Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is a gorgeous shrub or small tree native to southern Utah that features the same showy pink flowers as the garden favorite, Eastern Redbud, but with increased heat and drought tolerance and lower water needs. In the spring, Western Redbud blooms with a profusion of pink to magenta flowers that provide a beautiful contrast against its silvery-gray bark. These blossoms give way to purple-brown seedpods that will hang from the tree all summer. The heart-shaped leaves emerge bright green in the spring and darken to blue-green in the summer before turning to shades of yellow or red in the fall. The gray bark and compact, multi-trunk silhouette look attractive in winter, especially when planting in front of evergreens, or when surrounded by short grasses. Due to its smaller size, Western Redbud makes a wonderful addition to garden beds or borders, Japanese gardens, woodland or shade gardens, privacy plantings, mixed hedges, or other plantings big or small.
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs and LaurentianShield
Expected 2025 Availability- Late April
Western Redbud
Irrigation Requirement: Very Low (Water to Establish), Low (1/2" every 10-14 days), or Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days). Make sure soil is well-draining if providing regular supplemental irrigation after establishment.
Mature Size: 10-15' tall and 10-15' wide
Hardiness Zone: 6 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun or Partial Sun
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: No
Soils: Adaptable to sandy, loam, or clay soils, but will grow best in soils that drain well.
Redbud provides habitat and seeds for birds and small animals. The spring blossoms are also very attractive to many pollinators.