Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

By Stephanie BurnsClassified as a “neighboring native” on SFMGA’s New Mexico native plant list, this member of the legume (Fabaceae) family is valued for its profusion of purplish-pink flowers, which appear on bare branches in early spring, followed by clusters of flat, beanlike pods that persist into winter. Despite being an understory tree native to the East Coast, the eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis var.canadensis) does surprisingly well in Santa Fe, in part because of its cold hardiness (Zone 5). If protected from wind and planted in well-drained soil, this redbud makes a nice addition to small garden spaces.Oklahoma redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis‘Oklahoma’) has thicker, waxy leaves with wavy margins and somewhat darker flowers. It’s more commonly planted in Albuquerque gardens given its heat and drought tolerance, but in the right spot it could be another option for Santa Fe. Gail Haggard, of Plants of the Southwest, says she’s considering stocking some at the Santa Fe nursery in addition to the eastern redbud.Mexican redbud (Cercis canadensis var. mexicana) is not reliably hardy in Santa Fe.Planting and care:Plant almost any time, but water summer-planted trees more frequently. Use mulch to keep soil moisture uniform. Prefers well-drained soil but will grow in heavy conditions if not kept overly wet. A slow-release fertilizer applied the first four years facilitates root development. Though mostly pest free, root rot and borers indicate stress from under- or overwatering, so irrigate judiciously. Trim seedpods when they appear weathered.Landscape use:This lovely, small ornamental tree can be multi-stemmed or trained as a single-trunk specimen; just be sure to chose the right cultivar. Providing moderately dense shade, the tree’s arching canopy needs space to spread, hence arborist Tracy Neal cautions against planting redbuds right next to buildings or pathways.Propagation:from seedFlower type:clusters of small, sweet pea–shaped, purplish-pink bloomsBloom time:early springHeight:12 to 25 feetWidth:12 to 25 feetExposure:full sun to part shadeZones:5–8 (depending on variety)Soil moisture:moderately drought tolerant; 12 to 35 inches annual precipitation, depending on varietyOther advantages:supports birds and beesReferences:Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant DatabasePhillips, Judith. Growing the Southwest Garden(Timber, 2015)Phillips, Judith. New Mexico Gardener’s Guide(Cool Springs, 2004)