Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are small flowering landscape tree. Most varieties grow up to 20 to 30 feet tall and 20 to 35 feet wide, but there are a number of compact patio forms. It is generally a small understory tree that is often found growing beneath taller trees.

Redbuds may tolerate full sun to part shade, best in 5-6 hours of morning/early afternoon sunlight, and moderate moist, well-drained soil. Mulch to preserve soil moisture and guard against weeds Redbuds do not tolerate summer heat or dry soils. It does not tolerate root disturbance, so plants should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible and should be kept well-watered until established.

Branches may break under extremely heavy snow loads. Regular watering, annual fertilization, and pruning out dead branches are highly recommended. Early spring flowers attract bees and butterflies. Redbuds are moderately resistant to browsing. Unless otherwise noted, cultivars listed below do well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9.

Three small patio types are listed. Weeping forms and those with zig zag branching is also available. Modern day redbuds are available in green heart-shape leaves but red, pink, orange, and golden yellow leaf forms are also available along with variegated foliage are also available.

Thirteen (13) of my favorite redbud cultivars:

1. Ace of Hearts – vibrant rose-purple flowers; compact grower 10-12’ high x 12-15’ wide; patio type.
2. Alley Cat – magenta flowers; deep green variegated foliage splashed with white; 20-30’ high x 25-35’ wide
3. Carolina Sweetheart – pink flowers followed by a foliage range of color combinations of purple, pink, green, and white; 20-30’ high x 30’ wide.
4. Forest Pansy – rose-purple pea-like flowers in early spring; leguminous dry seed pods in the fall; 20-30’ high x 25-35’ wide.
5. Appalachian Red – stunning deep red-purple flowers; 20-30’ high x 20-30’ wide.
6. Lavender Twist (‘Covey’) – unique weeping habit with twisted branches plus lavender pink blooms; 5-6′ high x 6-8′ wide; patio type (Zone 6-9).
7. Pink Pom Poms – double reddish-purple sterile female flowers in the spring before leaf-out; (f. texensis type) with smaller heart-shaped thick glossy leaves; 20′ high x 20′ wide; seedless (Zones 6-9).
8. Rising Sun™ – new spring leaves emerge golden-orange mature to lime green; 8-12’ high x 6-8’ wide; foliage does not burn compared to some golden leaf cultivars.
9. Royal White – white flowers in early spring; 20′ – 30′ high x 15′ – 25′ wide; compact tree
10. Ruby Falls™– red-purple flowers in early spring; 5-8′ high x 6-8 feet wide; compact weeping; patio type.
11. Tennessee Pink – clear pink flowers (purple coloration found in most of the redbuds is absent). typically matures as a single trunk tree to 20′ high x 20′ wide. clusters of tiny, pink, pea-like flowers.
12. Flame Thrower® – light-pink spring flowers followed by an ever-changing colorful foliage array into late summer; starts with burgundy colored foliage which fades to yellow and later to green; 15-20′ high x 15-20′ wide. (Zones 5-9).
13. Zig Zag® – striking zig-zag branches, deep fuchsia spring flowers, and heart shaped foliage that turns orange in fall; 20’ high x 25-28’ wide.