Cercis canadensis 'RUBY FALLS'

Eastern redbud is a lovely, deciduous, small tree or a large shrub where the word “love” is the key feature. Why? Because its leaves are in a perfect shape of a heart that we are used to drawing as an icon. Not long after the worldwide success of a weeping form called Lavender TwistŸ, there is a new variety with weeping branches and rich maroon red leaves as it was hybridized with Forest Pansy variety. Bred by North Carolina State University and patented as PP22097 in 2009.

Ruby Falls is undoubtedly one of the darkest coloured little trees that will grab your attention thanks to its dark burgundy red, typically heart-shaped, approximately 8x10 cm large leaves and a weeping habit. Its crown is quite compact and the branches may soon touch the ground unless pruned on regular basis. In early spring small, purple-pink to lavender-pink flowers are borne on bare wood on tiny stalks. Leaf stalks and branches are deep maroon or almost red, too. Leaves may turn dark green if not exposed to full sun. In autumn they make another show with glowing golden yellow and fiery scarlet red before they fall down.

The growth rate is medium if trimmed in late winter or left unpruned. If pruned hard (immediately after flowering or before) it produces long shoots with large leaves. Do not cut into old wood – badly treated cuts may be infected and the plant may die. Eastern redbud is soil tolerant but does best in moist but well-drained soil. It resents transplanting. Grow it in full sun, sheltered from drying winds, if possible. Ruby Falls redbud is fully hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6) and is expected to sustain a few degrees lower.

Last update 20-02-2014; 04-03-2018