Why Plant Appalachian Red Redbud?
Finally, a Redbud tree with red buds! Most of the native Redbuds you see along the roadsides and forest edges in spring have pinkish-purple buds and lavender-pink flowers, but Appalachian Red Redbud sports truly red buds and day-glo pink flowers. Planted against a white background, such as a white house or fence or a white-flowering tree like Spring Snow Crabapple, the vivid pink color really sings. This small to medium-sized ornamental tree forms an arching canopy that provides a sheltered nook perfect for a cozy chair and a good book. This is a great tree for our valuable pollinators, and its hot pink flowers are edible for humans, too. They make fabulous salad toppers.
Sometimes new plants are right under our noses, if only we are observant enough to notice. While driving one day in his home state of Maryland, the late Dr. Max Byrkit spied a Redbud by the road that stood out, blooming in a vivid pink color. Because of his sharp eye, Appalachian Red was born. Dr. Byrkit wasn't a "Doctor" of Horticulture, but an MD -- with an incurable obsession for plants. Though an amateur horticulturist, his passion for plants was profound. It's said his garden housed 10,000 Rhododendrons!
How to use Appalachian Red Redbud in the landscape?
Need something a little different? Try an Appalachian Red! Fuchsia-pink to red pea-like flowers appear in early Spring before the foliage. And the heart-shaped leaves are dark blue-green in summer, turning yellow in Fall. A great choice as a specimen plant or in mass plantings!
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
How To Plant Appalachian Red Redbud
Redbuds are beautiful woodland-like trees and they are incredibly easy to grow. This is the only tree that flowers on their bark. This means that the vibrant pink/red blooms will appear on their trunk as well as on their branches. They bloom in April and their floral display is like no other flowering tree! In some instances of extreme winters they will get tip dieback. Do not get discouraged! Just be patient -- the tree will bloom and leaves will appear in May. Appalachian Reds will do well in slightly shaded areas. Appalachian Red Redbuds have no major insect or disease problems -- and that's always a plus!
How To Water
They require keeping the soil moist (not too wet) after initial planting. Once established, they are more tolerant of drought conditions, reducing your hand-watering responsibilities.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant Food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.
How To Prune
Redbuds occasionally sprout "suckers" around the base of the tree, as they appear be sure to prune them off. But when it comes to pruning the branches of your Redbud -- don't be afraid! They are so easy to prune -- prune to whatever shape you like. If you don't want to touch it -- that's fine. If you want to cut everything off except two branches that look like rabbit ears, that's fine too (although you might get some weird looks from the neighbors -- and your family).
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
