did you know?

Native from New Jersey to northern Florida and west to Missouri and Texas, the Eastern redbud was introduced to cultivation in 1641. Beyond the distinctive, heart-shaped leaves, redbuds often produce seeds along their trunks making identification easier once the flowers have faded.

general maintenance:

Prune damaged and weak stems or branches, keeping crown open.

pests/diseases:

Canker, leaf spot, and scale may occur.

controls:

Apply horticultural oil to control scale, following label directions. Remove and dispose of limbs and leaves affected by canker.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny to partly shady site with well-drained soil, making sure there is enough room for tree/shrub to reach its mature size. In early spring, dig a hole twice as wide as container or root ball. Set plant at same depth or slightly higher than it was in pot, or if balled, level with top of root ball. If plant is balled in synthetic fabric, remove carefully before backfilling. Natural-fiber burlap may be peeled back and left in ground once plant is set in hole. Fill hole around plant with soil. Mound soil to form a 2-inch-high ridge around perimeter of hole to act as a catchbasin. Water thoroughly, filling the basin and allowing water to settle several times. Spread 2-inch layer of mulch around plant.

water and fertilize:

Maintain uniform soil moisture for the first season. Be sure soil is moist before ground freezes in fall. Each spring before growth begins, feed with an all-purpose fertilizer, following label directions. Once tree is established, usually by the third year, water only during drought.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Deciduous
• Native
• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Flowerbed borders (mixed border planting)
• Shade Woodland Garden (understory tree)

other uses: