Ruby Falls Redbud Tree

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-8 Feet

Mature Spread

5-6 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

A petite waterfall of color for tight spaces, Ruby Falls drapes its branches in rosy blooms and dark foliage. Known botanically as Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls', it blooms in early spring with rosy lavender flowers on bare red stems before the heart-shaped leaves emerge. The foliage opens deep maroon-purple, then shifts toward burgundy-green in summer and yellow-bronze in fall. We like it as a close-view specimen because the cascading branch structure is interesting even after the leaves drop.

This compact selection was developed from Lavender Twist® and Forest Pansy redbud parentage, combining a pendulous habit with richly colored foliage. It matures around 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide, making it useful near patios, small lawns, foundation beds, and courtyard gardens. The flowers provide early nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while the small seed pods may feed birds later in the season. Once established, Ruby Falls Redbud Tree handles short dry periods and adapts to many soils as long as drainage is good.

Ruby Falls Redbud Tree Care

Plant Ruby Falls Redbud Tree in full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade helpful in hot southern climates. It grows in clay, loam, or sandy soil and tolerates acidic, neutral, or mildly alkaline pH when the site drains well. Avoid saturated soil, since redbuds do not grow well with wet roots.

Water deeply once or twice weekly during the first few months after planting, then reduce as the root system expands. Established trees usually need extra water only during extended dry weather, especially in summer heat. Apply compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. This deciduous tree goes dormant in winter.

Prune after spring flowering if shaping is needed, removing dead, crossing, or crowded branches first. Trim low trailing tips only enough to keep them from dragging through mulch or lawn. Add a 2-inch mulch layer over the root zone to conserve moisture, keeping mulch pulled back from the trunk to protect the bark.

Ruby Falls Redbud Tree Spacing

Space Ruby Falls Redbud Tree 5 to 6 feet from nearby shrubs and at least 3 feet from structures, allowing room for the weeping canopy to spread. For container growing, use a large 20- to 25-gallon pot with drainage and plan on regular watering during hot weather. In part shade, plant it with hellebores, barrenwort, ferns, and fothergilla for spring bloom and layered foliage.

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