20 Redbud Tree Varieties That Will Add a Pop of Pink to Your Landscaping This Summer (2024)

Gardening

Trees

• 01 of 20

  Eastern Redbud Tree

  

  When it flowers in springtime, the Eastern redbud, with its magenta-colored broad, heart-shaped flowers, presents dramatic colors. Native to the eastern US, the Eastern redbud is drought-resistant and does well in low-nutrient soils.
  

  • Name:Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:4 to 8
  • Light:Sun to part shade
  • Soil:Acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, and clay soils
  • Mature Size:25 ft high, 25 ft wide
  • Pest Resistant: Resistant, though minor damage from leaf rollers, treehoppers, scales, aphids, and spider mites

• 02 of 20

  Weeping Redbud Tree

  

  The weeping redbud tree drapes lower than the Eastern redbud but develops the same purple-pink flowers characteristic of this tree. Although it can grow in partial sun, the weeping redbud does need a few hours of full sun each day.

  • Name:Weeping redbud (Cercis canadensis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:4 to 9
  • Light:Partial to full sun
  • Soil:Loamy, sandy, clay, silt, moist, well-drained
  • Mature Size:10 to 20 ft tall and wide
  • Disease/pests: Leafspots, blights, and mildew, as well as boring insects, can affect this tree

• 03 of 20

  Forest Pansy Redbud Tree

  

  The forest pansy redbud starts to bloom colorfully in March or April, and its color variations continue for three seasons until winter. Deer-resistant, the forest pansy redbud isn't especially drought-resistant, preferring more water than an Eastern redbud.

  • Name:Forest pansy redbud (Cercis canadensis'Forest Pansy')
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:5 to 9
  • Light:Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil:Average, medium moisture, well-drained
  • Mature Size:20 to 30 ft tall, 25 to 35 ft wide
  • Diseases/Deer: Healthy forest pansy redbuds do well, but weakened trees may be susceptible to canker; deer-resistant

• 04 of 20

  See Also

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  Oklahoma Redbud Tree

  

  The Oklahoma redbud tree presents magenta flowers in early spring, replacing them with glossy leaves as the seasons progress. This redbud tree variety stays fairly short and slim, making it a good landscaping idea for small front yards.

  • Name:Oklahoma redbud tree (Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Oklahoma')
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:6
  • Light:Partial shade to full sun
  • Soil:Well-drained soil
  • Mature Size:15 to 20 feet high and wide
  • Pests/Disease: Canker is a problem, plus this tree can be affected by insects such as Japanese beetles, treehoppers, leafhoppers, and caterpillars

  Continue to 5 of 20 below

• 05 of 20

  Western Redbud Tree

  

  The western redbud tree—sometimes called a California redbud—differs from the eastern redbud in its overall shape: wide and stout. True to its name, the western redbud does well in dry areas of the southwest and western U.S. Its wide crown can even reach the ground on the sides.

  • Name:Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:6A to 9B
  • Light:Part shade/sun and full sun
  • Soil:Clay, loam, sand, acidic, alkaline, and well-drained areas
  • Mature Size:12 to 20 ft tall and wide
  • Pest Resistant: Highly resistant

• 06 of 20

  Texas White Redbud Tree

  

  This deciduous tree is native to parts of southwest North America. The Texas redbud tree can reach heights of up to 40 feet in its mature state. This tree doesn't start symmetrical, so it needs regular pruning in the early years. Its rich purple seed pods remain on the tree well into the winter months.

  • Name:Texas white redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Texas White')
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:5 to 9A
  • Light:Grows both in part shade/sun and in full sun
  • Soil:Clay, loam, sand, acidic, alkaline, and well-drained areas
  • Mature Size:25 to 40 ft high, 15 to 25 ft wide
  • Pests/Deer: Not affected by most pests; considered to be deer-resistant

• 07 of 20

  White Eastern Redbud

  

  A rapid grower, this redbud tree variety reaches 20 to 30 feet in its early stages and eventually tops out at 35 feet. White Eastern redbuds are initially asymmetrical but form a smooth crown as they mature.

  • Name:White Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis var. alba 'White Eastern Redbud')
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:4B to 9A
  • Light:Light shade to full sun
  • Soil:Best in moist, well-drained soils
  • Mature Size:35 ft high
  • Deer Resistant: Very resistant to deer

• 08 of 20

  Don Egolf Redbud Tree

  

  Named for Donald Egolf, a horticulturist with the US National Arboretum, the Don Egolf redbudis a compact, slow-growing redbud that tops out at around nine feet, making it a good choice for smaller areas.

  • Name:Don Egolf redbud(Cercis chinensis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:6 to 9
  • Light:Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil:Well-drained soil; can adapt to acid or alkaline soils
  • Mature Size:9 ft tall, 9 ft wide
  • Deer Resistant: Deer tend to avoid this redbud

  Continue to 9 of 20 below

• 09 of 20

  European or Judas Redbud Tree

  

  The European redbud tree (or Judas tree) is sometimes called a Mediterranean redbud tree. It does well in drought conditions and even prefers an arid climate.

  • Name:European redbud (Cercis siliquastrum)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:6a to 9b
  • Light:Requires six or more hours of full sun per day
  • Soil:Clay, loam, sand
  • Mature Size:15 to 25 ft high and wide
  • Deer Resistant: Not resistant to deer

• 10 of 20

  Merlot Redbud Tree

  

  Developed at North Carolina State University, the merlot redbud tree is a hybrid of the Texas white and forest pansy redbud trees. Its flowers exhibit a rich, purple color, like the namesake wine. This tree attracts bees and birds.

