Eastern Redbud Tree Details
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small native flowering tree of eastern and central North America, and one of the first trees to bloom each spring. Pink to lavender flowers cover the bare branches in early spring, heart-shaped leaves follow, and the foliage turns yellow in fall.
- Hardiness zones: 4–9
- Mature size: 20–30 ft tall, 25–35 ft wide
- Light: full sun to part shade, with 4 to 6 hours of direct sun for the best bloom and some afternoon shade in hot climates
- Soil: well-drained, acidic to alkaline
- Shipped as: bare-root, 1–2 ft, 2–3 ft or 3–4 ft tall
- Packs: buy 1 get 1 free, 5 trees or 25 trees
- Shipping: ships between November 15 and 29
Why Grow Eastern Redbud?
It brings color when little else is in flower, and its blooms feed bees and other early pollinators. The flowers open along the branches and even on the trunk. Birds perch and nest in its branches. As a native tree it suits wildlife-friendly, low-maintenance plantings, and once established it handles dry spells well.
What Soil Does Eastern Redbud Need?
Eastern redbud grows in clay, loam or sandy soil as long as water drains away after rain, and it even thrives on limestone ground. It thrives in well-drained spots. On heavy clay, set the tree on a slight mound for the best start.
How Does Eastern Redbud Grow and Where Should You Plant It?
Young trees grow upright, then spread into a rounded crown, often with several trunks, that can be wider than it is tall. Give it room: plant it at least 15 feet from the house and about 20 feet from other trees. It works as a lawn specimen, along a woodland edge or at a property line where its spring color shows from a distance. Its well-mannered roots make it a lovely choice near a patio or walk. It forms a deep, sturdy root system, so plant it young in the spot where you want it to shine for years.
How to Plant a Bare-Root Eastern Redbud
- Plant while the tree is dormant, from November to April, whenever the ground is workable.
- Soak the roots in water for one to two hours. Keep them damp and out of the sun until they go in the ground.
- Dig a hole wider than the spread-out roots and just deep enough that the root collar, where the roots meet the stem, sits at ground level.
- Spread the roots out, backfill with the soil you removed, and firm it gently to remove air pockets.
- Water slowly and deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
How to Care for Eastern Redbud
Water once a week through the first growing season whenever rain falls short, then during long dry spells. Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch in a wide ring, kept a few inches from the trunk. It thrives without regular fertilizer. Prune right after flowering, removing crossing branches and narrow forks, keeping the cuts light.
Why Buy Eastern Redbud From TN Nursery?
Eastern redbud is one of the trees we grow in the largest numbers, more than 200,000 at our Tennessee nursery. In more than 90 customer reviews, the comments we hear most are that the trees arrive healthy, with strong roots, and carefully packed. Bare-root trees cost less than potted trees and establish well when planted dormant. The three sizes let you choose a young tree at a lower price or a taller start, and the multi-tree packs make it easy to plant a row along a drive or a small grove. For a restoration site or a large wildlife planting, our bulk redbud seedlings come in larger quantities.
