Redbud Trees: A Complete Guide to 20 Varieties for Your Landscape

If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your landscaping, redbud trees are the way to go. These small flowering trees burst into vibrant pink and purple hues in early spring, signaling the end of winter and the start of a new season. Hardy and low-maintenance, redbud trees are a fantastic addition to any yard, brightening up the space with their dramatic colors.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 20 different redbud tree varieties that will elevate your landscaping game. From the Eastern Redbud to the Lavender Twist Redbud, each variety offers unique features and benefits that will enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect redbud tree for your yard!

Why Choose Redbud Trees for Your Landscape?

Before we delve into the different redbud tree varieties, let’s take a moment to understand why these trees are a fantastic choice for your landscape:

Dramatic colors: Redbud trees are known for their striking pink and purple flowers that add a burst of color to your yard.
Hardy and low-maintenance: Most redbud tree varieties are resilient and can thrive in various soil conditions with minimal care.
Attracts pollinators: The vibrant blossoms of redbud trees attract bees and songbirds, adding to the biodiversity of your garden.
Versatile: With a range of sizes and shapes available, redbud trees can be incorporated into any landscape design, from small front yards to sprawling gardens.

Now that we understand the benefits of redbud trees, let’s explore 20 varieties that will transform your landscaping:

1. Eastern Redbud Tree

When it comes to dramatic colors, the Eastern Redbud tree steals the show with its magenta-colored heart-shaped flowers. Native to the eastern US, this tree is drought-resistant and can thrive in low-nutrient soils, making it a versatile choice for your yard.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 30 feet tall
Pest Resistant: Resistant to common pests

2. Weeping Redbud Tree

The Weeping Redbud tree features cascading branches that create a stunning visual effect in your landscape. With purple-pink flowers and a preference for partial sun, this variety adds a touch of elegance to any yard.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Partial sun
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 20 feet tall
Disease/Pests: Minimal susceptibility

3. Forest Pansy Redbud Tree

For a burst of color throughout the seasons, consider the Forest Pansy Redbud tree. This variety blooms in March or April and displays colorful foliage until winter. While not as drought-resistant as the Eastern Redbud, it thrives in well-watered soils.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 25 feet tall
Diseases/Deer: Resistant to common diseases, moderate deer resistance

4. Oklahoma Redbud Tree

With its magenta flowers and glossy leaves, the Oklahoma Redbud tree is a standout in any landscape. This variety stays compact, making it perfect for small front yards or as a focal point in your garden.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 15 feet tall
Pests/Disease: Minimal susceptibility to pests and diseases

5. Western Redbud Tree

The Western Redbud tree, also known as the California Redbud, boasts a wide and stout shape that thrives in dry areas of the southwest and western US. Its unique crown and hardy nature make it a striking addition to any landscape.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 20 feet tall
Pest Resistant: Resistant to pests and diseases

6. Texas White Redbud Tree

Native to southwest North America, the Texas White Redbud tree reaches heights of up to 40 feet at maturity. While it requires regular pruning in its early years, this tree rewards you with rich purple seed pods that linger into the winter months.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 40 feet tall
Pests/Deer: Moderate susceptibility to pests, some deer resistance

7. White Eastern Redbud

A rapid grower, the White Eastern Redbud tree quickly reaches heights of 20 to 30 feet, eventually topping out at 35 feet. While initially asymmetrical, this variety forms a smooth crown as it matures, making it a stunning addition to any landscape.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 35 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Moderate deer resistance

8. Don Egolf Redbud Tree

Named after horticulturist Donald Egolf, the Don Egolf Redbud tree is a compact, slow-growing variety that reaches heights of around nine feet. Ideal for smaller areas or as a focal point in your garden, this tree offers beauty in a compact package.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 9 feet tall
Deer Resistant: High deer resistance

9. European or Judas Redbud Tree

The European Redbud tree, also known as the Judas tree, thrives in drought conditions and prefers arid climates. With its vibrant blossoms and hardy nature, this variety brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your landscape.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Varies
Deer Resistant: Moderate deer resistance

