Overview

Transform your outdoor space with the captivating beauty of the Eastern Redbud bare root tree. This offering includes 5 bare-root specimens, ready to establish and flourish in your garden. The Eastern Redbud, scientifically known as Cercis canadensis, is a beloved deciduous tree native to North America, celebrated for its spectacular early spring display. Before its heart-shaped leaves emerge, the tree is adorned with a profusion of pea-like, magenta-pink flowers that cling directly to its branches and even the trunk. Growing to a mature height of 20-30 feet with a similar spread, it typically features a short, often twisted trunk and gracefully spreading branches, creating an elegant silhouette. This tree not only provides visual appeal but also supports local ecosystems, attracting early pollinators like long-tongued bees. Its relatively compact size makes it suitable for a variety of landscape designs, from specimen planting to woodland edges.

Key Benefits

The Eastern Redbud bare root tree offers numerous advantages for both your garden and the environment:

• Spectacular Spring Blooms: Enjoy a breathtaking display of vibrant magenta-pink flowers in early spring, often before other trees have leafed out. These showy blossoms are a true harbinger of the warmer months and add significant curb appeal.
• Unique Heart-Shaped Foliage: After the flowers fade, distinctive heart-shaped leaves emerge, providing attractive green foliage throughout the growing season. This unique leaf shape contributes to the tree’s overall charm.
• Pollinator Magnet: The early-season flowers are a vital food source for various pollinators, particularly long-tongued bees like blueberry bees and carpenter bees, helping to support local biodiversity.
• Adaptable and Resilient: Redbud tree care is relatively straightforward, as these trees are known for their hardiness and ability to adapt to a range of soil types and environmental conditions once established.
• Four-Season Interest: Beyond its spring flowers, the Eastern Redbud offers attractive summer foliage, interesting fall color (often yellow), and a picturesque winter silhouette with its unique branching structure.
• Moderate Size: With a mature height of 20-30 feet, the Eastern Redbud is a good choice for smaller gardens or as an understory tree in larger landscapes, fitting well into various design schemes.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, these trees require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent choice for gardeners seeking beauty without excessive effort.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Proper Redbud tree care ensures a healthy and thriving specimen. The Eastern Redbud bare root trees thrive in full sun to partial shade. For optimal flowering, aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in hotter climates, some afternoon shade can protect the leaves from scorching. When it comes to watering, consistent moisture is crucial, especially during the establishment phase. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Once established, the tree is moderately drought-tolerant but will benefit from irrigation during dry spells. Good drainage is key; avoid planting in areas where water tends to collect. The ideal soil for Cercis canadensis is well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral. Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter can improve drainage and aeration.

These trees are hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs, following package instructions. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant, focusing on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a strong structure. Common problems include canker disease and verticillium wilt, which can be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding injury to the bark. When you are planting Eastern Redbud, ensure the site is well-prepared. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root spread and just deep enough so the root collar is level with the ground. Spread the roots out, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.

Size & Details

This offering includes 5 Eastern Redbud bare root trees, which are typically dormant, young trees shipped without soil around their roots. Upon arrival, they will be ready for immediate planting in your garden. The Eastern Redbud typically grows to an average mature height of 20 to 30 feet tall with an equivalent spread, generally reaching about 16 feet tall within 10 years. It features a short, often twisted trunk and spreading branches, with bark that is dark, smooth, and later becomes scaly. The twigs are slender and zigzag, nearly black, and spotted with lighter lenticels. The leaves are alternate, simple, and heart-shaped, growing 3-4.5 inches long and wide. The showy, light to dark magenta-pink flowers are approximately 1/2 inch long and appear in clusters from spring to early summer before the leaves emerge. The tree produces flattened, dry, brown, pea-like pods, 2-4 inches long, containing flat, elliptical brown seeds that mature in August to October. For successful establishment, proper hydration of the bare roots before planting is essential. This magenta flowering tree will provide years of seasonal interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big do these Eastern Redbud trees get? A: The Eastern Redbud bare root trees typically grow to a mature height of 20-30 feet tall with an 8-10 meter (26-33 ft) spread. They can reach about 16 feet tall within 10 years of planting.
• Q: Are these trees suitable for beginners? A: Yes, Redbud tree care is generally considered moderate, making them a good choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. They are relatively low-maintenance once established.
• Q: When is the best time for planting Eastern Redbud bare root trees? A: Bare-root trees are best planted in early spring, after the last hard frost but before the tree breaks dormancy. This allows the roots to establish before the stress of summer heat.
• Q: How much sun does an Eastern Redbud need? A: Eastern Redbuds prefer full sun to partial shade. For the most abundant blooms, ensure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In very hot climates, afternoon shade can be beneficial.
• Q: What condition will the bare root trees arrive in? A: Your 5 Eastern Redbud bare root trees will arrive dormant, without soil around their roots, carefully packaged to maintain moisture during transit. They should be planted immediately upon arrival.
• Q: Will this tree attract pollinators? A: Absolutely! The early spring flowers of the Eastern Redbud are a significant nectar source for various pollinators, especially long-tongued bees like carpenter bees and blueberry bees, making it a great choice for a pollinator garden.
• Q: What kind of soil is best for this magenta flowering tree? A: Eastern Redbuds prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They can tolerate a range of soil types, but good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
• Q: How long until the Eastern Redbud blooms after planting? A: While young, newly planted bare-root trees may take a year or two to establish before blooming profusely, more mature bare roots might show some blooms in their first spring. Consistent care will encourage faster establishment and flowering.
• Q: What USDA hardiness zones are suitable for the Eastern Redbud? A: The Eastern Redbud is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates across the United States.
• Q: What is the benefit of a bare root tree? A: Bare root trees are often more economical, easier to ship, and can establish quickly if planted correctly, as their roots are directly exposed to the soil without a transition period from a pot.