Despite his retirement from NC State University, Dr. Werner, the redbud breeder of varieties like ‘Flamethrower’ and ‘Ruby Falls’, has introduced two more new varieties. Both cultivars are the beginning of the new compact redbud series. The two newest redbud releases from NCSU are ‘Pom Poms’ and ‘Amethyst’ are two new compact redbud trees. (Zone 5-9). They are ideal for smaller gardens and patios.

Amethyst™ Redbud (‘NC2017-6’ PP #35,279) is a stunning ornamental tree that has vibrant purple flowers in early spring and compact tree size. Leaves are purple, smaller, and heart-shaped. It is a cross of Ruby Falls x Ace of Hearts F2. It reaches 8 to 10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. deep green color in summer, turning yellow in fall. This seasonal change in leaf color adds to its ornamental appeal.

Its small size and its burgundy foliage provide the feel of a Japanese maple with the added bonus of an early spring bloom of violet-pink flowers before the colorful leaves emerge. Amethyst redbud is being marketed by Monrovia Nursery and Star Roses under the Garden Gems™ logo.

White Pom Poms™ Redbud is a cross between ‘Dwarf White’ (white single flowers), and ‘Flame’ (double purple flowers). This tree was then backcrossed with ‘Royal White’ (single white flowers) that results in a tree with uniformly double, white flowers. Flowering typically lasts 7 to 10 days after the usual flowering time of redbud. Leaves remain attractive throughout the growing season and show very limited leaf spot or necrosis.

‘White Pom Poms’ blooms in early spring with white double flowers before the heart-shaped green leaves emerge. The tree may reach 12 feet in height in 10 years and is a great companion to other redbuds. Flowers are white, fully double, with up to 25 petals per flower (5 petals is typical for redbud). Flower production is heavy. Flowers are female sterile, hence no fruits (no seed pods).

Redbuds will grow in full sun to part shade, are pH tolerant and do well in average moist well-draining soils. Redbuds generally don’t transplant well — so choose your site carefully. Both cultivars are a perfect focal point for small gardens or when potted on a patio.

Deciduous leaves remain attractive throughout the growing season and show very little leaf spot or necrosis, often problematic for redbuds in N.C.

Both redbud cultivars are great for small yards as a specimen, accent or understory trees.