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Cercis canadensis Flame Thrower (Eastern Redbud)

Eastern Redbud Flame Thrower, Cercis canadensis 'Nc2016-2', Cercis canadensis Eternal Flame

Cercis canadensis Flame Thrower, Eastern Redbud Flame Thrower, Shrub, Small Tree, Pink Flowers, Fall Color
Cercis canadensis Ace of Hearts, Eastern Redbud Ace of Hearts, Shrub, Small Tree, Pink Flowers,

Prized for its colorful foliage, Cercis canadensis Flame Thrower (Eastern Redbud) is a fairly small deciduous tree with multiple seasons of interest. A profusion of pea-like dark pink flowers held in clusters cover the bare branches in the spring, before the foliage emerges, creating a most dramatic display. The foliage of heart-shaped, glossy red leaves gradually turns to beautiful shades of orange, yellow, and green as it ages. The impressive color mix is persistent from spring through fall, often showing four to five different shades on a single branch. As the leaves drop, they reveal the pleasing silhouette of this eastern redbud. Easy to care for and great for smaller gardens or even containers. Developed by the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University.

  • Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall (450-600 cm) and 15 ft. wide (450 cm).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this Redbud is easily grown in well-drained soils. Performs best in moderately fertile soils with regular and consistent moisture. The best flower production is obtained in full sun, but part shade is best in hot summer climates. Needs a winter chill before the flowers set properly.
  • Perfect choice as a specimen plant or for shrub borders.
  • Attracts birds, butterflies, and bees.
  • Generally pest free. Watch for canker, verticillium wilt, dieback, leaf spots, mildew, and blights. Deer resistant.
  • Does not transplant well. It should be planted when young and left undisturbed.
  • Needs very little pruning. Remove diseased, damaged congested, or crossing shoots.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Cercis canadensis species is native to eastern and central North America from Connecticut to New York to southern Ontario and the Great Lakes south to western Texas and Florida.

Redbud Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success


While redbud trees are generally resilient and easy to grow, they are not without their challenges. From pest infestations to diseases and environmental stress, it’s crucial for gardeners to identify and address these issues promptly to maintain the health and vibrancy of these stunning ornamental trees.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fabaceae
Genus Cercis
Common names Redbud, Eastern Redbud
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread 12' - 15'
(3.7m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cercis chinensis (Chinese Redbud)
Cercis canadensis Lavender Twist (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis The Rising Sun (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis f. alba (White Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis ‘Alley Cat’ (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis Golden Falls® (Eastern Redbud)

Recommended Companion Plants

Betula pendula (Silver Birch)
Heuchera ‘Chocolate Ruffles’ (Coral Bells)
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ (Chinese Silver Grass)
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
35 Best Flowering Trees for a Spectacular Garden Display
Small Trees, Big Impact: Maximize Your Garden’s Potential
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
How to Create an Enchanting Butterfly Garden
For the Love of Butterflies: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
6 Reasons You Should Create a Butterfly Garden
Redbud Tree: Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Redbud Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success
Cercis (Redbud Tree)
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fabaceae
Genus Cercis
Common names Redbud, Eastern Redbud
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread 12' - 15'
(3.7m - 4.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cercis (Redbud)
Guides with
Cercis (Redbud)
Not sure which Cercis (Redbud) to pick?
Compare Now

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