Appalachian Red Redbud
Cercis canadensis 'Appalachian Red'
Mature Height: 15 to 25 ft.
Mature Spread: 15 to 25 ft.
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| Bloom Color: | Red, dark pink, bright pink |
| Bloom Period: | Early spring |
| Fall Color: | Yellow, orange, copper and gold |
| Foliage Color: | Emerges bright green transitions to dark green in summer |
| Genus & Species: | Cercis canadensis 'Appalachian Red' |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Mature Height: | 15 to 25 ft. |
| Mature Spread: | 15 to 25 ft. |
| Soil Type: | Adaptable, but prefers moist, but well draining soil that is rich in organic matter |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun; Partial sun; Partial shade; Dappled light |
| Zone: | 4 to 9 |
When spring arrives and most gardens still wear their winter grays and browns, the Appalachian Red redbud explodes with color that makes even the most jaded gardener stop and stare. This native cultivar pushes the color dial from polite to exuberant, with deep reddish-purple buds unfurling into nearly neon pink flowers that are so vivid, they practically glow against bare branches.
The Appalachian Red matures to a compact 15 to 25 feet tall with an equal spread, making it manageable for smaller properties while still delivering maximum visual impact. The flowers appear in early spring before the leaves emerge, carpeting the branches and even the trunk itself—redbuds are one of the few trees that bloom directly on their bark, a phenomenon called cauliflory that gives them an otherworldly appearance when in full flower. After the three-week floral display concludes, heart-shaped leaves emerge in a dark blue-green that provides a handsome backdrop through summer before transitioning to butter yellow in autumn.
This cultivar performs admirably in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, showing considerably more cold tolerance than many ornamental trees. It prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter and thrives in full sun to partial shade, though some afternoon shade in hotter climates prevents leaf scorch and helps maintain the best foliage color throughout summer.
The Appalachian Red excels as an understory tree beneath larger shade trees, where its early spring blooms can steal the show before the canopy leafs out. Plant it near patios or windows where you can appreciate the flower display up close, or use it as a specimen tree against white or neutral-colored walls and fences—the contrast makes those hot pink flowers absolutely sing. The compact size makes it suitable for foundation plantings, and it works beautifully in mixed borders alongside spring-flowering bulbs and early perennials.
While this tree makes an excellent solo performer, consider pairing it with white-flowering dogwoods or magnolias for a stunning multi-layered spring display. The architectural form provides interest even in winter, when the branching pattern creates an elegant silhouette against snow or gray skies.
The Appalachian Red represents one of those fortunate discoveries where nature does the breeding work and observant eyes spot the treasure. This cultivar was discovered growing alongside a road in Maryland, a naturally occurring variant of our native Eastern redbud that happened to produce flowers in a far more intense pink-red color than the typical lavender-pink of the species. Someone driving past noticed this roadside standout blooming in a color that demanded attention, and the cultivar was subsequently introduced to cultivation.
The discovery illustrates an important principle in horticulture: valuable cultivars aren't always created through deliberate breeding programs. Sometimes the best selections arise spontaneously in wild populations, waiting for someone to recognize their exceptional qualities. The native range of Cercis canadensis extends throughout eastern North America, and within that vast distribution, genetic variation produces the occasional individual with outstanding ornamental characteristics—like the dramatically intensified flower color of Appalachian Red.
As a native cultivar, the Appalachian Red redbud provides substantial ecological benefits that extend well beyond its ornamental appeal. The early spring flowers deliver a critical nectar source for pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. The flowers also attract various species of butterflies and is a host plant to may of their caterpillars. After flowering concludes, the trees produce flat, bean-like seed pods—legumes, as redbuds belong to the pea family. These pods provide food for songbirds including finches, juncos, nuthatches, cardinals, and rose-breasted grosbeaks through fall and winter. White-tailed deer and squirrels also consume the seeds.
General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.
One of the taller branches broke off in the box during shipping but it’s already starting to grow just a couple weeks after I planted it! I’ve been looking for this tree for a year now and I’m glad I found a reputable company! I would definitely order from them again.
I love it. I was happily surprised by the size of this tree.
