Flame Thrower® Redbud

Introduced in 2020, this tree is spectacular! A cross between the burgundy colored and golden redbuds, the Flame Thrower® displays up to five colors (burgundy, red, orange, yellow, lime) of foliage on each branch. The size of the Flamethrower is similar to that of the rising sun, keeping it small, topping out at 15 to 20 feet high and 15 feet wide. Like most other redbuds, it is a low maintenance tree and can tolerate full sun with minimal leaf scorch, but does best in morning or afternoon sun.

The Flame Thrower Redbud is similar to the rising sun, but larger in stature meaning that it is more useful as a single specimen in a garden bed or yard and that the canopy or structures will play more of a role in selecting a planting location. With it's multitude of bright yellows, reds, and oranges, the flame thrower pairs well with the solid deep greens of hostas, perennials, boxwood, grasses and ferns when in a garden bed, or as a single tree with natural dark brown mulch and elements of hardscaping. Given that it is even more audacious than the Rising Sun, we recommend pairing with companion plants that bring in greens and other neutral colors, which frame the flame thrower in the landscape. The Flame Thrower is a native cultivar, and pairs well with other native perennials when the goal is a native North American garden. 

Proper fertilization is also important. The more new growth on the tree the more color you will see - you can find more information about how to plant and fertilize on the tab labeled "Care" below.

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.

Flame Thrower® Redbud

Soil quality and how to plant the Flame Thrower Redbud

The Flame Thrower, like most redbud trees prefers consistently moist soil that is rich in organic matter, but can do well in a wide range of soils. Soil compaction will restrict growth and should be addressed by digging as large a hole as possible. We recommend a minimum of 3x3 ft. and digging at least 18 inches deep to break up the soil. Remove the grass, but retain as much of the original soil from the grass clumps as possible. A higher quality soil can be supplemented, but use no more than a 30% new to 70% original soil ratio. Too much new soil can cause water to pool in the hole, which will drown and kill the plant. With redbuds, mulching is extremely important (especially in the early years) as it suppresses grass and weeds, retains moisture, improves soil quality and reduces the chances of compaction from foot or mower traffic. For more specific details on how to plant see our guide.

The Flame Thrower depends on new growth for it to maintain it's spectacular appearance, so fertilizer is recommended for optimal growth. A soil test is recommend for accurate fertilization, but a general NPK + micronutrients slow release fertilizer will cover the basis if a test is not performed. We recommend a 10-11 month slow release fertilizer be applied each year as a top dress in the mulch around the growing area. Apply this fertilizer prior to spring, so that the tree has access to nutrients in the spring and fall growing periods.

Pruning can be a challenge for new gardeners, so unless you are experienced, we recommend limiting pruning to a few branches each season. Pruning can be done during the winter months, but will rob you of the newest blooms. Pruning can also be done in late spring, after the blooms fade. Try to focus on branches that cross into the tree or create a steep V as these can create rubs, restrain growth on the central leader, and lead to breakage. Prune branches that are lower to the the ground to allow for space under the tree for mowing and and a more tree-like appearance. Most redbuds will grow shoots around the base of the tree, trim these back as low to the ground as possible each season. I've seen shoots grow almost to the size of a small tree within a few months, so get them as early as you can. When pruning take care to prune branches when they are as small as possible and take no more than 1/3 of the branches from a tree in one season.