The Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’ is a popular ornamental cultivar of the Eastern Redbud, prized for its unique, cascading form. This deciduous tree features branches that weep dramatically, creating a landscape focal point. The striking foliage emerges deep maroon-red in spring, maturing to a rich burgundy-purple that provides season-long color before turning gold and orange in autumn. Bright, rosy-pink, pea-like flowers cover the bare branches in early spring, making it a desirable specimen tree for smaller gardens.
Selecting the Site and Planting the Tree
Optimal placement of the ‘Ruby Falls’ Redbud ensures its long-term health and vibrant color. The tree thrives across USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9. Full sun encourages the deepest purple color in the foliage, though the tree tolerates partial shade, especially where afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch in hot regions.
The soil must be well-draining, as the Redbud is highly susceptible to root rot in saturated conditions. While adaptable to various soil types, a moderately fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral is preferred. To prepare the planting site, dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball itself.
Ensure the root flare—where the trunk widens at the base—remains exposed slightly above the surrounding soil level. Backfill the hole with native soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets without excessive compaction. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil. Apply a layer of organic mulch to maintain soil moisture and moderate temperature, keeping it several inches away from the trunk.
Routine Care: Watering and Feeding Requirements
Proper moisture management is important, particularly during the establishment phase. Newly planted trees require consistent moisture to develop a strong root system, often needing watering multiple times per week for the first one or two seasons. Established trees require deep, infrequent watering, which encourages roots to grow downward.
Check if the top two to three inches of soil are dry to the touch to determine if watering is necessary. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot, so allow the soil to dry out slightly between irrigation events. Applying a two to three-inch layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture.
Redbuds require minimal fertilization once established. If growth is poor or the soil is nutrient-deficient, apply a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. This supports the tree’s energy needs as it breaks dormancy and prepares for flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive, weak growth vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Specialized Pruning for Weeping Form
The ‘Ruby Falls’ Redbud is a grafted cultivar, meaning its weeping top is attached to a standard Redbud rootstock. Immediately remove any shoots, known as suckers, that sprout below the graft union. These suckers will compete with the desired weeping form and must be eliminated.
Major structural pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before buds break dormancy, or immediately after the spring bloom finishes. Pruning after flowering prevents the removal of the current season’s flower buds. The goal of pruning is to maintain the tree’s weeping architecture and overall health.
Remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood, as well as crossing or rubbing branches that create entry points for pathogens. Thinning the canopy improves air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal issues like leaf spot. To enhance the weeping look, selectively remove lower branches to lift the canopy and prevent cascading branches from draping onto the ground.
Identifying and Managing Common Redbud Issues
The ‘Ruby Falls’ Redbud can be vulnerable to a few common pests and diseases. The most serious threat is Botryosphaeria canker, a fungal disease that appears as sunken, discolored areas on the branches or trunk, often leading to branch dieback. This fungus typically enters the tree through wounds or stressed tissues, and prevention is achieved by avoiding mechanical injury to the bark.
If a canker is identified, the infected branch must be pruned out completely, cutting back into healthy wood. Pruning tools should be disinfected between cuts to prevent the spread of spores. Verticillium wilt is another serious fungal concern, causing sudden wilting and dieback of entire sections of the tree; there is no cure, so proper site selection and tree health are the best defenses. Fungal leaf spots are common but less harmful, manifesting as dark spots on the leaves, which can be managed by improving air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Common insect pests include aphids and scale insects, which feed on the tree’s sap, leading to distorted new growth or general decline. Aphids can often be dislodged with a strong stream of water or treated with insecticidal soap if the infestation is heavy. Scale insects, which appear as small, immobile bumps on the branches, can be controlled with horticultural oil applications during the dormant season.