Cercis canadensis 'Appalachian Red' (Eastern Redbud)

Cercis canadensis 'Appalachian Red' is an attractive, ornamental cultivar of eastern redbud noted for its consistent growth habit and fuchsia to brick red flowers in the early to mid spring. These showy, unique flowers bloom for a few weeks around April, attracting early-season bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds before its broad, heart-shaped leaves emerge late in spring; the showy, light green leaves of 'Appalachian Red' contrast wonderfully with its darker flowers. As fall approaches, the foliage turns to attractive, darker color schemes of glossy reds and purples.

Typically found as a small understory tree or large multi-stemmed shrub, Cercis canadensis 'Appalachian Red' is fairly slow growing, but can reach heights of 15-25' tall over time. Since it is typically found as an understory tree or in forest margins, 'Appalachian Red' redbud grows well in full sun to partial shade and excels in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils, and benefits from a heavy mulching to help with moisture retention and root insulation. Like the parent species, this cultivar is also deer resistant and tolerant of black walnut and heavy clay soils.