Which Redbud Tree is Best?
10 Spring Blooming Redbud Trees for Different Garden Situations
Get help picking the best redbud tree for your yard!
In recent years, the redbud tree category has seen an influx of new varieties, with each boasting unique characteristics and attributes. With this surge in options, it's no wonder that gardeners may find themselves overwhelmed when trying to select the perfect spring blooming redbud tree for their landscape!
Over time, horticulturists have cultivated the straight species* of the Eastern redbud tree (Cercis canadensis) to develop a wide array of varieties, each offering unique characteristics in leaf color, size, and form. The growing number of choices can make the decision-making process seem daunting! As a result, even experienced gardeners might feel uncertain about which redbud tree is the best fit for their specific needs and preferences.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to assist you in selecting the ideal redbud tree for your specific garden situation. Whether you're looking for a small flowering tree with deep purple foliage, a weeping form, or pink flowers, there's a redbud cultivar that suits your needs. This article will provide all the details you need to help you pick the best redbud tree for your yard.
Before we dive in, there’s a few things to keep in mind that apply to all types of redbud trees. Redbuds flower for approximately three weeks in early spring, with flowers that emerge directly from the branches and trunk before the heart-shaped leaves unfurl. All redbuds like full sun to partial shade and grow best in consistently moist and well draining soil. Newly planted trees need consistent, deep watering sessions for at least two years after planting, to help the roots to become established, as well as supplemental watering during times of drought.
Unfortunately, redbuds are not considered to be deer-resistant. Rutgers University rates them as "occasionally severely damaged" by deer on their list of “Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance”. If you would like to plant a small, spring blooming tree and have heavy deer browsing, consider planting a Serviceberry (Amelanchier species) instead.
Now that we’ve brushed up on the care and cultural requirements of the redbud tree, let’s take a look at 10 different varieties of this beautiful spring blooming tree, and help you find out which redbud tree is best for your particular landscape and garden situation.
Best for: Native Gardens
Eastern Redbud
(Cercis canadensis)
Zones: 4-9
Size: 20-30 feet high and 25-35 feet wide
Eastern Redbud
The straight species* of the Eastern redbud tree, Cercis canadensis, is an excellent choice for native gardening enthusiasts. This spring blooming tree features beautiful lavender purple spring flowers and striking green heart-shaped leaves. As a native species, Cercis canadensis offers ecological benefits by supporting local wildlife.
In addition to providing nectar for pollinators and seeds for the birds, many species of butterflies and moths use this tree as a host plant to lay their eggs. When selecting the straight species* of Eastern redbud, look for plants labeled simply as Cercis canadensis without any additional names tacked on.
*The "straight species" refers to the original, wild form of a plant as it occurs in nature, without any human intervention or selective breeding. Straight species maintain the plant's natural characteristics and promote genetic diversity, which in turn helps the plant population to adapt to pests, diseases, and other environmental stressors.
2. Best for: Dark Leaves
Midnight Express® Redbud
(Cercis canadensis 'RNI-RCC3')
Zones: 5-8
Size: 20-30 feet high and 10-20 feet wide
Midnight Express® Redbud. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners, proven winners.com.
Midnight Express® is a stunning choice for anyone seeking a redbud tree with dark leaves. Pink spring flowers blanket the branches in early springtime, followed by striking burgundy foliage with dark green undertones. The dramatic heart-shaped leaves look great all season long and make a bold statement in the garden, contrasting nicely with other evergreen and deciduous trees.
The Midnight Express® redbud is perfect for adding interest to any formal or informal garden, whether planted as a focal point, specimen, or part of a Goth garden. Midnight Express® has a narrower silhouette than the straight species, which makes it an easier fit for many yards. If you are looking for a small flowering tree that makes a bold statement, Midnight Express® is a versatile and unique choice.
3. Best for: Yellow Leaves
Hearts of Gold Redbud
(Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’)
Zones: 5-9
Size: 20-25 feet high and wide
Hearts of Gold Redbud. Photo courtesy of PlantHaven International, planthaven.com.
For those looking for a redbud with yellow leaves, Hearts of Gold is a unique variety with striking gold foliage that matures to vivid chartreuse as autumn approaches. The leaves maintain their vibrant hues all season long and are burn-resistant as well, even in full sun!
Hearts of Gold welcomes spring with branches covered in lavender purple flowers, quickly followed by an intense splash of color from the golden yellow leaves. For a stunning contrast, plant this small flowering tree near dark green evergreens like arborvitae or cherry laurels. Hearts of Gold also works well in a grouping of small spring blooming trees, as part of a mass planting, or as a street tree. If you want to know which redbud tree is best for yellow flowers, Hearts of Gold fits the bill!
4. Best for: Small Yards
Little Woody Redbud
(Cercis canadensis ‘Little Woody’)
Zones: 5-9
Size: 10 feet high and 8 feet wide
Little Woody Redbud. Photo courtesy of PlantHaven International, planthaven.com.
Little Woody is a compact, vase-shaped redbud variety, the perfect spring blooming tree for small yards and urban gardens. It has a dense, upright growth habit and smaller size, typically reaching only 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Little Woody fits seamlessly into smaller spaces without overpowering the landscape, and requires no pruning to maintain its tight vase shape, making it one of the best redbud trees to plant near the house.
This small flowering tree has tiny clusters of pink-violet flowers blooming in early springtime, followed by lush, deep green, heart-shaped leaves that bring a textural contrast to the yard. For gardeners with limited space who still want the beauty and benefits of a redbud tree, Little Woody is an ideal choice. It offers all the charm of the straight species in a more manageable size.
