Cercis canadensis ‘JN2’ – The Rising Sun™ Redbud

Botanical Name: Cercis canadensis ‘JN2’

Alternate Name: Cercis canadensis ‘Rising Sun’, The Rising Sun Eastern Redbud

The Rising Sun Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Rising Sun’) is a hybrid of unknown parentage but is thought to be related to the Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis). It was found growing in Belvidere, Tennessee, in 2006 by Jackson Nursery owners Cindy and Ray Jackson. This stunning tree is deciduous with a beautiful pyramidal form. Its branches make up beautifully layered tiers of multicolored, hanging leaves. This tree grows to a height of 8-12 feet and a width of 8-12 feet.

The flowers of The Rising Sun Redbud tree are a pretty lavender-rose color. They appear in small clusters, covering the branches in spring. They are followed by large, multi-colored, heart-shaped leaves that emerge in shades of orange, gold, and yellow. The leaves mature to an attractive chartreuse green in summer. But as the tree keeps producing new leaves, there is always an eye-catching mixture of different colored leaves throughout the growing season. Fall brings a stunning bright orange and yellow foliage display.

The Rising Sun Redbud is a wonderful tree for small landscapes. It can be used for its coarse texture and multi-colored leaves to contrast with finer textured conifers and azaleas. It also works well in Asian-inspired gardens, planted with Japanese Maples, cherry, and pine trees.

This redbud cultivar is attractive to butterflies and birds. It is also tolerant of heat and drought. This tree can be susceptible to Verticillium Wilt if planted in heavy, wet soil.