Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'

‘Ruby Falls’ redbud is a compact, deciduous tree in the bean (Fabaceae) family. The parent plant is native to eastern and central North America, from North Carolina to east Mexico. This cultivar results from the work done at North Carolina State University. It is a second-generation descendant (2010) from a cross between Cercis canadensis 'Covey,' which is a weeping variety, and 'Forest Pansy,' which has purple foliage. The genus name Cercis comes from the Greek word kerkis, which means weaver's shuffle, referring to the fact that the seed pod resembles the size and shape of a weaver’s shuttle used to move thread back and forth on a loom. 

‘Ruby Falls’ grows in a wide range of soils but prefers moderately fertile moist well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Allow 3 to 6 feet of space. It does not transplant well, so it should be planted young and left undisturbed. Pruning should be done after the tree has flowered to avoid removing the current season’s flowers.  

Noted for its unique weeping habit, ‘Ruby Falls’ has dark maroon-red, heart-shaped leaves and profuse, pea-like, dark rose flowers that arrive before the foliage on bright red stems. During the latter part of the summer, the leaves turn from burgundy to green. 

‘Ruby Falls’ is appropriate in most landscape locations, but the small stature of this tree makes it ideal for small gardens. Use it as a specimen or accent, in small groups or as a barrier, and as a small shade tree.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It is relatively pest free. Disease issues can include canker, dieback, leaf spot, mildew, blight, and verticillium wilt. Although not typical, this tree can suffer from damage caused by deer.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.