Whitewater Weeping Redbud

Ornamental & Architectural Characteristics:

Boy, does this tree know how to make an entrance. Mature specimens reach a modest 6 feet tall by 2-3 feet wide, making this one of the most compact weeping redbuds available. The gracefully cascading branches create a fountain-like silhouette that lives up to the cultivar's aquatic namesake.

Foliage is the real showstopper. Heart-shaped leaves emerge in spring looking like they've been dipped in white paint—seriously, they're almost entirely white splashed with just a few green flecks. As summer progresses, the color reverses itself in a botanical magic trick: leaves mature to predominantly green generously speckled with white. It's variegation that actually changes through the season, giving you a dynamic display rather than static splashes of color. Come fall, the whole affair turns a respectable yellow before dropping.

Before all this foliar theatrics begin, deep rose-purple flowers cluster tightly along bare branches in April and May. The contrast of dark purple-rose blooms against the emerging white foliage is nothing short of spectacular. The weeping habit means these flowers cascade downward, creating layers of color that draw the eye from top to bottom. In winter, you're left with a graceful framework of weeping branches—architectural interest when the rest of the garden is dormant.

Using 'Whitewater' in the Landscape:

This cultivar's compact size and striking variegation make it absurdly versatile. The white-splashed foliage practically glows in partial shade, functioning as a living spotlight in darker corners of the garden. Consider these placements:

• Specimen or accent planting where its unique combination of weeping form and variegation commands attention without overwhelming the space
• Entryway flanking—use symmetrically on either side of doorways or gates for high-impact curb appeal
• Water feature companions—the weeping form looks stunning reflected in ponds or fountains (keep it on well-drained perimeters, not in standing water)
• Small spaces, patios, and walkways where its compact footprint shines
• Container culture for decks, patios, or balconies (use large containers)
• Border, foundation, or mass plantings for screening or creating drifts of variegated texture
• Pollinator, butterfly, and cottage gardens where early-season blooms support beneficial insects
• Rock gardens where its delicate appearance contrasts with stone hardscaping
• Rain garden perimeters (well-drained edges only)

The variegated foliage provides season-long interest and brightens shaded areas where darker-leaved plants might disappear. Pair with deep green or burgundy foliage for maximum contrast, or use near blue and purple flowers that echo the bloom color.

Cultivar History:

'Whitewater' is a product of the breeding program at North Carolina State University under Dr. Dennis Werner at the JC Raulston Arboretum—the same program responsible for multiple groundbreaking redbud cultivars. While the exact parentage isn't published in extension materials, it combines the weeping habit characteristic of Werner's breeding line with striking variegated foliage, creating a relatively new introduction that's rapidly gaining popularity.

The cultivar represents a departure from typical variegated redbuds (which tend to be upright) by combining the waterfall form with the variegation. It's been noted at the JC Raulston Arboretum for its ornamental merit and compact size, making it accessible to gardeners who might not have room for larger specimens.

Cultural requirements match the species: full sun to partial shade (though the variegation shows best with some afternoon shade in hot climates), moderately fertile well-drained soils, and pH adaptability. This cultivar is relatively low maintenance and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing next season's flower buds. It absolutely does not tolerate wet soils—site it where drainage is assured. Once established, maintain even moisture and mulch the root zone.

Wildlife Value:

Despite its ornamental breeding, 'Whitewater' retains the ecological function of the species. The deep rose-purple flowers provide critical early-season nectar for emerging pollinators in April and May, including the southeastern blueberry bee (Habropoda laboriosa)—a specialized native pollinator that resembles a small bumble bee and frequently visits redbud before blueberries bloom. Native bees and bumble bees work the flowers enthusiastically.

Like all Cercis canadensis cultivars, 'Whitewater' serves as a larval host plant for Henry's Elfin butterfly (Callophrys henrici), whose caterpillars feed on flower buds and young leaves from February through May. It's also host to 11 other species of Lepidoptera, making it valuable for supporting native butterfly and moth populations. Once pollinated, flowers develop into flat legume pods containing seeds that songbirds and small mammals consume as supplemental food.

Hummingbirds and butterflies visit for nectar. The variegated foliage may show circular notches from leafcutter bees (Megachile species) that harvest leaf material for nest construction—a sign of a healthy native bee population, not a cause for alarm.

