Native Redbud Tree: Native Redbud Tree Varieties Suitable for Every Garden

For a variety of reasons, eastern redbud is a widely used landscaping tree. It can grow in a range of environments. It doesn’t get very big. In many states, this species is native. Redbuds, however, are most valued by many homeowners for their magnificent display of early spring flowers. Due to the tree’s widespread appeal, numerous eastern redbud cultivars with a wide range of hues and shapes have been created.

Concerning the Indigenous Eastern Redbud

The tiny flowering tree known as the eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is indigenous to much of eastern United States and eastern Mexico. It is one of the two redbud species found in North America; the other is the western redbud. The broad crown of the eastern redbud tree reaches a height of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 metres). The leaves are heart-shaped and about four inches (10 cm) long. The flowers are typically pink, but they can also be white or lavender. The seeds form flat pods as they grow.

There are two other kinds of eastern redbud that deviate slightly from the common specimen. To some experts, they ought to be considered distinct species:

• var. Mexicana: Compared to canadensis, the Mexican redbud variety is shorter. Its leaves are rounder and it is shrubbier.
• var. Texensis: This variant is smaller than the canadensis variety, with glossy leaves that are roughly half as large.

Redbuds work well in even the smallest yards. They can withstand drought and prefer well-drained soil, but they are not picky. Their main attraction is the flowers, but they are also easy to grow. They form directly on stems and even on the trunk, giving them a pea-like appearance when they bloom profusely in the spring.

Different Redbud Tree Varieties

It is not surprising that there are numerous cultivars as they are a popular choice for landscaping. Eastern redbud varieties experiment with foliage colour, flower colour, and tree shape:

Pansy in the Forest

The leaves of this cultivar are remarkably deep reddish-purple. In the summer, they turn green. The colour fades more quickly in hotter climates. Flowers have a purplish pink colour.

Merlot Merlot

One more type with deeply red leaves. The colour of the flowers is a pinkish lavender.

Gold Hearts

The leaves of Hearts of Gold are yellow. Similar to Forest Pansy, this unusual leaf colour shifts to green in the summer. Regular watering and afternoon shade will help to prolong the colour a little.

Sun Rising

This smaller variety fits in smaller spaces because it only reaches a height of about 12 feet (3.7 metres). The leaves start off as a golden orange hue before turning yellow and finally green. As the leaves change colour, there may be some overlap, which creates a striking contrast.

Sweetheart from Carolina

This variety, created at North Carolina State University, has very distinctive leaves. They start off pink and eventually turn purple, white, green, and hot pink. Summertime eventually turns all the leaves green.

Silver Cloud

This type features variegated leaves that are white and green. It doesn’t flower as frequently as other varieties. To keep the variegation going into the summer, it needs some afternoon shade.

Red in Appalachia

Appalachian Red is a major feature of the flowers. Compared to the standard variety, they are significantly more deeply saturated. However, the hue is more akin to hot pink or magenta than red.

regal white

Try this cultivar for vivid white flowers set against green leaves.

Burning

Flame yields deep rose-colored double blooms.

Ruby Differenc

Ruby Falls provides a special form in addition to a distinctive colour. This purple-red-leafed redbud is one of a few that weep.

Twist of Lavender

Lavender Twist is another weeping cultivar with pinkish purple flowers and green leaves. It can fully arch over and grows quickly and vigorously.

Additional Redbud Types

You can find cultivars with increased cold hardiness in addition to those that experiment with form and colour. Examples that are appropriate for locations outside or on the edge of the typical hardiness range of 4 to 9 are Columbus and Northland Strain.

One classic and well-liked tree for landscaping is the native redbud. There are more varieties available to gardeners than ever before.