Royal White Eastern Redbud

Among white-flowered redbuds, 'Royal White' stands apart as a cultivar worth hunting down—every few years we get our hands on five to ten. Discovered in 1940 by Royal Oakes as a chance seedling growing wild near Bluffs, Illinois, this tree captured attention for producing flowers that are both larger and more abundant than the typical white redbud form. The Missouri Botanical Garden notes that 'Royal White' kicks off its floral display earlier than its white-flowered relatives and maintains a more compact growth habit, making it particularly well-suited for smaller residential landscapes where a 20 to 30 foot tree needs to earn its keep.

Before the heart-shaped leaves unfurl, pure white pea-like blooms smother the bare branches in early spring, creating clouds of white that signal winter's retreat. This early bloom period makes 'Royal White' a critical nectar source when few other plants are flowering. The flowers attract an impressive parade of early-season pollinators, particularly long-tongued bees capable of reaching the deep nectaries. Among these visitors is the southeastern blueberry bee (Habropoda laboriosa), a specialist pollinator that relies on Cercis species as an important early-season food source before blueberries begin flowering. Once pollinated, the flowers give way to flat brown seed pods that persist through winter, providing occasional forage for songbirds.

As summer progresses, the glossy heart-shaped leaves create a dense, rounded canopy that offers cooling shade. Come fall, the foliage transitions to buttery yellow before dropping to reveal the tree's architectural branching structure. 'Royal White' serves double duty in the landscape: it's both a showy spring specimen and a valuable wildlife plant. The tree functions as a larval host for Henry's Elfin butterfly and supports at least 12 species of Lepidoptera that depend on redbud foliage during their caterpillar stage.

Plant 'Royal White' as an understory tree beneath taller shade trees, as a specimen near patios or entryways where its early blooms can be enjoyed up close, or in groupings for a dramatic spring display. The compact growth habit makes it suitable for smaller yards, and its white flowers pair beautifully with the pink blooms of typical eastern redbuds or the deeper purples of cultivars like 'Forest Pansy.' This tree thrives in USDA zones 4B through 9A, adapting to a range of soil types from clay to sandy loam, though it strongly prefers well-drained sites—soggy soils invite problems with verticillium wilt and canker.

Transplant young trees, as redbuds resent root disturbance and older specimens struggle to establish. Once planted, keep trees well-watered until established and maintain a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch to moderate soil temperature and moisture. Site the tree in a relatively protected location, as the branches can be prone to breakage. Redbuds perform well in full sun to partial shade, though flowering will be most profuse in sunnier spots. The tree doesn't tolerate prolonged drought or heat stress, so supplemental watering during dry spells helps maintain vigor.

Fair warning: 'Royal White' is uncommon in the nursery trade. If you spot one here you might want to grab it—Royal Oakes' 1940 discovery deserves a place in more landscapes than it currently occupies.

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.

Royal White Eastern Redbud

Soil quality and how to plant the Ace of Hearts

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.

When to fertilize the Ace of Hearts

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.

How and when to prune the Ace of Hearts

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.