Golden Falls® Redbud Tree

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

8-10 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

A compact, weeping redbud with brilliant golden foliage, Golden Falls® Redbud Tree delivers a cascade of color and movement in tight spaces. Cercis canadensis 'NC2015-12' blooms in spring with lavender-pink flowers along bare, cascading branches before the leaves appear. New heart-shaped leaves open with orange tones, turn bright golden yellow, and mature toward lime green in late summer. With its slender, columnar-weeping habit (about 8–10 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide), it’s a standout for small urban gardens.

This JC Raulston Arboretum introduction was developed from weeping and gold-leaf redbud parentage, combining a vertical leader with pendulous side branches. The foliage has better sun and heat tolerance than many yellow-leaf plants, although light afternoon shade can help in hot climates. Bees visit the early flowers, and the small seed pods may feed birds later in the season. Use it as a specimen, a border accent, or a compact flowering tree near entries, courtyards, and small garden rooms.

Golden Falls® Redbud Tree Care

Plant Golden Falls® Redbud Tree in full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade helpful in hotter regions. It adapts to clay, loam, or sandy soil as long as drainage is good, and grows in acidic, neutral, or mildly alkaline pH. Choose the site carefully, since redbuds prefer not to be moved once established.

Water regularly during the first growing season to build a deep root system, soaking when the soil is dry about 3 inches down. After establishment, water during extended dry weather, especially while the tree is holding summer foliage. Feed in early spring with compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer. This deciduous tree drops its leaves in fall.

Prune after flowering if shaping is needed, removing dead, crossing, or crowded branches first. Keep the central leader supported while young if a taller narrow form is desired. Trim trailing branch tips only as needed to keep them from resting on the ground or blocking nearby paths.

Golden Falls® Redbud Tree Spacing

Space Golden Falls® Redbud Tree 4 to 6 feet from structures, walks, and nearby shrubs so the weeping branches can fall naturally. Use a large 20- to 25-gallon container with drainage for patio growing, and water container trees more often during heat. In part-sun beds, grow it with witch hazel, lungwort, coral bells, and oakleaf hydrangeas for early bloom and foliage contrast.

Simple Plant Spacing Calculator

Planting Shape

Rectangle Circle Known Area

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Diameter (ft)

Or enter radius below

Radius (ft)

Known Area (sq ft)

Plant Spacing On-Center (in)

Pattern

Square (grid) Triangular (staggered)

Fill edge gaps (max plants)

Enter area to see results.

Visual Preview

Print / Save PDF

Powered by