Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Red’ – Appalachian Red Redbud

Botanical Name: Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Red’

Alternate Name: Appalachian Red Eastern Redbud

The Appalachian Red Redbud is a cultivar of the Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis). This small, deciduous tree has a more rounded and symmetrical canopy when planted in the sun but develops a more irregular, open-branching shape when planted in partial shade.  The Appalachian Red Redbud tree grows to a height of 15-25 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide. It is useful as a street tree, a specimen tree – close to patios or decks – or as a small shade tree.

This cultivar’s blooms are a brighter, more vibrant pink than those of the Eastern Redbud and other Cercis cultivars. They are similar in color to Fuchsia flowers. The flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds. The blooms develop on the branches and twigs before the leaves appear. The heart-shaped leaves are mid-green and follow the vibrant flowers later in the spring.

Appalachian Red is a useful landscape tree. It fits beautifully into Pacific Northwest gardens, contrasting with the finer texture of different colored conifer foliage and the more angular leaves of Japanese Maples. It also works well at the back of mixed beds, planted with Rhododendrons and Camellias.

The Appalachian Red Redbud can be susceptible to canker diseases.