How to Grow a Redbud Tree

The rose-pink or white April blooms of the redbud tree (Cercis canadensis) announce that spring has arrived. Heart-shaped leaves appear on spreading branches and the tree can grow to a height of 20 to 30 feet. In fall, color ranges from a muted yellow to shades of reddish-purple and orange depending on the variety.

Things You'll Need

• Redbud tree
• Shovel
• Knife or garden shears
• Water
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Choose the planting site. Redbuds will adapt to almost any well-drained soil and tolerates acidic or alkaline soil pH. A full sun location is ideal for a redbud tree, but it will also do well in partly shaded locations.

2. Dig the planting hole at least 4 times the width of the tree's rootball. The hole depth should be equal to the height of the rootball so that when the tree is placed in the hole the rootball will be even with the surrounding ground.

3. Prepare the redbud for planting. Redbuds may be purchased in containers or as balled-and-burlapped specimens. Remove the tree from a container by laying the plan on its side and gently rolling the container to loosen the tree. Being careful not to damage the branches, gently pull the tree from the container. Remove any twine or wire on balled-and-burlapped specimens and remove half of the burlap with a knife or shears.

4. Position the tree in the planting hole. Put back a small portion of the original soil to keep the plant erect. Fill planting hole with water and allow it to be absorbed by the soil and rootball. Fill the planting hole with the remaining soil, and water again deeply. This step provides additional moisture and helps to eliminate air pockets from the soil.

5. Mulch the entire planting area to keep the roots cool, retain moisture and discourage weeds.

Tips & Warnings

• The redbud is an excellent choice as a specimen tree or planted in groups.

• The ideal time for planting a redbud is in either spring or fall. Summer heat can stress a young tree.

• Redbuds can be successfully planted in zones 4 through 10. Always check the USDA Hardiness Zone map and your chosen tree's suggested zone suitability.

• Redbud's have a flat seed pod that resembles a snow pea and is easily collected for starting seedlings. For best success, wait until the seedlings have grown about a foot high before digging up for transplant.

• The redbud is a native tree that does best in naturalized settings, but will tolerate the urban landscape.

• The redbud requires some maintenance. Prune to maintain the redbud's natural growth habit and eliminate dead branches after it has bloomed in April.

• Redbud's can suffer from wilt or a canker-causing disease and can be fatal. Remove dead branches to help stem infection.