The Rising Sun® Redbud

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

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 from apricot and tangerine to chartreuse and soft lime as the season unfolds. In early spring, rosy-pink blossoms cloak bare branches, announcing the season in style on a compact, rounded frame.

Sized for today’s yards, it tops out around 8–12 feet with a similar spread—perfect for front-yard focal points, patio edges, or a welcoming pop of color near the entry. Heat tolerant, remarkably showy, and easy to grow, it delivers multi-season interest with minimal fuss.

The Rising Sun® Redbud Care

Plant in full sun to part shade. Aim for 6 or more hours of direct morning sun, with afternoon shade in hotter climates (Zones 8–9). Provide well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 6.0–7.5); avoid consistently wet sites.

Water deeply the first two years—about 1 inch per week, or when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry—then water during extended dry spells. Apply a 2–3 inch mulch ring, keeping mulch a few inches off the trunk to protect the crown and conserve moisture.

Feed in early spring with a slow-release, balanced shrub/tree fertilizer per label directions. Prune after flowering or in late winter to remove dead or crossing wood; redbuds bloom on old wood, so avoid heavy spring cuts before bloom. Hardy in Zones 5–9; in colder Zone 5 exposures, a wind-sheltered site reduces winter tip dieback. Often grafted—remove any shoots arising from below the graft.

The Rising Sun® Redbud Spacing

For a specimen, allow 10–12 feet from walls, driveways, and other trees to accommodate an 8–12 ft H × 8–10 ft W canopy. For a small grove or informal screen, plant 8–10 feet on center. Keep 4–6 feet back from sidewalks for comfortable branch clearance.

Container growing is best as a short-term showcase: start with a 20–24 inch diameter pot (16–18 inches deep) with drainage; upsize as needed and transplant to the landscape within 2–3 years. Stake only in windy sites, and remove stakes within one year.

Why Grow The Rising Sun® Redbud?

• Four-season appeal: pink spring flowers, fiery new growth, lush summer canopy, and warm autumn tones

• Compact size fits small gardens, courtyards, and foundation beds without overpowering the space

• Low-maintenance routine with straightforward watering, yearly feeding, and light, well-timed pruning

• Pollinator-friendly spring nectar on a tough, landscape-ready ornamental

• Uniform performance on grafted plants; easy to maintain by removing suckers below the graft

Add a compact showstopper with big personality. The Rising Sun® Redbud turns ordinary spaces into striking focal points—plant one and enjoy a changing color show from the first warm days of spring through fall.