Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The Eastern Redbud, or Cercis canadensis as it is botanically named, is a brilliant specimen tree for adding color and texture to the garden. Known for its pink-red blooms in early spring, this tree also produces stunning, heart-shaped, green leaves. Growing to an eventual height and spread of 25 to 30 feet when mature, this tree is simply loved by pollinators when in flower. Over time, the bark develops attractive deep grooves that expose its orange inner layer, which provides winter interest as well.
When it blooms, the Eastern Redbud is an important food source for early pollinators. As a deciduous tree, it loses its leaves over winter, allowing sunlight to reach ground level, making it perfect for underplanting with spring bulbs. Low maintenance and native to Eastern North America, this tree is often grown as a specimen in the garden and as an ornamental street tree.
Eastern Redbud Care
The Eastern Redbud prefers to be grown in full sun or partial shade and performs best in moist soil that is free-draining. Regular watering is required until this tree has established and during hot and dry spells thereafter. Potentially reaching a final height and width of 25 to 30 feet, care must be taken when siting this tree so that the branches do not interfere with overhanging structures or utility lines. The Eastern Redbud does not require any ongoing fertilization but will benefit from a mulch around the base of the trunk to help retain moisture.
The Cercis canadensis requires little pruning. However, any dead, diseased or crossing branches can be removed with clean and sharp tools in spring. This tree can be grown with a central leader or as a multi-stemmed tree. If required, Eastern Redbud can tolerate hard pruning but only once established and when performed in early spring.
Eastern Redbud Spacing
If planting this tree as part of a row, it is advisable to space the trees at least 12 feet apart to give them enough room to grow. With a low canopy and a potential spread of around 30 feet, theEastern Redbud should not be planted close to any structures to prevent any future issues from arising.
Eastern Redbud Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 20-30 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 25-35 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink
- Flower Description
- Reddish-Pink
- Bloom Time
- Early Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Eastern Redbud
- Also Known As
- Red Bud
- Botanical Name
- Cercis canadensis - Single Stem
- Plant Type
- Tree
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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