Weeping Redbud (Cercis)

There  are so many fine redbuds (Cercis spp.) which are hardy in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7) and elsewhere.  Through research and breeding efforts at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, NC, Southeast U.S. gardeners can grow several more cultivars of our native Eastern redbud (C. canadensis and subspecies texensis) and chinese redbud (C. chinensis). There are two popular and one new weeping form.

Traveller Weeping Redbud (C. canadensis ssp. texensis ‘Traveller’) produces deep rose pink flowers in early spring. Leaves are dark green with high gloss over its upper surface. Traveller has graceful arching branches. The tree’s overall form is mound-like and grows taller and wider over time. Its rootsystem is strong and vigorous.

Lavender Twist redbud (C. canadensis Lavender Twist™ or ‘Covey’) is more winter hardy (USDA zones zones 5-9) than Traveller (USDA zones 6-9). It demands staking to straighten up (for height) the main leader. Without staking, Lavender Twist’s strong weeping nature will turn it into a low trailing shrub. Staking also helps to better anchor the tree’s less vigorous root system.

Lastly, there is the new Ruby Falls™, described as a 4-6 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide weeping Lavender Twist with purple ‘Forest Pansy’ redbud foliage. Ruby Falls is a 2010 introduction from NC State University and is available in very low numbers worldwide.  It is rated as winter hardy in USDA zone 6

All three weeping redbuds fit in a small garden, and all should be utilized as a small accent tree in ready view from the garden patio deck and from inside the home.