How to Grow and Care for Weeping Redbud

Weeping redbud is the weeping form of the popular, spring-blooming Eastern redbud, a tree that puts out iconic pink-purple flowers in the spring before developing leaves. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, weeping redbuds are happy in temperate climates and in a variety of soil types, as long as they get at least partial sunlight. Read on for our care and growing guide.

Weeping Redbud Care

Care for this tree is similar to that of the classic Eastern redbud. Here are the main requirements for growing a weeping redbud:

• Choose a sunny spot to plant the tree, receiving at least a few hours of sunlight but ideally more
• Soil is not much of a concern here, as redbuds tolerate most soil types, as long as it is well-draining
• Water weeping redbuds somewhat regularly, as they will suffer in periods of drought
• Feed the tree with an all-purpose fertilizer in the spring before it begins to bloom

Light

The weeping redbud tree does fine in partial shade, and being a shorter tree can grow in the shade of larger landscape trees. One sees them in woodlands sometimes where they have reseeded, blooming happily beneath the forest canopy.

Soil

Like most deciduous trees that bloom in early spring, the redbud needs well-drained soil. When planting, add plenty of compost and some peat moss. Choose a good location as these trees don't like to be transplanted once established.

Water

The redbud benefits from regular watering at its base, especially during a dry spell. Being somewhat short-lived, these trees are not quite as resilient in extremes of weather or drought as their sturdier cousins like maples or oaks.

Temperature and Humidity

The weeping form, in particular the 'Lavender Twist' cultivar, goes dormant a bit earlier than the standard Eastern redbud, however, both are quite cold hardy.

In zone 4, your weeping redbud might need some extra protection from the winter winds and some mulch. Be sure to leave a couple of inches of space between the mulch line and the trunk of the tree.

Fertilizer

This tree responds well to some general-purpose fertilizer in the spring before its blossoms open.

Types of Weeping Redbud

There are many different types of C. canadensis available, offering different twists on the classic weeping redbud. Here are just a handful:

• 'Ace of Hearts': a dwarf variety that only grows to about 10 or 12 feet tall, ideal for smaller spaces.
• 'Flame Thrower': grows leaves that change color throughout their growth cycle, resulting in foliage of various colors at the same time.
• 'Golden Falls': provides bright, golden leaves, growing in a cascading, weeping fashion.
• 'Lavender Twist': flowers have a more purple or lavender hue, making the spring flowers stand out even more.
• 'Ruby Falls': has darker, reddish leaves that are almost purple.
• 'White Pom Poms': dainty, white flowers in the form of white clouds or pom poms, instead of the standard pink.

Pruning

Careful pruning is important to maintain an elegant shape, avoid breakage, and keep the tree flowering vigorously. It is best done in the fall to shape the tree or remove dead branches.

The branches tend to split fairly low on the trunk and the abundant spring flowers can form on the trunk itself, so pruning will be needed to help shape these branches. The large leaves may also begin to overpower the tree, so removing the excess branches helps maintain a more balanced look.

It's best to avoid having V-shaped branch crotches in this tree, which can lead to breakages as the tree ages and its limbs get heavier.

Propagating Weeping Redbud

While it is possible to propagate redbud trees from cuttings, many find that the cuttings do not take. For this reason, it's much easier to propagate new redbud trees from seed.

How to Grow Weeping Redbud From Seed

Growing redbuds from seed isn't easy, but it's not impossible. These seeds require a stratification period to mimic natural winter conditions. Here's how to grow weeping redbud from seed:

1. Gather your redbud seeds and submerge them in boiling water for a couple of minutes to help break down their seedcoats.
2. Prepare a stratification container by placing a 50:50 mix of sand and peat moss in a small tub.
3. Bury the seeds in this container, and put it, uncovered, in the fridge for about two months.
4. Remove the seeds and plant them as you would normally in a commercial potting mix.
5. Mist the potting mix regularly to prevent it from drying out, while you wait for the seeds to germinate.

Overwintering

In colder regions where weeping redbuds are hardy, they will benefit from a layer of mulch in the winter, which will help keep them warm. Be sure to leave a few inches of space between the mulch and the base of the tree. Depending on the tree's location, if possible, you may also want to put up a protective structure to minimize damage from harsh winter winds.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Your redbud may be susceptible to cankers and is also somewhat susceptible to tree-boring insects. Leafspots and mildew may also be a concern. You should consult a tree specialist to diagnose and treat any major health problems.

How to Get Weeping Redbud to Bloom

Heathy redbud trees should bloom readily, putting on a pinkish-purple spring show.

Bloom Months

Like most redbud trees, weeping redbuds will bloom between March and April for two to three weeks.

What Do Weeping Redbud Flowers Look and Smell Like?

The small, dainty flowers of weeping redbuds are pink with a purple hue, and the are similar to pea flowers. The blooming tree will look like a pink cloud that stands out in the late winter months. The flowers have a faintly sweet smell.

How to Encourage More Blooms

Though redbud trees can do just fine in partial shade, they will produce more bountiful blooms in full sun, meaning at least six hours of unfiltered sunlight. You can also try fertilizing the tree with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Caring for Weeping Redbud After It Blooms

After blooming, prune your weeping redbud, removing any dying branches or shaping it to your liking. The tree will not need any other special care at this time.

Deadheading Weeping Redbud Flowers

There is no need to specifically deadhead the flowers on your weeping redbud, though you will want to consider pruning it after all the blooms have fallen.

Common Problems With Weeping Redbud

While weeping redbud trees are relatively easy to care for, you'll want to be on the lookout for these common issues.

Premature Leaf Drop

Leaves can drop prematurely on a weeping redbud tree when stressed from excessive heat or lack of water. Make sure to provide regular water, especially during dry periods or times of extreme heat.

Browning Leaves

Weeping redbud trees can experience browning leaves if they are getting too much water. While you want to give these trees regular water, you want to make sure not to waterlog them, which can lead to root rot. If you notice this occurring, dial back on watering until the leaves stop browning.

From: thespruce