How to Grow and Care for Eastern redbud

Eastern redbud, also known as American Judas Tree, Texas Redbud, Canadian redbud, Flowering judas, Judas tree

Eastern redbud thrives in well-draining soil with regular moisture and full to partial sunlight. Special care should be given to avoid overwatering, as eastern redbud does not tolerate 'wet feet' and can suffer from root rot. Mulching is beneficial to maintain soil moisture and temperature, but keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent diseases. Pruning is minimal, focusing only on removing dead or diseased branches to maintain plant health and structure.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Eastern redbud

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	6-9

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Varieties of Eastern redbud

Eastern redbud 'Merlot'

Eastern redbud 'Merlot' is a cultivated Eastern redbud tree with distinctive leaves that set it apart from others in the family. The leaves are a dark, almost blackish red color, similar to Merlot wine. It’s also how the tree got its name. While cultivated for its foliage, the tree is also heat and drought tolerant, unlike other Redbud species.

Eastern redbud 'Forest Pansy'

A variant of Redbud, eastern redbud 'Forest Pansy' possesses distinctive, striking foliage; unlike other cultivars, this plant's leaves are well and truly red, emerging in late summer after several weeks of displaying pea-like pink flowers (from which the cultivar derives its name). It thrives in full sun or partial shade and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Eastern redbud 'Hearts of Gold'

Eastern redbud 'Hearts of Gold' is distinct for its pink-purple flowers and golden leaves. A cultivar of Cercis canadensis, its name refers to those heart-shaped leaves. Gardeners love this plant for its colorful foliage: Complementing its springtime blooms, the leaves emerge orange-red, mature to gold, and fade to chartreuse over the summer.

Eastern redbud 'Ruby Falls'

The description of the Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls' is of a beautiful small weeping tree that offers velvety purple- or ruby-colored heart-shaped leaves that turn to green-bronze in the fall. Purple-rose flowers emerge in spring. It was bred by Dr. Dennis Werner of NCSU and named by 5-year-old Porter Neubauer of Tennessee. You can plant this beautiful ornamental tree to use as a focal point in your garden to attract butterflies and bees.

Eastern redbud 'Alley Cat'

Though it retains the standard eastern redbud's characteristic pink blossoms, eastern redbud 'Alley Cat' produces strongly variegated leaves rather than its predecessor's solid heart-shaped ones. The trees are tough, surviving adverse environmental conditions and requiring very little care, much like their feline namesake.

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More General Info About Eastern redbud

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Eastern redbud is a small deciduous tree notable for its broad, rounded canopy that can reach heights of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) and a similar spread of 20-35 feet (6-10.5 meters). Its heart-shaped leaves are distinctive, undeniably adding to its ornamental value. During early spring, the tree is adorned with vibrant pink to purple flowers that grow directly on its branches and even the trunk, a phenomenon known as cauliflory. The flowers give way to flat, elongated seed pods reminiscent of a weaver's shuttle.