Cercis canadensis The Rising Sun (Eastern Redbud)

Prized for its colorful foliage, Cercis canadensis The Rising Sun (Eastern Redbud) is a charming, deciduous, rounded tree with multiple seasons of interest. A profusion of pea-like pale pink flowers held in clusters cover the bare branches for several weeks in the spring before the foliage emerges, creating a most dramatic display. The foliage of attractive heart-shaped leaves emerges bright orange peach and ages through shades of orange, gold, and yellow to speckled lime green. Since new leaves emerge all summer, the tree always has a fiery glow of colors. The summer foliage turns pretty shades of yellow and orange in the fall. As the leaves drop, they reveal the pleasing silhouette of this Redbud and its smooth tan bark adorned with a yellowish cast, distinctive from other redbuds. Reported to be heat and drought-tolerant, this dwarf redbud adds elegance to any space, including small gardens.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), along with Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis), Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis), and Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum), belongs to the legume family Fabaceae, sharing its lineage with plants such as peas, beans, lupines, and orchid trees.

• Grows up to 8-12 ft. tall and wide (240-360 cm).
• This Redbud is easily grown in full sun to part shade 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. It needs a winter chill before the flowers are appropriately set.
• 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.
• Learn more about common pests and diseases affecting redbud trees
• 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.