Here are five notable redbuds (Cercis canadensis) possessing colorful summer foliage. Of note, the first 3 of 5 varieties are the creation of noted plant breeder Dr. Dennis Werner of NC State University in Raleigh.

Flame Thrower® has stunning eye-catching foliage color breakthrough in the world of redbuds. It is marketed as Eternal Flame® in Europe. Its stunning color foliage is on fire throughout the season, offering hues of reds, oranges, yellows and greens along the branches. The intensity of colors changes throughout the season with reds and oranges more prominent in spring, followed by yellows and greens in summer.

Clusters of pink blooms emerge from buds on branch wood and twigs in early spring for added garden appeal. The tree matures to 15 to 20 feet.

Carolina Sweetheart® has a rounded crown and typically matures to 20 to 30 feet tall with a slightly larger spread. A carnival of color in early summer as new leaves emerge, ‘Carolina Sweetheart’™ redbud starts out with pink flowers in early spring. New leaves emerge purple, but over time, they gain various shades of white, green, and hot pink. Eventually, the leaves turn green in the summer. 

‘Whitewater’ combines a more vivid form of variegation with a broadly weeping habit. The pea-shaped flowers bloom in April and May, are a deep rose-purple. Flowers are quickly followed by the heart-shaped leaves which emerge mostly white with green flecks and mature to mostly green with white flecks. The weeping habit is an exciting addition to the bright variegated foliage.  

‘The Rising Sun’ is semi-dwarf tree (8 to 12 feet tall). New heart-shaped deep apricot leaves age, starting out in peach, next to vivid yellow, then chartreuse, and finishing deep green. Light magenta blooms coat the tree’s round canopy in early spring. 

‘Alley Cat’ is a 20 by 20 feet redbud with foliage liberally splashed with white. Its striking variegation is stable and scorch resistant. The dark pink pea-shaped flowers emerge in April just before the leaves; summer foliage shades of copper pink and soft green are showy. As the foliage matures, the white emerges and makes a lovely contrast to the green.

Our native redbuds prosper in full sun to partial shade (zones 5 to 9). While at their best in full sun, some varieties may benefit from some afternoon shade in hot Southern climes. Redbuds prefer average to moist well-drained soils. Avoid droughty and poorly drained soils are not particular as to soil type or pH. The foliage is highly tolerant of urban pollutants. Annual mulching around the root zone is beneficial.