The brilliant pink or white blooms of redbud trees are delightful tiny trees. Heart-shaped leaves and dark maroon or brown seedpods distinguish redbud trees. Due to their colorful foliage and showy blooms, redbuds look stunning in any season. In the summer, redbud leaves are green, then yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
Native to eastern North America, redbud trees are tiny, deciduous trees or huge shrubs. The short trunk with spreading branches of redbuds grows to be between 20 and 30 feet (6 and 9 meters). The bright blossoms, glossy leaves, and dark-colored winter buds of the trees have made them famous.
The plant family Fabaceae, as well as the genus Cercis, are home to redbud trees. The genus Cercis contains ten different redbud types. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis), Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis), and Judas tree or European redbud (Cercis siliquastrum) are the four major types of redbuds.
How to Care For Redbud Trees
When grown in full sun or partial shade, redbud trees flourish. The rounded crown of this colorful tree demands that it be watered and maintained in excellent condition. It prefers full sun to flourish its beautiful pink blossoms. Plant redbud trees in partial shade in hot climates for the best results.
The most prevalent types of redbud trees are described in this guide. You can pick the best redbud variety for your front or backyard by looking at pictures and reading descriptions.
Redbud Flowers
Redbud blooms range in hue from pale to dark magenta, with white being the most vivid. In spring, the leafless twigs of the tiny pink redbud tree bloom. The length of the branches is covered in little clusters of pink rosy redbud blooms.
The crimsonbud tree appears to be a magnificent sea of pink blossoms when the flowers are in bloom. Redbud trees have flowers and fruits that grow on naked limbs, which is unusual.
Redbud Leaves
In the summer (left) and autumn (right), redbud leaves look like green 3″ to 5″ (7 – 12 cm) wide and long hearts. Simple heart-shaped blades emerge on thin stems, alternating with redbud leaves. Green leaves acquire stunning hues of yellows, oranges, and reds during the autumn.
The Best Redbud Varieties for Your Garden
The pink blossoms and heart-shaped leaves of redbuds are easily recognized. Cercis canadensis variations in flower color and tree size are seen in several cultivars. Light pink, white, or dark pink blooms may be seen on redbud cultivars. Planting redbud trees in your yard can be a lot of fun, especially if you try some of these varieties:
- Ruby Falls redbud The little weeping tree, with crimson-purple blooms, is a tiny tree. The deep red or burgundy color of this redbud’s leaves changes to green in the summer.
- Forest Pansy redbud With little pink blooms, this is a popular multi-stemmed tree. In the autumn, its heart-shaped leaves assume gorgeous hues of bronze, crimson, burgundy, or orange.
- Ace of Hearts redbud Ideal for tiny gardens, this dwarf redbud tree features gorgeous purple-reddish blossoms.
- ‘Merlot’ redbuds Compact trees with cheerful pink flowers and lustrous red and green leaves are available. Any garden will be enhanced by the addition of this eastern redbud.
- ‘Texas White’ redbud The flowers are bright white and the leaves are glossy green.
Types of Redbud Trees
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common redbud trees. Some care instructions for the most prevalent redbud trees are provided at the conclusion of the article. Here are several types of redbud trees to choose from.:
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Canadensis’ or Cercis canadensis L)
In the spring, Eastern redbuds bloom with clusters of pink flowers. This multi-stemmed tree, which grows to be 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) tall, is a common redbud variety. In any tiny or big garden, the rounded crown and glossy heart-shaped leaves stand out.
The Eastern redbud, sometimes known as the American redbud, is a good specimen blooming tree. During the growing season, water frequently and grow in full sun to partial shade. Plant in well-draining soil. Zones 4 through 9 are home to eastern redbuds.
Redbud leaves
The leaves of eastern redbuds are vivid green and heart-shaped, with a crimson tint. In the autumn, the redbud leaves turn yellow.
Redbud flowers
Little pea-like blooms in clusters adorn the bright redbud tree. The blooms that cover exposed limbs are rosy-pink or purple. In April, the stunning pink blooms appear in gardens, giving the environment a vibrant hue. The flowers of the eastern redbud tree
Dwarf Weeping Lavender Twist Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’)
The weeping lavender twist (redbud cultivar ‘Covey’) is a dwarf tree with drooping branch growth. Due to the arching pendulous branches, this weeping dwarf redbud tree resembles an umbrella. The droopy twigs are covered with small pea-like lavender-colored blooms.
The lavender twist redbud grows to a height of 5 to 15 feet (1.5 to 5 meters) each year. As foundation plants, small specimen weeping trees, or shrub borders, grow lavender twist redbud trees. These trees prefer full sun or partial shade for spectacular blooming in the spring, as do most North American native redbud species.
Redbud leaves
The broad, heart-shaped leaves of eastern redbud ‘Covey’ trees A few purple leaves add interest to the little weeping tree’s domed form, and the redbud leaf foliage is a vivid green color.
Redbud flowers
Early spring blooms of lavender twist redbud trees are spectacular.
Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Texensis’)
Texas redbuds are a tree-like shrub with a rounded crown and beautiful rose-purple blooms. They are multi-stemmed. In the spring, Texas redbuds bloom with huge, spreading branches and deep pink blooms. These redbuds grow in full sun and well-drained fertile soil and are native to Texas.
They thrive in zones 6 through 9. In comparison to other redbud species, the Texas redbud is more drought tolerant. Flowers are also lighter than those of other redbuds. The compact growth habit of the species “Texensis” compared to other redbuds. In the spring, Texas redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Texensis’) blooms with purple-pink flowers, transforming landscapes across Oklahoma.
Redbud leaves
The leaves of Texas redbuds are kidney-shaped rather than heart-shaped, and they are dull green. Most redbud cultivars have pointed tips on their thick leaves, which are not present in this cultivar. The leaves of Texas redbud trees are crimson.
Redbud flowers
In March and April, Texas redbud trees produce brilliant rose or wine-colored blooms. Texas redbud blossoms are gorgeous.
Oklahoma Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis ‘Oklahoma’)
The Oklahoma redbud tree, also known as the Texas redbud, is a small variant of the ‘Texensis. Redbuds with black magenta blooms and luscious, glossy-green heart-shaped leaves may be found in Oklahoma. In comparison to Texas redbuds, Oklahoma redbud trees have a more rounded look. As specimen trees, foundation plantings, or shrub borders, place these small redbuds in full sun.
Mexican Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Mexicana’)
A small tree with purple flower clusters and green leaves, Mexican redbud blooms. The Mexican redbud tree grows to a height of 5 to 12 feet (1.5–3.5 meters). The Mexican type is more drought-tolerant and flourishes in full sunlight than Texan redbuds. For small gardens, Mexican redbuds are magnificent decorative landscape trees. Zones 6 through 9 are home to Mexican redbuds.
Redbud leaves
The leaves of Mexican redbud trees are glossy and have a wavy edge. On stems, the basic leaves form an alternating pattern.
Redbud flowers
In early spring, Mexican redbud blooms produce clusters of stunning crimson blooms.
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ Redbud
The redbuds ‘Forest Pansy,’ which are little trees, have pea-like pink blooms and beautiful bright foliage. During blooming, the redbud has a rosy-pink color. Its reddish leaves turn dark green in the summer. ‘Forest Pansy’ redbud trees are excellent specimen plants for your yard in the fall when their heart-shaped leaves turn orange or bronze.
Eastern redbud varieties reach a height of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters). Low-maintenance ‘Forest Pansies’ flourish in full sun and well-draining soil. Ideal for growing in zones 5 through 9.
Redbud leaves
In each of the seasons, the heart leaves of ‘Forest Pansy’ redbuds are multicolored.
Redbud flowers
Small, delicate clusters of flowers in a variety of pink hues bloom on the redbud tree ‘Forest Pansy.’
Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’ Redbud
A thick tree with rounded development, eastern redbud ‘Hearts of Gold’ has golden leaves in the summer. This redbud variety is suited for use as a privacy hedge or specimen plant because of its lush foliage and low growth habit.
Redbud trees prefer to grow in bright places in your yard, and they thrive between zones 5 and 9. This redbud species’s dome-shaped canopy may grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall.
Redbud leaves
The bright greenish-gold leaves of redbuds with the name “Hearts of Gold” withstand full sun.
Redbud flowers
When little lavender-purple flowers bloom, the redbud tree ‘Hearts of Gold’ creates gorgeous garden displays.
Eastern Redbud ‘Tennessee Pink’ (Cercis canadensis ‘Tennessee Pink’)
The foliage on ‘Tennessee Pink’ redbuds is thick, the flowers are pink, and the branches are irregular. The little tree known as the redbud variety “Tennessee Pink” adds beauty to neighborhood gardens, growing up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall. Heart-shaped black green blooms cover the tree in the autumn, while showy pink blooms bloom in the spring.
In zones 5 through 9 and in moist, well-drained soil, grow Eastern redbud trees known as Tennessee Pink. They need six hours of sunlight daily to flourish.
Redbud leaves
The typical heart shape of redbud trees is the leaves of an eastern redbud variety named Tennessee Pink.
Redbud flowers
The irregular branches of the Tennessee Pink redbud tree are covered with clusters of pink flowers. In full sun, the blossoms on this redbud variety flourish best, but in hot regions, they need some shade.
Cercis canadensis ‘Ace of Hearts’ (Eastern Redbud)
Redbud ‘Ace of Hearts’ is a compact multi-stemmed tree with reddish-purple flowers that blooms for three weeks in early spring. In the summer, the semi-glossy dark green leaves provide a little privacy and shade. The crimsonbud leaves turn gorgeous hues of yellow in the autumn.
In zones 5–9, easy-to-grow redbud ‘Ace of Hearts’ thrives. Compact trees reach a height of 9 to 12 feet (2.7 to 3.5 meters). In beds, shrub borders, or as a specimen plant, plant the shrubby Ace of Hearts redbud tree.
Redbud leaves
The heart-shaped leaves of ‘Ace of Hearts’ redbuds have a glossy sheen to them.
Redbud flowers
When the purple flower clusters of eastern redbud bloom in the spring, they create striking landscape displays.
Cercis canadensis ‘Merlot’ Redbud
The lovely pink blooms of eastern redbud trees are upright branches and a vase shape. The branches are covered in pink blooms, giving the shrub a beautiful background. drought-tolerant plants that thrive in the sun, redbud ‘Merlot’ trees In zones 6 – 9, plant ‘Merlot’ redbuds in a sunny cottage garden. They grow up to 12 feet (3.5 meters) tall.
Redbud leaves
Dark red, purple, and green leaves appear on eastern redbud cultivars ‘Merlot.’ In the summer, before turning yellow, the thick heat-resistant reddish foliage gives a stunning appearance. The leaves are crimson wine ‘merlot’ in color, hence the name of this redbud cultivar.
Redbud flowers
As the flower buds of ‘Merlot’ Eastern redbud open, they turn lush lavender-pink, adding beauty to gardens.
Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’ Redbud
Dark rose blooms and maroon-red leaves distinguish ‘Ruby Falls,’ a weeping redbud cultivar. Drooping branches and thick dark foliage growth characterize Redbud (Ruby Falls). The bright spring appeal comes from red stems and pink blooms. In the autumn, the crimsonbud’s crimson leaves take on a yellow hue with red dots.
Ruby Falls redbud is a compact garden, foundation planting, or weeping specimen tree that thrives in small gardens. In zones 5 to 9, redbud ‘Ruby Falls’ grows to a height of 5 to 6 feet (1.5 – 1.8 meters) and flourishes in full sun and moist soil.
Redbud leaves
Dark, glossy maroon leaves in a heart shape give eastern redbud ‘Ruby Falls.
Redbud flowers
The clusters of little, pea-like rose-colored blooms that bloom on pendulous red stalks make up the ‘Ruby Falls’ redbud blooms.
Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis or Cercis orbiculata)
Western redbud trees feature pink flowers, magenta buds, and green heart-shaped leaves. They bloom and develop throughout the year. Purple seed pods preserve the redbuds’ colour all summer. The Western redbud makes a excellent border plant for tiny gardens because of its compact form. Western Redbuds grow in the zones 6 through 9 and are native to California.
Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum L.)
The Judas tree, also known as European redbud, is a small redbud tree with rose-colored flowers that blooms and leaves. The Mediterranean is home to the Judas tree. Showy purple-rose blooms, purple seedpods, and bronze and green leaves add beauty to sunny gardens with the Mediterranean redbuds.
With a fairly rounded canopy, the Judas tree can grow up to 25 feet (7.5 meters) tall. In the spring, bronze leaves develop into dark green then fade to pale yellow in the autumn. Zones 6 through 9 are ideal for this redbud variety.
‘Alba’ Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum ‘Alba’)
‘Alba’ Judas trees are deciduous trees with clusters of dazzling white flowers. The spreading tree has green kidney-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall and a spherical canopy with bushy foliage. In full sun or partial shade, grow this white Mediterranean redbud. The tallest mature redbuds reach 40 feet (12 meters).
Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis)
While in full bloom, Chinese redbuds resemble a rounded mass of pink or white color. The leaves of Chinese redbud shrubs are circular, disc-shaped shrubs. The majority of Asian redbud trees are smaller colorful shrubs that reach a height of 50 feet (15 meters).
Ruddy-pink blossom clusters, lengthy purple seedpods, and round, glossy leaves that taper to a tip characterize Chinese redbud leaves. In zones 6 to 9, Chinese redbuds flourish in full sun or partial shade.
‘Avondale’ Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis ‘Avondale’)
Chinese redbuds called ‘Avondale’ have deep clusters of rose-magenta blooms that bloom in the spring. In the autumn, large glossy heart-shaped leaves turn yellow after becoming green.
The flowers from the Chinese redbud trees are the most abundant of all the redbuds. As a specimen plant, or in containers, these redbuds are suitable for growing in shrub borders. In zones 6 through 9 and in full sun, ‘Avondale’ redbuds thrive.
‘Don Egolf’ Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis ‘Don Egolf’)
Little, slow-growing, compact trees or large bushy shrubs with dense clusters of rosy-pink blooms, “Don Egolf” redbuds are similar to most redbud types. The branches are densely packed with heart-shaped glossy green leaves.
The seedpods of the Chinese redbud, ‘Don Egolf,’ aren’t produced. In moist, well-draining soil, full sun, and zones 6 through 9, the 10-foot (3 m) tall trees thrive.
Eastern Redbud (American Redbud) Care
Eastern redbuds are usually easy-care shrubs or trees. With little upkeep, your redbud variety will bloom again and again, producing stunning clusters of pink, white, purple, or magenta blooms on the branches. Here are some care tips for growing your Eastern American redbud:
- If you have scorching summers, plant redbuds in full sun or partial shade.
- The majority of redbuds favor wet, fertile soil in most cases.
- In the fall, prune young redbuds to produce the form you want.