It can get up to 30 feet tall and grows best with at least a few hours of sun.
Eastern redbud tolerates most soils and temperature ranges, including hot summers and cold winters.
After flowering, it develops green pods filled with black seeds.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Full sun typically encourages optimal flowering, but providing some shade is recommended in hot climates.
The soil should remain consistently moist and does not need to be overly fertile.
Most importantly, it must drain well.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
You may have to water more frequently during dry spells.
After a proper establishment period of one to two years, it is considered a drought-tolerant tree.
Unless symptoms and tests show otherwise, you should not need to fertilize it.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Prune more when the plant is young to create a strong structure and control multiple trunks.
Propagating Eastern Redbud Bush
Eastern redbud bush is best propagated from seed.
Stem cuttings are another propagation method, but it is mostly unsuccessful.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Overwintering
In the first three years of growth, the tree’s bark is thin.
The wrap protects the bark from sun and wind scald.
Possible pests include leaf-feeding insects and scale.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
What Do Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The tiny pea-like flowers are about 1/2 inch wide, with five petals and 10 stamens.
Mostredbud treeshave pink flowers, although some varieties have white flowers.
They have a sweet, pleasant smell.
The blooms give way to green pods filled with black seeds.
As the summer progresses, the pods turn brown and dry out.
How to Encourage More Blooms
Provide a full-sun location for prolific flowering.
A tree in full sun will benefit from shade during the high summer heat.
Wind Damage
Its branches tend to get brittle and are susceptible to breaking.
If possible, Plant it in a location sheltered from strong winds.
Layer mulch above the base of the plant, surrounding the trunk to help conserve moisture around the roots.
Eastern redbud trees grow 20 to 30 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide.
Eastern redbud blooms three to five years after planting.
The average lifespan of eastern redbud trees is 20 years, but it can live up to 70 years.
