The Rising Sun® Redbud

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

8-12 Feet

Mature Spread

6-8 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

The Rising Sun® Redbud lights up the landscape with heart-shaped leaves that shift color as the season unfolds. Cercis canadensis 'JN2' opens with rosy pink blooms on bare branches in early spring, then follows with heart-shaped leaves that shift from apricot-orange to gold, yellow, chartreuse, and green as they mature. Its compact 8 to 12 foot size makes that color easier to place near patios, garden beds, and smaller front yards. We often use this redbud where a landscape needs color after spring flowers fade, since new leaves keep adding warm tones through the growing season.

This selection of eastern redbud is valued for heat tolerance, a rounded habit, and foliage that holds more interest than standard green-leaf forms. It grows as a deciduous small tree or large multi-stem shrub with pea-like flowers that support early pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Once established, it handles periods of dry weather better than many small ornamental trees, though young plants should not dry out. Use it as a focal point in a mixed border, near a porch or bench, at a woodland edge, or in small groups where the layered foliage can be viewed up close.

The Rising Sun® Redbud Care

Plant The Rising Sun® Redbud in full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade helpful in hotter parts of its range. It adapts to average garden soil, including clay, as long as drainage is good, and it tolerates slightly acidic to mildly alkaline soil pH. Avoid sites with standing water, since redbuds prefer moisture without saturated roots.

Water regularly during the first growing season, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soaked. Established trees are moderately drought tolerant, but a deep soak during long hot dry spells helps protect the colorful foliage. Fertilize lightly in early spring with compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer. This deciduous tree drops its leaves in fall before winter dormancy.

Prune right after flowering if shaping is needed, so next year’s bloom buds are not removed. Take out dead, crossing, or rubbing branches, and thin crowded interior growth to improve structure. Keep mulch spread over the root zone, but pull it several inches away from the trunk to reduce moisture problems at the bark.

The Rising Sun® Redbud Spacing

Space The Rising Sun® Redbud 8 to 12 feet from other trees or large shrubs so the rounded canopy can develop naturally. For container growing, use a large 20- to 25-gallon pot with drainage and plan on extra watering during summer heat. Suitable companion plants include amsonia, asters, coral bells, and bluebeard, which create a strong seasonal planting in filtered sun and well-drained soil.

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