Pest Notes:

Some insect activity is possible: twig borers, treehoppers, caterpillars, scales, and leafhoppers. Many of these (particularly caterpillars) represent larval host activity—the very thing you want if you're supporting native ecosystems. True damage is generally minimal and doesn't warrant intervention unless populations become severe.

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.

Redbud Trees

Redbuds are an amazing and varied species of tree. General care and soil requirements are the same, although light and temperature requirements will differ based on cultivar. We sell our redbuds bare-root, we've sold thousands of redbuds this way with few problems, but they will be lightly rooted when you get them. This means your number one priority should be getting the roots established. Do this by planting early in the spring (or fall if you are zone 7a or south) and caring for the tree appropriately with slow release fertilizer and proper water (a moisture meter works wonders).

Most problems with redbuds come from poor site selection. Tougher than a dogwood, a redbud is a hardy tree with few problems when sited properly. It will tolerate full sun or shade can withstand a bit of drought, but will struggle with disease and lack of growth in poor soil.

Site Selection

Redbuds do prefer some shade, afternoon shade is best as morning sun decreases problems with powdery mildew, but most cultivars will grow in full sun without issue. They will not tolerate a site with standing water and prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Soil composition is less important with redbuds than compaction, which happens from heavy equipment, vehicle traffic, mower traffic or even lots of foot traffic. Compacted soil is hard and lacks the natural sponge like structure that redbuds need to grow. A good rule of thumb is that if grass is struggling in an area then redbuds will too. Speaking of grass, grass should be removed in a 2-3 ft. radius around the redbud. Wood mulch should be applied and must be applied to qualify for a refund. Rock leads to extra heating and is as likely to damage your tree as protect it. Finally, redbuds can grow in costal areas, but the salts near the ocean will cause growth issues. They should not be grown south of the Florida pan handle unless your micro-climate specifically sustains existing populations of the tree.

Powdery Mildew

Problems with powdery mildew can occur and if they do we recommend increased airflow and making sure your watering regiment does not wet the leaves. In very wet years or climates this problem can be unavoidable, but try pruning back some of the branches or your redbud to increase airflow. Early spring and after flowering are both suitable times to prune - following directions for proper tree pruning.

Redbud Leaf Roller Caterpillars

Leaf roller caterpillars are small and zebra striped. They will fold, roll, or paste leaves together with silk to create a home. Once again established trees should not be a problem (see below for weeping redbuds), pruning back some of the leaves can improve airflow and access to predators. If you continue to be bothered by them, we suggest stepping back 10 ft. and seeing if they are still a problem. If they are, we prefer the long term solution of creating habitat for predators, birds and tiny parasitic wasps (they don't sting) over the use of pesticides that do more harm than good. Once again eliminating some of the leaf density will give them less high quality real estate, while making them easier for predators to reach. Peeling apart stuck leaves before they receive too much damage is also helpful. We don’t recommend pesticides as these will struggle to reach the leaf rollers caterpillars, simply making them more accessible to predators and using the 10 ft. rule (view the trees from 10 feet away) are the best approaches to dealing with this important food source for birds.

Leaf Cutter Bees

We get a lot of questions about perfectly cut circles and semicircles in redbuds. These are fascinating in their own right, and you may think tiny ancient aliens visited your tree at night. This is the work of the leaf-cutter bee, which is an important native pollinator that uses redbud leaves to make its nests. Once again, living with nature and the 10 ft. rule is the best approach here.

Weeping Redbuds

Weeping redbuds are great trees for small spaces, use them in a home landscape for their unique appearance and beautiful qualities. They must be trained to a certain height, so if purchased below the intended size, stake them and tie them with vinyl tape periodically to help them reach the desired size. At 3-4 in height they make an interesting alternative to shrubs, at 6-7 feet they are gorgeous weeping trees.

Powdery mildew and redbud leaf rollers can be a bigger problem for weeping redbuds due to the leaves layering on top of one another that create a lack of airflow and deny access to predators. We recommend periodic pruning of your weeping redbud if you experience either of these issues. Think of it as a haircut and take your time pruning only a small amount and smaller branches if possible. Spring and summer after flowering are both good times to prune.