22 named cultivars

treeN. America Native

Redbud

Cercis canadensis

$69.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Cercis canadensis, eastern redbud, is a small deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America, usually found at woodland edges. Rosy-pink pea-shaped flowers open directly on the bare branches and even the trunk in early spring, before any leaves appear. Heart-shaped leaves follow, emerging bronze and maturing to blue-green.

Flowering on old wood is what makes it distinctive: the blossom clings to bare grey branches rather than sitting among foliage, which is why it reads so strongly against a woodland background. Flat brown seedpods hang on well into winter, and the flowers are edible, with a mild sweet-pea flavour.

Uses & Benefits:

Rosy-pink flowers on bare branches in early spring, then heart-shaped leaves and persistent seedpods.

Stays small enough for a front garden or under power lines while still reading as a real tree.

An early nectar source for emerging bees, and a larval host for Henry's elfin butterfly.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern and central North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$69.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring or autumn in moist, well-drained soil.
Choose full sun to partial shade; it flowers well in both.
Set the root ball level with the soil and stake only if exposed.
Water regularly for the first two seasons while it establishes.
Mulch to keep the root zone cool, clear of the trunk.
Prune only to remove dead or crossing wood, straight after flowering.

Pro Tip

Plant it where you will see the bare branches against something dark; the spring flowers are lost against a busy background.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it moist, well-drained soil 🌱
Prune immediately after flowering, on old wood ✂️
Site it against a dark backdrop for the spring display 🌸
Water through the first two summers 💧

Don't

Prune in late winter and cut off the flower buds ❌
Plant in soil that stays waterlogged ❌
Move an established tree; it resents root disturbance ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Prune
Water

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Small specimen tree for a front gardenWoodland-edge and understorey plantingSpring-interest tree near a patio or path

Companion Plants

Flowering Dogwood Serviceberry Wild Ginger Virginia Bluebells Christmas Fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Redbud questions

What zones can Redbud grow in?

Redbud is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Redbud deer resistant?

Yes — Redbud is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Redbud bloom?

Redbud typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Redbud need full sun?

Redbud does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Redbud drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Redbud handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.