Top Redbud Trees for Colour, Wildlife and Year-Round Interest
- Kerri Cuthbert
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Looking for a small tree that adds vibrant colour, seasonal interest, and supports local wildlife? Redbud trees (Cercis) are a great choice for UK gardens. With their pink or magenta spring blossoms, colourful heart-shaped leaves, and compact size, redbuds are both ornamental and practical. In this guide, we introduce some of the top redbud tree varieties available, including their best features, ideal uses, and care advice.
Why Choose a Redbud Tree?
Spring Blossom: Beautiful clusters of pink flowers bloom on bare branches in early spring.
Colourful Foliage: Leaves in shades of purple, gold, red, or multicolour brighten gardens through summer and autumn.
Wildlife-Friendly: Early nectar for bees and butterflies, plus summer cover for birds.
Perfect for Small Gardens: Compact shape and slow growth suit small outdoor spaces.
Low Maintenance: Tolerant and easy to care for in most soils with good drainage.
Top Varieties of Redbud Trees
Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' | Redbud Tree
A striking ornamental redbud known for its rich purple foliage and showy spring blossoms. ‘Forest Pansy’ is a favourite for UK gardens thanks to its vibrant colour, wildlife benefits, and multi-season interest. In spring, clusters of magenta flowers appear on bare branches, followed by broad burgundy heart-shaped leaves that shift to orange and red in autumn.
Key Features:
Magenta-pink spring flowers on bare branches
Rich burgundy-purple foliage
Autumn colour in reds, oranges and yellows
Ideal For:
Feature trees in small gardens
Colourful planting schemes
Wildlife-friendly spaces
Mature Height & Spread: 4–7 m x 5–8 m
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Cercis canadensis 'Rising Sun' | Redbud Tree
This compact redbud is prized for its ever-changing leaf colour. New foliage emerges apricot-orange, shifts to gold, then lime green. Spring brings a flush of pink flowers that attract pollinators. Rising Sun is a perfect choice for smaller gardens.
Key Features:
Multicolour foliage (orange, gold, green)
Pink spring blossoms
Long foliage display into autumn
Ideal For:
Small gardens or patios
Colour-themed borders
Containers or lawn specimens
Mature Height & Spread: 3–4 m x 3–4 m
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls' | Redbud Tree
A weeping form of redbud with cascading branches and deep burgundy-purple leaves. Ruby Falls creates a romantic effect in small spaces and adds vertical interest with minimal spread.
Key Features:
Weeping habit with rich purple leaves
Rosy pink-purple spring flowers
Ideal for dramatic garden features
Ideal For:
Courtyards or containers
Small borders
Focal points in compact gardens
Mature Height & Spread: 1.8–2.5 m x 1.5–2 m
Sunlight: Full sun (some afternoon shade in hot climates)
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Cercis canadensis 'Golden Falls' | Redbud Tree
Golden Falls offers a unique columnar-weeping form with bright golden-yellow foliage. Lavender-pink spring blooms cover the bare stems before the leaves emerge. A stunning choice for narrow spaces.
Key Features:
Golden-yellow weeping foliage
Narrow, vertical shape
Pink flowers and long seasonal interest
Ideal For:
Containers or doorway flanking
Tight or vertical spaces
Modern garden designs
Mature Height & Spread: 3 m x 1–1.2 m
Sunlight: Full sun (partial shade in hot conditions)
Soil: Well-drained
Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' | Redbud Tree
This golden-leaved variety adds brightness and charm to garden corners. Hearts of Gold blooms in pink, with foliage that shifts from coppery gold to chartreuse-green through summer.
Key Features:
Golden-yellow and chartreuse foliage
Bright pink flowers in spring
Large, heart-shaped leaves
Ideal For:
Contrasting with purple-leaved plants
Shaded borders
All-season colour
Mature Height & Spread: 4–5 m x 4–5 m
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Cercis canadensis 'Eternal Flame' | Redbud Tree
Award-winning redbud with spectacular multicolour foliage all summer long. From deep burgundy-red to orange and yellow, Eternal Flame provides a true kaleidoscope of colour.
Key Features:
"Flame" foliage in red, orange and yellow
Pink spring blossoms
Continuous colour through growing season
Ideal For:
Focal garden specimens
Colourful seasonal beds
Wildlife-friendly borders
Mature Height & Spread: 3–4 m x 3 m
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
How to Choose the Right Redbud Tree
Garden Size: Choose compact or weeping forms like Ruby Falls or Golden Falls for smaller spaces.
Desired Features: For colourful foliage, try Rising Sun or Eternal Flame. For classic purple leaves, go with Forest Pansy.
Purpose: Looking to attract wildlife? All redbuds offer nectar-rich flowers for bees and butterflies.
Redbud Tree Care Tips
Planting Time: Best planted from autumn to spring. Container trees can be planted any time.
Pruning: Minimal pruning. Shape after flowering if necessary.
Feeding: Add mulch or a balanced fertiliser in spring.
Watering: Water regularly in the first growing season.
FAQs
Are redbuds suitable for UK gardens?
Yes. Most varieties are hardy and suitable for the UK climate, especially when planted in a sunny, sheltered spot with good drainage.
Do redbuds attract pollinators?
How big do redbud trees get?
Can redbuds grow in containers?
With a wide range of colours, shapes, and wildlife benefits, redbud trees make a brilliant addition to any British outdoor space. Whether you're after year-round interest, a splash of bold colour, or a pollinator-friendly tree, there's a Cercis for your garden.
Explore our full range and discover the redbud that fits your space perfectly.
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