10. Merlot Redbud Tree

Developed at North Carolina State University, the Merlot Redbud tree is a hybrid of the Texas White and Forest Pansy Redbud trees. Its rich purple flowers resemble the color of its namesake wine, attracting bees and birds to your garden.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 25 feet tall
Deer and Pests: Moderate susceptibility to pests, attracts bees and birds

11. Carolina Sweetheart Redbud Tree

Thriving in eastern and central North America, the Carolina Sweetheart Redbud tree prefers rich, well-drained soil for optimal growth. While not as tolerant of poor soils as other varieties, this tree is a stunning addition to any garden.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Rich, well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 30 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Moderate deer resistance

12. Chinese Redbud Tree

The Chinese Redbud tree showcases its colorful blossoms early in the spring, standing out from the crowd. While it thrives in full sun, periodic shade is essential for its health and growth, making it a versatile addition to any landscape.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 25 feet tall
Pests/Disease: Minimal susceptibility

13. Smooth Redbud Tree

Ideal for planting around lawns and patios, the Smooth Redbud tree is a favorite among pollinators like bees and songbirds. With its attractive blossoms and low maintenance needs, this variety adds beauty and biodiversity to your garden.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 20 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Moderate deer resistance

14. Hearts of Gold Redbud Tree

The Hearts of Gold Redbud tree stands out with its gold-colored foliage, a unique feature among redbud varieties. With a lifespan of approximately 75 years, this tree offers long-lasting beauty and elegance to your landscape.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 30 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Moderate deer resistance

15. Lavender Twist Redbud Tree

As a weeping tree, the Lavender Twist Redbud tree adds a touch of whimsy to your landscape with its cascading branches and pink-purple flowers. Compact in size, this variety is perfect for accentuating specific areas in your garden.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 10 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Moderate deer resistance

16. Eastern Redbud Columbus Strain

Originating from trees found in Columbus, Wisconsin, the Eastern Redbud Columbus Strain is a weeping-style variety that grows high and wide. With its pea-shaped blossoms and dark green foliage, this tree is a stunning focal point in any landscape.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 30 feet tall

17. Chain Flowered Redbud Tree

The Chain Flowered Redbud tree is known for its high growth and long blossoms that can reach up to four inches in length. Thriving in full sun, this variety adds a touch of elegance and drama to your garden with its striking blooms.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 25 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Moderate deer resistance

18. Rising Sun Redbud Tree

If you’re looking for a pop of color that lasts throughout the summer, the Rising Sun Redbud tree is the perfect choice. With its yellow leaves that maintain their color, this variety adds warmth and vibrancy to your landscape all season long.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 20 feet tall
Deer Resistant: Moderate deer resistance

19. Flamethrower Redbud Tree

While technically not a weeping variety, the Flamethrower Redbud tree features pendant-shaped blossoms and draping branches. Starting with purple leaves in the spring that turn red as the season progresses, this tree adds a touch of drama to your garden.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 25 feet tall
Pests/Disease: Minimal susceptibility

20. Alley Cat Redbud Tree

The Alley Cat Redbud tree is a sturdy variety that boasts pink blossoms mottled with white. With excellent heat tolerance, this tree maintains its beauty even in challenging conditions, making it a reliable choice for any landscape.

USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by region
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Mature Size: Up to 30 feet tall
Deer Resistant: High deer resistance

Conclusion

In conclusion, redbud trees are a fantastic addition to any landscape, bringing beauty, color, and biodiversity to your outdoor space. With a wide range of varieties to choose from, you can find the perfect redbud tree to suit your preferences and gardening needs.

Whether you opt for the dramatic colors of the Eastern Redbud or the cascading branches of the Lavender Twist Redbud, each variety offers unique features that will enhance the beauty of your yard. So, why wait? Plant a redbud tree today and watch your landscape come alive with vibrant colors and natural beauty!