Redbud trees are beautiful flowering trees that mesmerize us with their stunning sweetpea like blooms that thoroughly cover the canopy of these trees in early spring. They also boast pretty heart-shaped leaves. Most redbud trees are large enough to provide some nice shade, but small enough to comfortably fit in a small yard. There are also some amazingly gorgeous dwarf redbuds that are perfect for the smallest spaces. These pretty trees are very adaptable and easy to grow. Once established, they rarely require maintenance.
If you are wondering how fast redbud trees grow, we will answer this question throughout this article. The growth rate is fairly fast for a smaller tree, but it will vary between the different types of redbuds.
How Fast Do Redbud Trees Grow
Boosting Your Redbud Tree’s Growth Rate
Soil, sun, water, and climate affect growth rates of trees. You will always have the best growth rates when your tree is well maintained and in an ideal spot.
Check that your growing zone is approved for the redbud you choose. The growing zone recommendations vary between the different varieties of redbud trees.
Redbuds are incredibly adaptable to different soil, light conditions, and climates. They thrive in sun or part shade, but are likely to grow faster and bloom heavier when grown in more sunlight.
If you have nutrient-weak soil, be sure to feed your tree with redbud tree fertilizer. I recommend a balanced slow release fertilizer. You will only need to use this product once or twice a year. Early spring is the best time to fertilize your redbud tree.
Redbud Tree Varieties And Growth Rates
Cercis canadensis
Growing Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Mature Size: 20 to 30 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: 13 to 24 inches per year
The Eastern Redbud is the classic redbud. The purple blooms arrive in late winter or early spring on the still leafless tree. The habit of this tree is upright, low branching, and can be single or multi-trunk. It is a fast growing flowering shade tree. Eastern Redbud trees are native to the United States.
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’
Growing Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Mature Size: 20 to 30 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: 13 to 24 inches per year
This purple redbud tree adds distinction to your landscape with its regal purple leaves in spring, summer, and into fall. The fall foliage is golden yellow to fiery orange. The spring flowers of the Forest Pansy Redbud tree are purple.
Cercis reniformis 'Oklahoma'
Growing Zones 6, 7, 8, 9
Mature Size: 15 to 25 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: 13 to 24 inches per year
The Oklahoma Redbud is also known as the Texas Redbud. This drought and heat tolerant tree is the best redbud for hot climates.
Cercis Canadensis 'JN2'
Growing Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Mature Size: 8 to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide
Growth Rate: 12 inches per year
This small redbud tree is vibrant and colorful. It boasts green, yellow, and orange leaves in spring and summer and yellow leaves in fall. Like most trees, the Rising Sun Redbud grows quickly when it is young and then around years 10 to 15 it slows in growth.
Cercis canadensis f. alba 'Royal White'
Growing Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Mature Size: 20 to 30 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: 13 to 24 inches per year
The Royal White is a unique and exciting white flowering redbud. Its other features are almost identical to the eastern redbud.
Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'
Growing Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Mature Size: 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide
Growth Rate: 6 inches per year
If you’re considering growing redbud trees in containers, this is the dwarf redbud tree for you! The Ruby Falls Redbud only grows to a mere 6 to 8 feet tall! This weeping redbud has branches that cascade beautifully down to the ground. The leaves are purple in spring and fall and green in summer.
As you can see, most redbuds grow fairly quickly for their relatively small size. They can easily grow more than one foot per year, but rarely grow more than two feet in a single year. Just remember that the first several months after planting your tree is focused on establishing its roots. As a result, there may not be this large of an increase in the first year after planting. So don’t be shocked if you only get a few inches of upward growth in the first year. Your tree will definitely be ready to show off in year two! There are some simple ways to help boost your tree’s growth. There are many different redbud trees to choose from, but no matter which one you choose, you are going to have a lovely fast growing tree. Happy planting!
You May Also Like:
Collections:
Redbud Trees For Sale
Flowering Trees for Sale
Dwarf Trees
Blogs:
Caring for Redbud Trees
Spring Blooming Trees
