When to Plant Redbud in Georgia

Planting

• Young redbud trees usually are available either "balled-and-burlapped," or as containerized specimens. When planting in spring, wait until all danger of frost has passed in the area. Select a well-drained site with either full sun or very light shade, and make sure that the site is large enough to accommodate the tree's mature height of 20 to 30 feet and spread of 25 to 35 feet. Water regularly, ideally via a drip irrigation system. Redbud trees are especially susceptible to stress from lack of water, but also suffer if overwatered, so do not water during rainy periods.

Growth

• Planted at optimum times in either spring or early fall, and well sited and cared for properly, a young redbud will grow at a medium rate, characterized by Dr. Michael Dirr, Professor Emeritus at the University of Georgia, as 13 to 24 inches per year. Flowers should appear in early spring when the tree is 4 to 6 years old. New leaf growth in the species can have a purple tinge, but the leaves mature to medium green and eventually turn yellow in the fall.

Considerations

• Planting redbuds too early in spring leaves them vulnerable to damage from frost or cold winds. Planting too late in the fall does not allow the trees time to establish roots before harsh winter weather sets in. Planting in mid-summer should be avoided. If the tree arrives in mid summer, heel it in temporarily by planting in a shaded trench, deep enough to hold its roots. Lay the redbud's root ball in the trench with the trunk at a 45-degree angle to the ground. Fill the trench with soil. Provide regular water and plant in the fall.

Uses

• With good culture (including planting time), redbud can mature into an excellent specimen tree. Groups of redbuds also can be used to form an allee over a driveway or along a road. Their relatively small size and spring flowering character make them useful in garden settings as well, and the blossoms attract pollinators. They also are appropriate for native plant gardens. Small forms, like "Dwarf White" (Cercis canadensis "Dwarf White") and the weeping form, "Covey" (Cercis canadensis "Covey"), hardy in USDA zones 5 through 7, are suitable for small gardens or even large containers.