Redbud Trees

Info

Cercis, or Redbuds, is a genus of about 6-10 species in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae of the pea family Fabaceae, native to warm-temperate regions. They are small deciduous trees or large shrubs, characterised by simple, rounded to heart-shaped leaves and pinkish-red flowers borne in the early spring on bare leafless shoots.

Varieties

  • Eastern

    Popular ornamental tree. Displays an abundance of pink-purple blossoms in the spring. Heart shaped leaves during the summer. Long seed pods in the fall accompany its yellowish color. Moderate growth rate. Average maturity height is 20-30’. Full sun to partial shade.

  • Forest Pansy

    Small, deciduous understory tree. Blooms in early spring. Deep maroon color leaves persist all summer long. Displays a yellowish orange fall color. Moderate grower can reach 20' tall with a 15' spread. Prefers well-drained soil. Full to partial sun.

  • Lavender Twist (Weeping)

    Stems are somewhat contorted and spreading, resulting in an attractive and unusual mounded canopy. Branches tend to grow horizontally before drooping at the tip. Lavender-pink flowers in early spring. Yellow to golden-bronze fall foliage. Moderate growth rate. Average maturity height is 6-10’. (Patent Pending No. 10328 - Cercis Canadensis 'Covey')

  • Oklahoma

    Clusters of tiny, wine-red pea-like flowers bloom profusely for 2-3 weeks in early spring. Heart-shaped leaves open soft pink but gradually mature to a glossy rich green. Pendulous, flat, bean-like, 2-4” long seed pods resembling snow peas appear after flowering. Full sun to partial shade. Average maturity height is 20-30’.

Care and Maintenance

  1. Preparing the Hole

    Dig the hole as deep as the root ball, and as much as three times as wide as the diameter of the root ball. Breaking up the soil around the tree provides the newly emerging roots room to grow into loose soil to hasten establishment.

  2. Placing Your Tree

    Place the tree carefully in the center of the hole after removing it from the container. The tree's root collar (the bulge right above the root system) should be just above the top of the soil. Don't dig the hole too deep. It is better if the root collar is slightly (1 to 2") higher than ground level because of possible setting.

  3. Filling the Hole

    Carefully fill the hole with soil when the tree is positioned and straight. Fill the hole about 1/3 full and lightly push the soil around the base of the root ball. Fill the remainder of the hole taking care to gently but firmly pack soil to eliminate air pockets that may cause the roots to dry out. Don't plant the tree too deep. Back fill the soil to the height just below the root collar.

  4. Mulching

    Place 2 to 4 inches of mulch in a 2 to 3 foot circle around the tree. Keep the mulch from touching the trunk to keep fungus from growing on the trunk. Mulch can be aged wood chips or bark. Mulch helps keep roots moist and insulates them, and prevents weed growth. It is not recommended to apply fertilizer at the time of planting.

  5. Watering

    Water the tree well as soon as you plant it. Water the tree at least once a week for the first year after planting. A slow, root-saturating, one-hour trickle once a week is recommended for a new tree. The watering schedule should be adjusted accordingly if it rains or is very dry.