my LocalPlanting

How to Grow Eastern Redbud

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Get Your Exact Eastern Redbud Planting Dates

Enter your ZIP, city, state, or zone for a personalized planting calendar.

Try:

Get your Eastern Redbud

Plant nursery stock — skip years of growing from seed.

Plant Addicts Amazon

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Supplies You'll Need

Watering Can

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Plant Overview

Scientific Name Cercis canadensis
Category tree
Type Deciduous Tree (nursery stock)
Starting Method Nursery Stock

Growing Requirements

Sun

Full Sun to Part Shade

Water

Moderate

Spacing

20 ft apart

Height

20-30 ft

Ready to Plant Eastern Redbud?

Buy nursery-quality plants and skip years of growing from seed.

Plant Addicts Amazon

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Companion Planting Guide for Eastern Redbud

Discover which plants grow well with Eastern Redbud and which to keep at a distance for a healthier garden →

Seed Saving Guide

Vegetative propagation

Propagate vegetatively, not by seed

Buy young container-grown trees and plant them in their final spot — the taproot makes older redbuds hard to move.

Eastern Redbud Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Eastern Redbud Planting Calendar by State

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine View all states →

Other Plants

Blackberry Blueberry Raspberry Strawberry Basil Chamomile Chives Cilantro Dill Lavender Lemon Balm Marjoram Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Tarragon Thyme Acorn Squash Artichoke Arugula Asparagus Beefsteak Tomato Beet Bell Pepper Bok Choy Broccoli Brussels Sprout Butternut Squash Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrot Cauliflower Cayenne Pepper Celery Cherry Tomato Chili Pepper Collard Green Common Bean Cucumber Eggplant Endive Fennel Garlic Grape Tomato Green Bean Habanero Pepper Head Lettuce Heirloom Tomato Honeydew Melon Jalapeño Pepper Kale Kohlrabi Leaf Lettuce Leek Lima Bean Mustard Okra Onion Parsnip Pea Poblano Pepper Pole Pea Potato Pumpkin Radicchio Radish Rhubarb Roma Tomato Rutabaga Serrano Pepper Shallot Snap Pea Snow Pea Spaghetti Squash Spinach Squash Sweet Corn Sweet Potato Swiss Chard Tomato Turnip Watermelon Zucchini Sunflower Marigold Zinnia Nasturtium Cosmos Echinacea (Coneflower) Petunia Black-eyed Susan Apple Tree Pear Tree Peach Tree Plum Tree Sweet Cherry Tree Lemon Tree Borage Lemongrass Ginger Stevia Tomatillo Edamame Fava Bean Mâche Mizuna Sorrel Shishito Pepper Banana Pepper Watermelon Radish Napa Cabbage Popcorn Broccoli Raab Catnip Valerian Lemon Verbena Bee Balm Anise Lovage Chervil Summer Savory Dahlia Snapdragon Pansy Sweet Pea Morning Glory Hollyhock Larkspur Bachelor Button Columbine Impatiens Salvia (Annual) Sweet Alyssum Celosia Lupine Verbena Elderberry Grape Vine Red Currant Gooseberry Serviceberry Fig Tree Avocado Tree Persimmon Tree Olive Tree Tulip Daffodil Crocus Hyacinth Grape Hyacinth Ornamental Allium Bearded Iris Snowdrop Asiatic Lily Gladiolus Hydrangea Rose Lilac Azalea Rhododendron Butterfly Bush Peony Hosta Daylily Red Maple Japanese Maple Flowering Dogwood Southern Magnolia Crape Myrtle Arborvitae Boxwood

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Eastern Redbud? +

Plant container-grown or bare-root Eastern Redbud in early spring, 4 weeks before your last frost date — or in early fall once summer heat breaks. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

Should I start Eastern Redbud indoors or direct sow? +

Neither — Eastern Redbud isn't grown from seed at home. Buy a container-grown or bare-root plant from a nursery and plant it outdoors at the right time for your local frost dates.

How much sun does Eastern Redbud need? +

Eastern Redbud requires full sun to part shade to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Eastern Redbud? +

Space Eastern Redbud plants 240 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Eastern Redbud need? +

Eastern Redbud has moderate water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Eastern Redbud? +

Eastern Redbud is not typically propagated by seed. Buy young container-grown trees and plant them in their final spot — the taproot makes older redbuds hard to move.

About Eastern Redbud

Native small tree that wraps its bare branches in magenta-pink blooms in earliest spring, before the heart-shaped leaves emerge. Plant young container stock in spring — redbuds develop a taproot and dislike transplanting once established.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.