The Eastern redbud ‘The Rising Sun’ is a trademarked hybrid named for its distinctive golden-orange foliage which gradually shades to yellow-green. This unique hybrid comes from Jackson Nursery, Belvidere, Tennessee, where it was discovered in 2004. The changing leaf colors and bright purple flowers offer several seasons of interest.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Eastern redbud ‘The Rising Sun’ is an American creation from 2016, bred by Jackson Nursery in Tennessee. It stands out with a very compact habit and bright foliage, initially golden orange turning to golden yellow and then lime green in summer. Like all varieties of the Cercis genus, its foliage is deciduous and turns reddish-orange before falling in autumn. The ‘The Rising Sun’ variety does not exceed 3 m (9 ft 10 in) in all directions.
The flowering takes place in April-May depending on the climate: its still leafless trailing branches are adorned with an abundant pinkish-purple flowering, highly appreciated by pollinating insects. The flowers are numerous, in clusters, along the branches. Once the flowering is over, the Canadian Redbud is adorned with large heart-shaped leaves.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Eastern redbud ‘The Rising Sun’ thrives best in full sunlight, where it receives direct light for at least six hours daily, enhancing its growth, health, and vibrant flowering. While american redbud tolerates partial sun, reduced light exposure can impact its vitality, leading to less robust growth and fewer flowers. Adaptively, american redbud’s foliage may exhibit slight color changes under varying light intensities, optimizing its light absorption efficiency. Predominantly an outdoor plant, american redbud performs well in open spaces that provide ample light, ideal for garden backdrops or as a standalone ornamental feature.
Temperature
Eastern redbud ‘The Rising Sun’ demonstrates notable resilience in facing temperature variations. It can endure cold temperatures down to -15℃ (5°F) and withstand heat up to 38℃ (100°F). This wide temperature tolerance means fewer protective measures are required during mild extremes, making it suitable for various environments. Under excessively cold conditions, american redbud may exhibit symptoms like leaf browning and branch dieback. Overheating can cause leaf wilting and scorch. To counteract overcooling, use mulch to insulate roots or cover young plants. In extreme heat, provide ample water and partial shade to prevent damage. Understanding these tolerance levels aids in optimizing care for american redbud across different climates.
Watering
Thriving in its native woodland settings, american redbud is accustomed to the consistent moisture of a temperate climate. This species exhibits a preference for regular hydration but can withstand brief periods without water. To mimic its natural environment, american redbud should be watered twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. As an ornamental deciduous tree commonly grown outdoors, american redbud’s watering needs increase during its active growing season to support lush foliage and vibrant flowering.
Soil
Eastern Redbud can well grow outdoors in moist, loamy, or sandy soils. Its occurrence on slopes with more sunlight is prevalent. It is acclimatized to a wide range of pH; however, it thrives best with a pH range of 6.6-7.8 or above. It doesn’t tolerate inundated sites, poorly aerated soils, or sandy soils.
Western Redbud is adapted to grow in a wide variety of soils, including course and nutrient-deficient soils that are well-drained. It grows as an understory cover tree and is fairly tolerable to lime and acidic soils. It also tolerates alkaline soil and clay; its best pH range is 5.5-7.8.
Fertilizing
Being a member of the pea or Leguminosae family, american redbud can fix nitrogen, so there is no need to add nitrogen fertilizer to these plants because excessive nitrogen application invites caterpillars and sucking pests to your plants. Add some compost in the soil before planting to help extend moisture retention.
At the time of planting, mix phosphorus supplementation with planting soil to help roots develop. As american redbud is primarily planted due to its clustering flowering patterns, boost flowering by applying fertilizer rich in boron to leaves at the start of the spring.
Planting Instructions
American redbud is fairly easy to propagate by direct sowing. It can also be grown in a container during spring or fall.
Collect seeds from pods with a dark brown or reddish-brown color, as this indicates the maturity of the seed pods. Preserve seeds in an airtight container at 3 ℃. The hard outer seed covering requires seed scarification and stratification to break dormancy. Put seeds in steaming hot water for 30 minutes and follow moist sand stratification for 6-8 weeks at 5 ℃. Seeds are now ready to be planted during the current fall or upcoming spring.
Dig the soil to a depth of 30 cm; make a fine tilth that allows the young roots to easily penetrate it. American redbud has a tap root system that grows quickly during the first year. Bed size can be adjusted depending on the available space. During late spring, put your seeds in the bed to a depth of 4 to 5 cm and cover gently with garden soil. Seedlings or already growing plants can also be planted in prepared beds adopting the “balled and burlapped” method.
Pruning
American redbud, known for its stunning spring blooms, benefits greatly from thoughtful pruning. Best pruned in early spring, before new growth emerges, american redbud should have dead or crossed branches removed to enhance air circulation and sunlight penetration. Shaping young plants encourages a strong structure, while mature trees benefit from occasional thinning. Pruning not only improves aesthetic appeal but also promotes healthier growth and more prolific flowering.
Propagation
A beautiful addition to any landscape or garden, american redbud is best propagated through cuttings. To optimize success, select healthy, young stems and prepare them by making clean cuts below a node. Use a rooting hormone to encourage root development and plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix, providing consistent moisture and warmth. Patience is key, as roots may take several weeks to form. Once established, these cuttings will grow into vibrant plants that mirror the parent’s ornamental qualities.
Transplanting
For american redbud, shifting locales when the seasons flirt with growth or as they whisper farewells to warmth—typically early spring before buds burst or autumn as dormancy nears—promotes vigor. Select a bright spot, offering loose, fertile soil. Gentle handling bolsters success.
III. Uses and Benefits
Cercis canadensis ‘The Rising Sun’ forms a very original and attractive bush almost all year round. It takes up little space and has a strong personality: it is an ideal candidate to add a unique touch to a small garden or in the centre of a large flower bed. It only requires a sufficiently deep soil, regardless of its nature, even limestone. It is very hardy and can be planted in all regions of the UK. It does not require any particular pruning: in short, it is a very accommodating plant that can thrive in all gardens!
