Description

25 seeds weeping redbud "Lavender Twist" collected 10/11/23, I cannot guarantee germination. The redbud tree is a glorious and welcome sight in early spring, with its lavender-pink blossoms that cover its curving branches. It is sometimes also referred to as a Judas tree, as it is believed to be related to the tree Judas Iscariot hung himself from based on stories in the Bible. The Eastern redbud ( Cercis canadensis) is a familiar sight throughout the eastern United States, from New England down to Georgia. It's an early source of food for many pollinators including bees, hummingbirds and butterflies, who enjoy the nectar in its pink flowers. In recent years some new varieties of this reliable landscape tree have been introduced, including a lovely weeping form. The most common cultivars are "Lavender Twist" and "Ruby Falls," both names emphasizing the tree's colorful spring blossoms. The Eastern redbud is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, while the weeping form is better suited to zones 5 to 9. But apart from this small difference in winter hardiness, the trees are very similar. The weeping redbud known as "Lavender Twist" was discovered in 1991 in western New York state. The gardener's last name is Covey and so the tree is sometimes also known as the "Covey Eastern Redbud". It was patented in 1998 and is now more widely available. There is a dwarf variety that can grow up to 15 feet tall and up to 20 wide with an asymmetrical yet graceful canopy. Scientific Name Cercis canadensis Common Name Weeping Redbud Plant Type Deciduous tree Mature Size 20 feet Sun Exposure Partial shade Soil Type Well-drained Soil pH Neutral to slightly acidic Flower Color Pink, lavender Bloom Time Early spring Hardiness Zones USDA 5 to 9 Native Areas Eastern US Scarification: Soak in hot tap water, let stand in water for 24 hours, repeat process on seed that did not imbibe Stratification: cold stratify for 60 days Germination: sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed Other: if boiling water treatment does not allow seed to imbibe, sulfuric acid treatment is required