5. Best for: Creating Drama
The Rising Sun™ Redbud
(Cercis canadensis ‘JN2’ The Rising Sun™)
Zones: 5-9
Size: 8-12 feet high and wide
The Rising Sun™ Redbud
If you are wondering which redbud tree is best for creating drama in the garden, The Rising Sun™ easily takes the crown. This exceptional variety is a showstopper, offering a captivating display of vibrant colors throughout the growing season. In early spring, it bursts to life with a profusion of delicate lavender flowers. The magic continues as the leaves start to unfurl, revealing a lively palette of golden yellow, soft apricot, orange, and deep green leaves to brighten the landscape all summer long.
This dynamic color scheme adds both color and interest to the landscape. Plant The Rising Sun™ as a focal point, or position in front of evergreens to create a striking color contrast. The smaller size of this redbud cultivar makes it suitable for planting in containers, near entryways, or in small urban gardens. It also makes the perfect redbud tree near a house, since it won’t grow more than 12 feet wide - site at least 6 feet away from any structures.
6. Best for: Heat Resistance
Merlot Redbud
(Cercis x ‘Merlot’)
Zones: 6-9
Size: 9-12 feet tall and 12-15 feet wide
Merlot Redbud
Unlike other redbuds, the Merlot cultivar has the ability to thrive in heat and drought. This tree’s unique hybrid genetics blend the purple-leaved beauty of its ‘Forest Pansy’ parent with the heat tolerance of its Texas redbud parent, creating a tree that thrives in high temperatures and dry soils.
The Merlot redbud has lavender colored spring flowers followed by glossy heart-shaped leaves the color of a deep red Bordeaux wine. This small tree adds a touch of elegance to the landscape while staying vibrant and healthy under the intense summer sun. If you want to know which redbud tree is best for heat tolerance, look no further than Merlot.
Use Merlot redbud as a specimen planting in the center of a bed filled with perennials, or plant one as part of a mixed border or mixed privacy screen. And yes, this plant is drought tolerant, but that does not mean it’s okay to forgo watering entirely and ignore your tree. It still needs deep waterings for at least 2 years after planting, and during extended dry spells.
7. Best for: Variegated Leaves
Alley Cat Redbud
(Cercis canadensis ‘Alley Cat’)
Zones: 5-9
Size: 20-30 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide
Alley Cat Redbud
Alley Cat is a natural sport of the Eastern redbud tree, and was discovered growing wild in a Kentucky alley! The term "sport" refers to a naturally occurring genetic mutation. For the Alley Cat redbud tree, this mutation causes unique variegated leaves.
This small flowering tree heralds spring with bright electric pink blooms. After flowering, leaves emerge dark pink and transition to a striking variegated pattern that resembles white paint splashed onto deep green leaves. This unusual redbud tree makes a great focal point or lawn specimen, and looks great when underplanted with spring flowering perennials and bulbs. Because it’s a naturally occurring genetic mutation, it’s also suitable for planting in a native garden.
8. Best for: Purple Leaves
Forest Pansy Redbud
(Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’)
Zones: 5-9
Size: 20-30 feet high and 25-35 feet wide
Forest Pansy Redbud
The Forest Pansy redbud is a popular choice if you're looking for a redbud with purple leaves. This striking variety is renowned for its deep glossy purple foliage that emerges in early spring and maintains its vibrant color throughout the summer.
In addition to stunning foliage, this tree also lights up the garden with a breathtaking display of bright lavender to pink flowers in early springtime, covering the bare branches before the purple leaves unfurl.
Forest Pansy is a great replacement for a Thundercloud Plum tree, which is often plagued by disease and insect issues. Forest Pansy makes an outstanding lawn specimen and offers the perfect blend of beauty and durability. If you want to know which redbud tree is best for purple leaves, look no further than Forest Pansy.
9. Best for: Pink Flowers
Appalachian Red Redbud
(Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Red’)
Zones: 4-9
Size: 15-20 feet high and wide
Appalachian Red Redbud
Appalachian Red is a naturally occurring variant of the Eastern redbud tree, and was discovered growing wild alongside a Maryland road. Appalachian Red has brighter, more vibrant neon pink flowers when compared to the soft lavender-colored blooms of the straight species. The eye-catching flowers are followed by heart-shaped green leaves and dangling seed pods which are eagerly consumed by birds.
Plant Appalachian Red in a native woodland garden or use it as part of an understory planting, where bright pink spring flowers will light up partially shaded areas of the landscape. Appalachian Red makes a great lawn specimen or street tree, and can also be planted as part of a mixed privacy border or mass planting. Because it’s a naturally occurring genetic variant, it’s also suitable for planting in native landscapes.
10. Best for: Weeping Form
Ruby Falls Redbud
(Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’)
Zones: 5-9
Size: 5-6 feet high and 4 feet wide
Ruby Falls Redbud. Photo courtesy of PlantHaven International, planthaven.com.
Ruby Falls is the best redbud tree for creating visual impact with its graceful, weeping form. This unique redbud has cascading branches, dark rose pink spring flowers, and burgundy leaves that deepen in color as the season progresses.
This small weeping redbud is truly a one-of-a-kind specimen for any garden, perfect for creating a focal point in smaller spaces or adding a touch of drama to an urban landscape. Its distinctive cascading form brings movement to the garden, making it well suited for use as a specimen planting.