The genus Cercis, commonly known as the redbud, is a collection of small deciduous trees prized for their spring blossoms and distinctive heart-shaped foliage. The weeping form has become a highly sought-after ornamental tree in landscapes. This unique growth habit provides a strong architectural focal point and multi-seasonal interest, from early spring flowers to a graceful winter silhouette. Weeping redbuds are valued for their smaller size, making them perfect specimens for courtyards and residential gardens.
Defining the Weeping Redbud Form
The weeping redbud is a horticultural variation of the standard, vase-shaped Cercis canadensis that exhibits a strongly pendulous or cascading branch structure. This characteristic is achieved through grafting, where a cutting (scion) from a weeping sport is joined onto the trunk (rootstock) of a standard redbud seedling. The height of the graft union ultimately determines the mature height of the canopy, as the trunk will not gain significant height above that point.
Branches grow upward slightly before arching sharply downward, creating a dense, dome-like or umbrella-shaped canopy. This naturally smaller, contained structure allows these cultivars to be used effectively in restricted spaces, such as near patios or entryways. The weeping habit also reveals an intricate, often twisted branch pattern that provides striking visual texture during the dormant winter months. Unlike the species tree, which can reach 20 to 30 feet, the weeping form remains petite, often maturing between 6 and 12 feet tall, depending on the cultivar and the height of the original graft.
Popular Cultivars and Their Differences
Several distinct cultivars have been developed, each offering a unique combination of bloom, foliage color, and mature size. One of the earliest and most recognized varieties is Cercis canadensis ‘Lavender Twist’ (also known as ‘Covey’), noted for its strongly contorted and zigzagging branches. This variety produces abundant clusters of lavender-pink flowers in early spring, followed by classic mid-green, heart-shaped leaves that turn golden in autumn. Its mature size depends on how high the trunk was originally staked, often reaching 5 to 6 feet tall with a wider spread.
Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’ offers a different color profile, resulting from a cross between a weeping redbud and the purple-leaved ‘Forest Pansy’. It is distinguished by deep maroon to ruby-red new foliage, which maintains its color longer before mellowing to a dark green-burgundy in summer heat. This variety exhibits a pronounced weeping habit and remains compact, typically maturing to a height of 6 to 8 feet with a narrow spread of 4 to 5 feet. Its deep rose-pink flowers appear densely along the cascading branches before the leaves emerge.
Cercis canadensis ‘The Rising Sun’ is celebrated primarily for its intensely colorful foliage rather than a strong weeping form, often presenting a dense, rounded habit. The leaves emerge a vibrant apricot-orange, then transition through shades of gold and yellow before settling into a speckled lime-green. Because new leaves emerge continuously throughout the growing season, the tree displays a constant mix of these warm colors simultaneously. This cultivar is slightly larger than the others, typically reaching 8 to 12 feet tall and wide, and features lavender-colored blooms in the spring.
Essential Care and Placement
Successful cultivation of weeping redbuds begins with thoughtful site selection, as these trees do not transplant well once established. They perform best in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Full sun maximizes flower production in northern climates, while afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch and heat stress in regions with intense summer heat.
Redbuds require well-drained soil and are adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay and various pH levels, but they must never be planted in areas where water pools. During the first year after planting, regular, deep watering is necessary to help the root system establish. Once established, redbuds exhibit good drought tolerance, but consistent moisture promotes optimal growth.
Maintenance pruning focuses on two primary aspects: structure and health. Any shoots or suckers that emerge from the rootstock below the graft union must be promptly removed, as these will have the standard upright growth habit and quickly overtake the weeping cultivar. Structural pruning should be done immediately after the spring bloom to remove any dead or crossing wood and to gently shape the cascading canopy.