Leafing out beautifully.
Tree arrived on time as promised. It was well packaged. A little disappointed that the tree that arrived was only a single thin stick with no branches. Looks like a Charlie Brown tree. We planted immediately upon receipt and only now observing leaf buds.it is actually too premature to write a fair product review, have to give it a few more weeks to see leaf/branch development progress. Our local nurseryman commented that if we are successful in getting this redbud to grow that we will have a beautiful tree. He said he would like to carry the Appalachian redbud but he cannot get them.
I was waiting to respond when I had more to share. The 4’ (stick) :-) was received and instructions followed for planting. I witnessed only a few buds and now, after more than a month in the ground, buds at every intersection of bend, are popping out, showing me it is alive and kicking. Awesomely cool tree, glad I saw it last year (2024) at Blandy experimental Farm here in Virginia. I also appreciate you adding my name to the contact list and actually following up!
I received the “ stick“ of Heart’s Afire redbud the spring of 2024. To illustrate the beauty of this tree I have attached a couple of photos from this fall of this wonderful tree.
4 weeks
. Can wait til its full.highly recommended
Highly rec. I got the flamethrower and rising sun. both shippped dormant. 4-5ft Arrived safely and quickly. Althougn pricey both are healthy Flamethrower picture at 4 weeks since recieved. Lots of time trees I get online come half dead not really dormant and I end up having to save the tree. Very happy with purchase wish I had brought other trees b4 they went out of stock. Will be back for more.
Came in great condition. Excited to see this grow in the coming years!
It is barely 4 feet tall. All of the roots were flattened like a pancake. I have never seen any plant have roots that didn't flare out in a circular manor. I will have to wait and see.
Tree arrived extreamly very well packaged. The tree health was perfect.
Arrived in good condition, 3 weeks since planted, tree has appropriate new growth and leaf development.. thank you New Blooms from Jeff and Ruth
Redbud tree
So excited about this little tree and watching it grow. Moving into a new home so for now it’s in a pot till we pick the perfect spot. The red leaves are beautiful and I look forward to watching it grow. Great customer service and packaging!!
I had this tree in the past but somebody backed over it. It made blooms and beautiful leaves yet this one has made many more blossoms. I will keep an eye on it to see if it fills in well
I ordered 3 trees, two redbuds and all three plants arrived in great shape. Planting instructions were also very helpful.
New Blooms is the real deal. They send me a terrific Rising Sun Eastern Redbud Tree, and it was quick to plant and started growing right away. I've been scammed before by plant and seed sellers in the past, but my experience with New Blooms was great. Would highly recommend them to ship you your next tree or plant.
Tree arrived in great shape. Already budding
This is a favorite! I was having trouble finding this tree at the local nurseries. My last one was run over during a car accident.
The tree arrived so well packaged, it took a few extra days to arrive and not this company’s fault. As Travis assured my tree arrived healthy, it’s planted in a safer area of my yard. You’ll be pleased! Perfect for a smaller yard too.
Personal service....quality tree and packaging and planting instructions..Will be a repeat customer
Ordered and tree died first year.
Hi Beth, We're sorry to hear your tree didn't make it. That's never the outcome we want. We offer a warranty on all of our trees, and we're always happy to work with customers when something isn't going right — but we do need to hear from you during that coverage window, which this is well beyond, so we can help.
We don't have a record of you reaching out to us about this tree. If you'd like to get in touch, we're happy to talk through what may have happened and help you have a better experience next time.
— Travis
The tree came in great condition and had a nice vase shape. It is staring to leaf out. Can’t wait to see it grow!
Very healthy and cool tree.
Ideal experience ..arrived well packed and in great condition. But best of all was their communication. I knew exactly what to expect and when
Tree was in very good shape.
When the tree finally showed up it appeared to be healthy. It spent 2 weeks in the mail going who knows where, but that’s on the USPS. I got quick responses when trying to find what was going on. It’s a much nicer tree than I expected. Can’t wait to see it when it gets leaves.
Shipped appropriately and arrived in good shape
We planted them the day they arrived but no blooms or leaves yet