Redbud trees are perhaps one of the most whimsical flowering trees for every spring garden.
Its flush of pink blooms is always a delight to see during the blooming season.
It is one of the best shade trees out there forming dense canopies of heart-shaped leaves.
The foliage is complemented by white or pink small flowers.
Where is the best place to plant a redbud tree?
Its flowers and multi-color leaves best appear in full sun locations.
It is generally low-maintenance and its most important growing condition would be well-draining soils.
Most redbud cultivars tolerate heavy-drought.
They will thrive well in slightly acidic or alkaline soils.
They will also survive in heavy clay soils.
Technically, redbuds are planted in Zones 4-9.
Geographically, redbuds are best planted in southwestern states such as Oklahoma, Texas, and Tennessee.
Redbuds are also planted in Florida, California, Utah, and Arizona.
Some cultivars also grow abundantly in Canada.
The leaves first appear after two to three weeks after the redbud flowers bloom.
The leaves of redbud leaves grow alternately in bare branches that are either outstretched or weeping in the habit.
The most common colors of redbud flowers are pink, purple, and magenta.
Some redbud cultivars like the Texas white bud blooms white flowers.
Unique hybrids and cultivars produce a combination of white and pink flowers during spring.
Redbuds tend to bloom flowers first before the foliage unfurls.
Redbud tree blooms often come from brown pods.
It blooms pale pink-violet blooms in contrast to deep green foliage which turns yellow in the fall.
It makes a great specimen tree because it is extremely hardy and essentially disease and pest resistant.
After its bloom time, bronze heart-shaped leaves follow.
As it reaches maturity, the bronze foliage turns green in the summer and bright yellow in the fall.
It is versatile and is considered one of the lowest maintenance of redbud varieties.
It is unique because, at maturity, it resembles the shape and appearance of the Japanese maple tree.
It sports green heart-shaped leaves and clusters of pink/lavender flowers throughout spring.
It also has twisting branches, hence, the nickname lavender twist.
It is particularly the state tree of Oklahoma.
It is a favorite of butterflies and bees.
It is also low-maintenance and disease/pest resistance.
When the season transitions to fall, the flowers turn burgundy with tinges of green.
Its small, pink flowers complement well with the foliage.
It is a popular landscape tree and the most sought-after cultivar of the eastern redbud.
The leaves shine with the sun because they are super glossy.
The leaves are also said to be burn-resistant.
Before the foliage appears, it blooms purple/lavender flowers.
Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum)
It is also called the Mediterranean redbud because it grows in the region.
It blooms old rose-pink flowers during spring producing a dense dome canopy.
Its flowers are distinctly larger than the typical redbud bloom.
Its foliage appears two weeks after the blooming period.
Merlot (Cercis canadensis Merlot)
This hybrid is the product of combining Forest Pansy and Texas Redbud.
This striking color is enriched by its magenta and pink flowers growing on its leafless branches during spring.
If you want a vintage-looking garden, this one is a perfect choice.
It is multi-stemmed with strikingly shinier, smaller, glossier, and wavy leaves which are blue-green in color.
The foliage appears after it blooms violet, pea-like flowers in the spring.
Oklahoma Redbud (Cercis canadensis var.
It has glossy, heart-shaped, dark green leaves that radiate in the sun.
Its foliage turns brown-yellow in the fall.
It also makes a good specimen tree for smaller gardens growing at a height of only 6ft.
Expect cascading red-purple flowers during early spring in contrast to maroon-green leaves.
It has a striking appearance though, thanks to its fuschia-silver flowers.
Its leaves are green in color, with a shiny surface and prominent white edges.
It has become a favorite ornamental tree throughout the years.
Its deep green leaves turn yellow in the fall.
They make good lawn trees and are also good urban-scape trees.
Tennessee Pink Redbud (Cercis canadensis Tennessee Pink)
This is another dwarf redbud growing to only 12ft.
Aside from being a popular specimen tree, it also makes a good container plant.
It produces small, pink flowers during the spring before the green foliage unfurls.
The green leaves turn pale yellow in the fall.
As the leaves drop during fall, its unique and regal silhouette appears.
Along with this is its apricot-colored heart-shaped leaves which turn orange during spring and golden yellow in the fall.
It is a sight to behold all year blooming clusters of purple flowers in early spring.
Its foliage starts at a pale green and becomes deep green in hue as it matures.
It is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds making it a popular accent tree for gardens.
To be completely objective about this deciduous tree, here are some of its pros and cons.
To know the specifics, here are some care tips for the redbud tree.
Location
Redbuds do not appreciate too much water.
As a matter of fact, ample moisture is what they require.
Hence, see to it that they get full sunlight every day.
You must also ensure that the tree is not planted near a water source.
Redbuds can tolerate heavy drought but during prolonged dry months, watering them once a week will do.
You have to look for slow-release fertilizer for your redbud tree.
If you are thinking aboutpruning, the best time to do this is after the blooming period.
Winter pruning is not advisable for this tree as it will encourage bloom loss next spring.
It is also important to note that occasionally, redbud trees might be attacked by specific insects and diseases.
Almost all of them could be mitigated with the use of reputable herbicides.
How fast do redbud trees grow?
Redbuds are considered slow-growers or having an average growth rate.
Redbud trees can grow from 7-10ft but in a span of 5-6 years.
How tall does a redbud tree get?
What is the life expectancy of a redbud tree?
Between eastern and western redbuds though, the latter registers a longer life expectancy.
One factor that greatly affects the longevity of redbud trees would be transplanting.
Once planted, redbud seedlings do not like to be disturbed.
Transplanting and having an overly disturbing growth environment significantly lessens the longevity of redbud trees.
Are redbud tree roots invasive?
The taproot of redbud trees spreads at the same length as their canopy spread, however.
What can I plant under a redbud tree?
Like dogwoods, redbud trees are considered understory trees.
For fuchsia or magenta-colored redbud blooms, Pink Diamond tulips could be a good choice.
Conclusion
Redbud trees surely are amazing deciduous trees.
There is no doubt about the color and bloom display that it offers every spring.
Nonetheless, redbud trees continue to maintain their prized status as ornamental and specimen trees.
Overall, redbuds are commendable options for any key in of landscape.
Related:Types of Locust Trees|Types of Cherry Trees|Types of Cedar trees|Crepe Myrtle Tree
