4 inches below each canker.
Keeping your tree healthy in the first place can help it resist infection.
Sometimes the leaves will begin to crisp on the edges.
In hot, dry climates, the tree may appreciate light afternoon shade.
Choose a dwarf variety for a small space.
