The deciduous leaves of the redbud tree are reddish purple in the
spring and then turn dark green in summer followed by yellow in the fall. The striking leaves and showy spring flowers
that bloom in April to May make the this tree a accent for your
landscape.
I do not grow the red redbud tree in my yard, however I have planted a few for my clients and I view the redbuds growing wild in the woods by my home. I find it best to grow the tree in morning sun and part shade in the afternoon. Grow these trees in zones
4 to 9.
The eastern redbud is renowned for its
upright growing habits as well as the dark trunk, and spreading branches and lovely spring flowers. The
growth rate is slow. I planted a two foot tree for one of my clients 10 years
ago. The tree at 10 years old was 6 feet
in height with a similar spread.
Where to Plant Redbud Tree
Before you plant a tree determine the growing site. Consider planting the redbud tree in front of a picture window or close
to your home entrance. Choose a planting site which allow the tree to accent your landscape.
Buying tips
Buy a tree that has some height.
If you can buy a four foot tree then do so as it will produce flowers
the following season. Purchase a redbud trees in a natural burlap root ball
covering or container.
How to transplant a tree
Transplant the redbud in early spring as soon as the soil is
workable. Gently remove the tree from
the nursery container. The best way to loosen the tree in the container is to
set the container on its side and roll it gently back and forth. This will
loosen the soil on the sides of the container and will enable you to pull the
tree out. If the tree is wrapped in
burlap; ask if burlap is 100% natural. A natural burlap wrapping can be planted
with the tree, however a wax coated burlap casing must be removed as the roots
cannot grow through the wax. If the
burlap is natural casings then cut the burlap away from the tree trunk and fold
the burlap back.
Transplant the redbud tree into a hole that is twice the size of the container. Remove the dirt from the hole and put in a
wheelbarrow. Break up the clumps of dirt
so that it is a fine texture. Mix
compost with the dirt and then add enough dirt to the hole to form a small
mound in the center. Set the root ball
in the center of the dirt mound and back fill the soil to 10 inches. Add an organic root simulator. Dilute
solution according to the instruction on the package. Back fill the remaining dirt.
Firm the dirt around the tree trunk and press on the dirt to remove air
pockets. Water the tree well.
Care for Tree
Care for your newly transplanted redbud tree by applying 3 inches
of mulch around the trunk or wrap the trunk with a mulch ring. Also tape the
trunk to protect it from insects and husbands with weed whackers, trimmers or
lawn mowers. Keep the soil evenly moist
but not wet throughout the growing season; spring until a hard frost.
Fertilize the redbud tree every other spring. Continue to keep the soil
evenly moist for two years after transplant. Deep watering once a week will
encourage a deep root.
Consider pruning the tree in late winter to keep a formal shape.
Tips:
Eastern Redbud is formally known as “Cercis Canadensis” and is a large
shrub or small tree that is native to eastern North America to Southern Ontario
Canada.
The nectar rich flowers attract honey bees and carpenter bees. Some
redbud trees bear fruit in late summer.
The fruit looks like a flat brown pea sized pod. Harvest seeds
from the pod or leave the pod on the tree for birds to forage. The eastern redbud tree is a good choice for
a backyard bird habitat.
