Eastern Redbud (Cersis Canadensis)

LET’S TALK GARDENING – Redbud Trees, Cercis Canadensis

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A SURE SIGN THAT SPRING IS ARRIVING

Yes, we have our peepers being noisy and some people use this as a sign that spring has arrived. To me, I like seeing our Redbud trees in bloom as the sign of spring. As I drive around the Richmond area I love seeing these trees in bloom in our woods. Their clusters of pink to fuchsia flowers hug the bare branches before the tree ever considers leafing out. Then, at the end of flowering, it gives way to its heart-shaped leaves.

The Eastern Redbud tree is considered a native tree in our area. Matter of fact, The Virginia Native Plant Society named Eastern Redbud as Wildflower of the Year for 2013.

Judas tree is another common nickname for the Eastern Redbud tree. It is Biblical. According to legend, it was the tree on which Judas hanged himself when he realized what he had done to cause Jesus’ death on a cross.

Here is a list of some of the different varieties of Redbud that we will have this spring:

  1. Eastern Redbud
  2. Hearts of Gold
  3. Forest Pansy
  4. Rising Sun
  5. Alba
  6. Ruby Falls (weeping)

Each of these varieties has its own unique growing characteristics.

In general, here are some basic characteristics and growing habits to know about Redbud trees:

  • Redbud trees grow to be 15 – 30 feet tall and just as wide.
  • Early pink to fuschia blooms. Excellent source of early spring pollen and nectar for bees.
  • It is host to Henry’s Elfin caterpillar.
  • Tolerates clay soil and poor growing conditions.
  • Attracts butterflies to its flowers. Birds and mammals will eat the seed pods.
  • Great understory plant under the canopy of larger growing pines and oaks.
  • Tolerates moist soil.
  • Hardy in USDA Zones 4 – 8  (we are zone 7).

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NATIVE AND POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTS…

Come to our free, educational seminar this Saturday, March 20 @ 10:00.

To read more from Doug, visit our blog

8 thoughts on “LET’S TALK GARDENING – Redbud Trees, Cercis Canadensis”

  1. Do you have EasterRed Bud trees in stock at your Fredericksburg location on route 3? Price? Height?

    • Joe,
      Good Afternoon. I am sure that our Fredericksburg store has Eastern Redbud trees now. I would call the garden center to confirm. The phone number is 540 – 786 – 8171. Doug

  2. Do you have any red bud tres with a trunk that splits in to more than 1 trunk? If so, what is the price?

    • Bonnie,
      Good Morning.
      And, yes we do have the multi-trunk redbud trees available. They are referred to as “Clump Redbuds”. They come in a ball and burlap 6 to 8 ft tall that we sell for $150.00. Come see us when you are ready. Doug

  3. Hi Doug
    How fast does the eastern redbud tree grow? I’m on the downside of 69 and would love to have one and live to see it have some blossoms on it.
    Bless your heart for keeping us in the know.
    Kathy

    • Kathy,
      Good Morning. Redbud trees are considered ornamental trees. Their growth rate is moderate. Redbud trees bloom at an early age. Most of the ones that we sell will have flowers soon. Enjoy and come see us. We have a great selection of different varieties in different sizes. Doug

  4. I planted a redbud about 2 feet tall and my husband bush hog it by mistake. There’s still about 12 niche left of the tree. Will it survive?

    • Joli,
      Good Morning. Mistakes do happen – even in gardening. I would be surprised that it doesn’t come back and start to grow again. So, be patient and let’s see what develops over the next couple of months. Doug

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