Oklahoma Sparkler Redbud

Oklahoma Sparkler, previously known as Sparkling Wine, features a compact size (12 - 15 ft.) and glossy multihued purple, red and green leaves. In early spring bright purple/pink redbud blooms emerge in clusters that light up the landscape. From spring to fall heart shaped leaves emerge in a multitude of colors with the newest growth emerging red, transitioning to purple and then to green. This cascade of color and the small size of Sparkling Wine make it a great tree for foundation plantings or for occupying the center of garden beds.

One of the things we really like this cultivar is how the leaves seem to change color in a gentle breeze. It was given the name Sparkling Wine due to the velvety pink/purple color of the underside of the leaves. When caught by a breeze the heart-shaped leaves twist and turn exposing the soft colors under the leaves causing the tree to shimmer and sparkle in the light. 

Sparking Wine was discovered by some of our favorite people, Ray and Cindy Jackson of Jackson Nursery, who also discovered the Rising Sun Redbud. We are thrilled to bring this new offering from them to market and we think it will be an outstanding landscape specimen for years to come.

As a native cultivar, Oklahoma Sparkler provides the same ecological benefits as the straight species. According to research by Dr. Doug Tallamy, eastern redbud serves as a larval host plant for approximately 19-24 species of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), including Henry's elfin butterfly and three specialist moth species—the redbud leaffolder, promiscuous angle, and Cenopis chambersana—whose caterpillars feed exclusively on redbud foliage [1]. The early spring flowers provide critical nectar for emerging pollinators when few other food sources are available, including the southeastern blueberry bee (Habropoda laboriosa), a specialist pollinator that forages on redbud before blueberries bloom. Additional pollinators include carpenter bees, bumble bees, mason bees, and various native mining and sweat bees [2]. Hummingbirds also visit the flowers for early-season nectar. The seeds attract finches, juncos, nuthatches, cardinals, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and wild turkeys, while caterpillars feeding on the foliage become essential protein for songbirds raising their young. By selecting Oklahoma Sparkler, you're not just adding a beautiful ornamental tree—you're establishing a native plant that supports complex food webs throughout the growing season.

[1] Tallamy, D.W. 2009. Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants. Updated and Expanded Edition. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
[2] Xerces Society, "From the Field: Trees for Bees".

Photo Credit: Emily Ross, New Blooms Nursery

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.

Oklahoma Sparkler Redbud

Soil quality and how to plant the Sparkling Wine

Sparkling Wine, 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.

When to fertilize the Sparkling Wine

Sparkling Wine 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.

How and when to prune the Sparkling Wine

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.