Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls' (Eastern Redbud)

Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls' is a cultivar of eastern redbud tree known for its striking weeping habit and dark maroon red leaves. As a redbud, 'Ruby Falls' also produces cheerful rose-pink blossoms in early spring which persist for several weeks, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, before its broad, heart-shaped red-purple leaves arrive in late Spring. As late summer approaches, burgundy leaves mature to dark green before falling in the autumn; weeping branches add multi-season interest through the late fall and winter.

Typically found as a small understory tree or large multi-stemmed shrub, Cercis canadensis is slow growing, but can reach heights of 20-30' tall; 'Ruby Falls' on the other hand is a dwarf cultivar that only grows to five to six feet tall, making it an ideally showy choice for smaller spaces. This cultivar's weeping, draped growth habit makes it a great, compact specimen or shade tree with great ecological appeal. As an understory tree, 'Ruby Falls' prefers full sun to part shade and moderately fertile soils with moist, well-drained soils. This cultivar is also deer, walnut, and clay soil tolerant.