Cercis canadensis 'JN2' - The Rising Sun Redbud

Few would argue the Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is one of the finest ornamentals among small flowering trees. Because of this, horticulturists have bred and developed dozens of cultivars (short for “cultivated varieties”) over the past couple of decades. This showy cultivar is called ‘The Rising Sun.'

The flowering habit of the Eastern redbud is unique among trees with pink-red buds forming along branches throughout the entire crown (not just branch tips) in March and early April. These buds open to reveal pink-purple flowers in mid April here in western Pennsylvania and last around three weeks. Redbuds are easy to identify when flowering as they appear to have a pink silhouette around most of the tree, even along thick, older branches. This trait is shared by both upright and weeping cultivars. As flowers fade, heart shaped leaves begin to form. Fall color is usually a modest but respectable yellow.

‘The Rising Sun’ is known for its multicolor foliage. Leaves emerge apricot-orange and turn chartreuse. Older leaves become green with time, especially as they are shaded. As leaves change from chartreuse to green, it's often done through a speckling pattern. All things considered, 'The Rising Sun' is considered a chartreuse or gold foliaged cultivar. Flowering habit and fall color are similar to the straight species but the vigor is reduced. For some, its slower growth is a plus because it can "fit" in smaller spaces. Site in a location, however, where this tree can retain its form and resist urges to prune or trim aside from stray or dead branches. This redbud doesn't need "shaped."

Redbuds have been, somewhat unfairly, viewed as temperamental (some have even dubbed them as "deadbuds"). The key to success, however, is understanding how and where the species grows naturally and how to site and/or mimic these conditions in the landscape. If a few conditions are met, Redbuds are fairly adaptable and easy to grow.

Eastern redbud is native throughout most of the mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and central parts of the United States with Pennsylvania and Michigan occupying the northern limits of its range. It's generally found growing in the understory and along the edges of forests and woodlands, often on upland slopes in neutral to slightly alkaline soils (e.g., limestone). As an understory tree, redbuds prefer part sun so this is the ideal amount of sunlight when they're planted in gardens and landscapes. The straight species and many of its forms and cultivars, including 'The Rising Sun’ will grow well in full sun if planted in the vicinity of other trees and vegetation. This helps moderate intense wind exposure and extreme temperatures. Avoid planting redbuds as stand alone specimens in empty, exposed areas and site them away from surfaces that heat up in the summer months such as asphalt, cement, and extensive river rock and brick. Despite the adaptability of Eastern redbuds, note that 'The Rising Sun' is a little more delicate and less forgiving than other Redbuds when it comes to stress from heat, drought, and harsh winter wind. If you're unsure about having the right spot, try the straight species or another tree.

This species and its cultivars are adaptable to a variety of soils as long as drainage is good. They grow well in neutral to slightly alkaline soils - where they frequent in the wild - but they'll also will grow in average acid soils that exist in most home gardens. They also grow well in clay soils (as long as they don't accumulate too much water after rainstorms). As a member of the pea family, they colonize bacterium in and along their roots to foster and "fix" nitrogen. This trait enables redbuds to thrive in leaner soils. As such, you don't need to concern yourself with fertilizing. Once established, redbuds will tolerate dry spells (although a little supplemental water during long droughts is still a good idea).

As a regular component of eastern forests and woodlands, Eastern redbud contributes a host of ecological services. The flowers are an important source of nectar and pollen for queen bumblebees in spring when they emerge from hibernation and begin to build nests. In summer, you may notice sporadic, circular shaped cut outs from the foliage. These are the handiwork of indigenous leaf cutter bees. These bees are solitary, nonaggressive bees that use these leaf cut outs to build tubular nurseries for their offspring. ‘The Rising Sun’ provides these same ecological services albeit on a smaller scale due to its reduced size as a weeping specimen.

One of the nicest specimens we've seen is located near the event room and gift shop at Beechwood Farms in Fox Chapel. If you like native plants, environmental causes, and day hikes, this is a place you ought to visit!

Fun fact: many parts of redbuds are edible. Many opine that the flowers have a subtle floral sweetness with a slightly tart aftertaste. Developing seedpods, when they are purplish-green, resemble snow peas and can be similarly used in salads and stir fry.

If deer are a problem for you, we recommend you provide your tree with protection, such as a metal cage, until the tree is large enough to not be severely damaged.

Written by Plumline staff and not AI.