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 leaves arrive in late Spring. As late summer approaches, burgundy leaves mature to dark green before turning back to striking reds and purples contrasted beautifully with golden yellows in the autumn; weeping branches add multi-season interest through the late fall and winter even after leaves have fallen.

Typically found as a small understory tree or large multi-stemmed shrub, Cercis canadensis is slow growing, but can reach twenty or thirty foot heights in the wild; 'Ruby Falls' on the other hand is a dwarf cultivar with a graceful weeping habit, growing to only 5-8' tall with a narrow spread, making it an ideal showy choice for smaller spaces or as a foundation planting. As an understory tree in the wild, 'Ruby Falls' prefers full sun or partial shade in the home landscape, and prefers moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Like the parent species, this cultivar is also resistant to deer damage and tolerant of black walnut and clay soil types.