Eastern Redbud Varieties

Size

• Size is important among the different cultivars of the eastern redbud. The parent species matures between 20 and 30 feet, by no means a tree that is difficult to manage. The larger cultivars include Cercis canadensis forma alba, a type growing to similar heights, and "Appalachian Red," a tree that sometimes reaches 25 feet. Smaller cultivars of eastern redbud include "Covey" and "Traveller." Covey grows between 4 and 10 feet, while Traveller is 5 feet tall.

USDA Zones

• Cold hardiness is a problem for the eastern redbud and its varieties. The tree's native range extends no further north than locations such as northern New Jersey and southern Michigan. The cold hardiest selections are types like "Royal White," able to survive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 4, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Most cultivars of eastern redbud handle hot and humid conditions, growing into USDA zone 9.

Features

• The parent species of eastern redbud has a purplish tint to its leaves when they first bud out. Alba and Royal White lack this coloring and have white flowers, as opposed to pinkish-purple. Conversely, "Forest Pansy" is a form with deep burgundy leaves, which slowly change to show green upper surfaces while the undersides remain purple-red, states the University of Connecticut Plant Database. The leaves of "Silver Cloud" are green and white; this variegated eastern redbud cultivar is not a heavy blooming type.

Growing Conditions

• Eastern redbuds do best when you locate them in full sunshine. While an eastern redbud grows in hot climates, trees in such conditions do better if they receive some shade. As long as the ground is not always damp, an eastern redbud adapts to many soil types. The tree has the reputation of not handling transplanting well, so put it where you want to keep it, or move it and place it elsewhere when it is very young for best results.