General Culture:
The best environment for redbud is full sun to light shade with moist well-drained deep soil. It is adaptable to other soil types but will not grow well in permanently wet or poorly drained soil. Since this tree does not transplant easily, it should be planted when young. It is best to buy redbuds from local sources as trees from other areas may not be cold-hardy in your region.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Redbuds are best known for their pink pea-like flowers which bloom profusely on bare branches and even mature trunks. Its heart shaped leaves are 3-5" across and may turn an attractive yellow in fall. Its fruits are brown flat pods about 2-3" long. The trunk of this small tree usually has branches close to the ground resulting in a spreading, flat-topped to rounded crown.
Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.
Redbuds are subject to damage by insect pests such as tree hoppers, caterpillars, scale, and leafhoppers. Diseases include Verticillium wilt, leaf spots, and the worst disease, canker. Keeping the tree vigorous by regular watering and fertilization and by pruning out dead branches will help keep the tree healthy.
Uses:
Redbud is an attractive tree in many situations including a specimen tree, the shrub border, or as a street or lawn tree in residential areas. It is especially attractive in group plantings or in naturalized settings.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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