Redbud is a mass flowering understory tree.
People always remember the first time they see a redbud tree.I had a memorable occasion at a local arboretum in the early spring.The morning sun shone on a group of redbuds with flowers fully unfurled, setting off a show of pink fireworks.
The horizontal branching pattern of the redbud makes it an attractive canopy for spring bulbs.The photo was taken by Holt Saxon.
As I returned to observe these trees throughout the year, I discovered that their beauty extends well beyond the spring season, as the fading flowers give way to heart-shaped green to bronze leaves in summer and brownpods that remain on the tree after the leaves fall.The redbud is one of the most popular small trees for residential gardens due to its compact size and resilience.
The eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) grows throughout most of the eastern U.S., extending as far west as Oklahoma and Texas and north into Canada.When grown in a moist, well-drained location, this tree is not picky when it comes to soil preference.Redbuds work well understory trees and are stunning when planted in groupings.The horizontal branching pattern adds interest to the garden and makes a canopy for spring bulbs.
The flowers of the eastern redbud emerge in early spring, covering the bare branches in pink.The photo was taken by Rob Cardillo.
White, deep magenta or light pink flowers can be found in some varieties of redbuds.The leaf color can be deep purple to chartreuse.
When planted in full sun, redbud trees should be watered regularly.To keep the soil moist in the summer, apply a layer of mulch to the limbs.
Weak forks, crowded branches, and dead limbs need to be removed in order to maintain the tree's structural beauty and health.Prune after flowering or late fall when the tree is not active.
verticillium wilt, canker or dieback, and leaf spots are some of the diseases that affect the redbud.Older trees are more vulnerable.The most effective treatment is early identification and removal of the affected areas.
The foliage of 'Forest Pansy' begins to turn burgundy red as the leaves grow.The photo was taken by Susan A. Roth.
The Redbud Festival is the official event of the city of Denton, Texas.The community festival traces its roots back to an annual Texas Woman's University festival that took place in the 1930s.
The annual Honaker, Virginia, Redbud Festival takes place every April, when the city erupts into a brilliant display of pink, with thousands of redbud trees heralding the coming of spring.There are live music, games, and a canoe race at the event.
The Redbud Festival in Columbus, Wisconsin, celebrates the awakening of its redbud trees in mid-May with special events throughout the city, a city-wide garage sale, sidewalk sales, and the Columbus prince and princess contest.
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