Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- SER-sis kan-ah-DEN-sis
- Description
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Noted for its unique weeping habit, Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls' (Redbud) is a compact, deciduous tree with profuse, pea-like, dark rose flowers that arrive before the foliage on bright red stems. Dark maroon-red, heart shaped leaves are held on pendulous branches. During summer the leaves turn from burgundy to green in late summer. The small stature of this tree makes it ideal for small gardens.
It does not transplant well. It should be planted young and left undisturbed.
Wildlife Value: The flowers provide nectar for bees and once pollinated form leguminous pods, the seed can be consumed by birds. Members of the genus Cercis support the following specialized bee: Habropoda laboriosa.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- ‘Ruby Falls’
- ‘Ruby Falls’
- ‘Ruby Falls’
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- ‘Ruby Falls’
- ‘Ruby Falls’
- ‘Ruby Falls’
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cercis
- Species:
- canadensis
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Ornamental
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Wildlife Value:
- The flowers provide nectar for bees and once pollinated form leguminous pods, the seed can be consumed by birds.
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Will tolerate clay soil, deer tolerant, black walnut tolerant
- Dimensions:
- Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Rounded
- Weeping
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Profuse, pea-like, dark rose flowers that arrive before the foliage on bright red stems
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Feel:
- Velvety
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Ovate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Dark maroon-red, heart shaped leaves are held on pendulous branches. During summer the leaves turn from burgundy to green in late summer.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Black Walnut
- Deer
