The native redbuds are blooming along our North Carolina roadways. The Wilson Display Garden has two cultivars of Cercis canadensis, Eastern Redbud, which is the Plant of the Month.

Redbuds grows 20-30 feet in height and 25-35 feet in spread. This plant is usually grown as a small tree with the trunks divided close to the ground to form a spreading, rounded crown. A very handsome tree with graceful ascending branches.

The bark can be black or brownish black with an orangish inner bark. Although not know for its attractive bark it can be of ornamental value.

New growth on the native redbuds emerges as a reddish purple (how it receives its common name) and gradually becomes a dark lustrous green in summer. Fall color is also an attractive yellow.

The flowers are rosy purple and blooms in March and April for a three week period. Fruit pods are 2-3 inches long and form in October.

Plants do well in moist, well-drained soils. But many have done well in wet sites. Redbuds are adaptable to acid or alkaline soils and full sun to light shade. To keep the tree vigorous fertilize and water regularly. A healthy redbud is less likely to develop cankers and other plant diseases.

At the Ag. Center, 1806 S. Goldsboro Street, we have a native redbuds and an improved cultivar 'Forest Pansy'. 'Forest Pansy' is unique in it is a handsome purple leaf type. The leaves are a shimmering purple when emerging changing to a dull purple by summer. The flowers are a rose-purple and blooms later than the native species. There are many different cultivars such as 'Oklahoma' with white flowers and 'Silver Cloud' with variegated foliage.

Plant redbuds as a single specimen or in groupings. An especially nice tree in a woodland or naturalized garden.

Come out and see the redbuds at the Wilson Display Garden at 1806 S. Goldsboro Street. To view previous plant of the month articles or pictures of these plants, go to this website: http://wilson.ces.state.nc.us/staff/clauderd/plantofthemonth.html

The Master Gardener Volunteers are available to answer your gardening questions on Mondays and Fridays from 1 PM until 3 PM by calling 237-0113.

Date Created: 3/27/01.