  • Name:Merlot redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Merlot')
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:6a to 9b
  • Light:Partial shade to full sun
  • Soil:Clay, sand, acid, alkaline
  • Mature Size:9 to 12 ft tall, 12 to 15 ft wide
  • Deer and Pests: Mostly free of pests; not resistant to deer

• 11 of 20

  Carolina Sweetheart Redbud Tree

  

  This deciduous redbud tree variety thrives in eastern and central North America. The Carolina Sweetheart redbud doesn't perform as well in poor soils as do other redbud trees, preferring highly rich well-drained soil.

  • Name:Carolina Sweetheart redbud(Cercis canadensis NCCC1)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:4a to 9b
  • Light:Requires six or more hours of full sun per day, along with partial shade
  • Soil:Well-draining soil rich in nutrients
  • Mature Size:12 to 24 ft
  • Deer Resistant: Not resistant to deer and can be damaged by insects like Japanese beetles, treehoppers, leafhoppers, and caterpillars

• 12 of 20

  Chinese Redbud Tree

  

  The Chinese redbud tree develops its colorful blossoms earlier in the year than other redbud trees. The thick blossoms arrive early in the spring. While Chinese redbud trees do well in full sun, they need periods of partial shade to thrive.

  • Name:Chinese redbud (Cercis chingii)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:7a to 8b
  • Light:Partial shade to full sun
  • Soil:Well-drained moist soil; avoid dry or clay soil
  • Mature Size:10 to 15 ft high, 6 to 12 ft wide
  • Pests/Disease: Holds up well against plant pests and disease

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• 13 of 20

  Smooth Redbud Tree

  

  The smooth redbud tree works well when planted around lawns and patios. Considered good for pollinators, it attracts bees and songbirds.

  • Name:Smooth redbud (Cercis glabra)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:6a to 8b
  • Light:Six or more hours of full sun per day, plus partial shade
  • Soil:Clay, loam, and sand
  • Mature Size:15 to 20 ft high and wide
  • Deer Resistant: Not resistant to deer

• 14 of 20

  Hearts of Gold Redbud Tree

  

  The hearts of the gold redbud tree begins gold-colored, not magenta or pink, like other redbud trees. This redbud variety lives about 75 years.

  • Name:Hearts of gold redbud (Cercis canadensis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:5a to 9b
  • Light:6 or more hours of direct sun
  • Soil:Clay and loamy soil rich in organic matter
  • Mature Size:20 to 25 ft tall, 25 to 35 ft wide
  • Deer Resistant: Not deer-resistant

• 15 of 20

  Lavender Twist Redbud Tree

  

  Lavender twist redbud trees remain small, making them a good choice as accent trees around the yard. As a weeping tree, their pink-purple flowers reach low to the ground.

  • Name:Lavender twist redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey')
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:5 to 9
  • Light:Partial shade to full sun
  • Soil:Moist but well-drained soil
  • Mature Size:6 ft tall, 8 ft wide
  • Deer Resistant: Resistant to deer

• 16 of 20

  Eastern Redbud Columbus Strain

  

  This weeping-style redbud tree grows high and wide. Its pea-shaped blossoms start pink in early spring and then turn dark green. The Columbus strain redbud was developed from trees found in Columbus, Wisconsin.

  • Name:Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Columbus, WI Strain')
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:4 to 9
  • Light:Partial sun to full sun
  • Soil:Well-drained loam
  • Mature Size:20 to 30 ft high by 20 to 25 ft wide

  Continue to 17 of 20 below

• 17 of 20

  Chain Flowered Redbud Tree

  

  Chain flowered redbud trees grow particularly high, and full sun only encourages this growth. The long blossoms of this redbud variety can be four inches long or more.

  • Name:Chain flowered redbud tree (Cercis racemosa)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:7a to 9b
  • Light:Partial shade to full sun
  • Soil:Clay, loam, and sand
  • Mature Size:25 ft or higher
  • Deer Resistant: Not resistant to deer and exposure to severe cold will kill buds

• 18 of 20

  Rising Sun Redbud Tree

  

  The rising sun redbud tree is a yellow-leafed redbud that maintains its color throughout the summer.

  • Name:Rising sun redbud (Cercis canadensis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:5 to 9
  • Light:Full sun best, light shade acceptable
  • Soil:Well-drained acidic or alkaline soil
  • Mature Size:25 ft high and wide
  • Deer Resistant: Considered deer resistant

• 19 of 20

  Flamethrower Redbud Tree

  

  The flamethrower redbud tree is technically not a weeping redbud, but its blossoms are pendant-shaped and they do drape. The tree begins in spring with purple leaves that turn to red as spring progresses.

  • Name:Flamethrower redbud (Cercis canadensis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:5a to 9b
  • Light:Six or more hours of direct sunlight
  • Soil:Clay, loam, and sand
  • Mature Size:12 to 24 ft
  • Pests/Disease: Susceptible to canker, as well as to insects likeleafhoppers, caterpillars, borers, Japanese beetles, and treehoppers

• 20 of 20

  Alley Cat Redbud Tree

  

  The alley cat redbud tree displays pink mottled with white. This redbud variety is sturdy and holds up well to heat.

  • Name:Alley cat redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Alley Cat')
  • USDA Hardiness Zones:4b to 9a
  • Light:Partial shade to full sun
  • Soil:Light, moist, nutrient-rich soil
  • Mature Size:20 ft tall and wide
  • Deer Resistant: Considered deer-resistant