How to Plant Redbud Trees
Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball and not quite as deep as it is tall. Place your tree level in the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher than the existing soil line and backfill with soil. Water deeply until the ground is fully saturated. Apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch to help retain soil moisture, protect the roots, and reduce weeds. Extend the mulch mound a couple inches beyond the tree’s canopy. Water daily for the first week and 1 to 3 times weekly for the first 2 months until your plant is established. Be sure to water deeply with a hose to help the roots grow deep.
How Fast do Redbud Trees Grow?
Standard Redbud Trees, like the Eastern Redbud and the Oklahoma Redbud, grow fairly fast with growth rates from 1 to 2 feet per year. The dwarf Rising Sun Redbud, despite its smaller stature, maintains the rapid growth rate of its parent tree, the Eastern Redbud. Other dwarf redbuds have a slower growth rate.
How to Prune Redbud Trees
Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball and not quite as deep as it is tall. Place your tree level in the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher than the existing soil line and backfill with soil. Water deeply until the ground is fully saturated. Apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch to help retain soil moisture, protect the roots, and reduce weeds. Extend the mulch mound a couple inches beyond the tree’s canopy. Water daily for the first week and 1 to 3 times weekly for the first 2 months until your plant is established. Be sure to water deeply with a hose to help the roots grow deep.
How to Care for Redbud Trees
Redbuds are very easy to maintain. They tolerate full sun to part shade and are adaptable to any well drained soil. After establishment, Redbuds are drought tolerant. In extended periods of drought this tree will benefit from a weekly deep watering. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow release fertilizer.
Learn More about Redbud Care.
Featured Redbud Varieties
Cercis Canadensis Growing Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Mature Size: 20 to 30 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide
The dark pink flower clusters of the Eastern Redbud trees will have your neighbors staring! And just wait...when the leaves transition in a brilliant yellow in fall, you’ll want to admire your tree all season! The Eastern Redbud, also known as the American Redbud, is a strong and hardy tree that is able to avoid storm, wind, and even ice damage.
Cercis Canadensis 'Forest Pansy' Growing Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Mature Size: 20 to 30 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide
The Forest Pansy Redbud tree is similar in size to the Eastern Redbuds, but it has unique and striking plum colored leaves. The early spring blooms are a lovely vibrant purple. This is one outstanding specimen tree for your yard!
Cercis reniformis 'Oklahoma' Growing Zones 6, 7, 8, 9 Mature Size: 20 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide
Oklahoma Redbud trees have deep rosy-purple blooms and a stunning shape that gets this gorgeous tree noticed. The Oklahoma Redbud is heat and drought tolerant and perfect for warmer climates.
Cercis Canadensis 'JN2' Growing Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Mature Size: 8 to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide
Few trees stand out with the phenomenal vibrance of the Rising Sun Redbud tree This compact tree has green heart-shaped leaves that cascade down into sunny yellow and orange. Spring has sprung when the fuchsia blooms coat this tree. The dwarf Rising Sun is great for small yards.
Cercis canadensis f. alba 'Royal White' Growing Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Mature Size: 15 to 25 feet tall and wide
Royal White Redbud trees are exciting and unique shade trees! Loads of pure white blooms announce the end of winter. As the blooms begin to fade, beautiful heart-shaped leaves welcome spring. This White Redbud forms a round, dense vase shape.
Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls' Growing Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Mature Size: 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide
The Ruby Falls Redbud tree is a dwarf cascading beauty with tons of purple power! With maroon-purple leaves from spring to fall and lavender spring blooms you will be excited for spring to arrive! But this dwarf weeping redbud is even beautiful in winter with its flowing branches and distinctive habit. This small Redbud is stunning in pots.