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Cercis canadensis Black Pearl (Eastern Redbud)

Black Pearl Cercis, Eastern Redbud Black Pearl, Cercis canadensis 'Jn16'

Black Pearl Cercis, Black Pearl Redbud, Cercis canadensis Black Pearl, Cercis canadensis 'jn16', Eastern Redbud The Rising Sun, Small Tree, Spring Pink Flowers, Fall Color
Black Pearl Cercis, Black Pearl Redbud, Cercis canadensis Black Pearl, Cercis canadensis 'jn16', Eastern Redbud The Rising Sun, Small Tree, Spring Pink Flowers, Fall Color
Black Pearl Cercis, Black Pearl Redbud, Cercis canadensis Black Pearl, Cercis canadensis 'jn16', Eastern Redbud The Rising Sun, Small Tree, Spring Pink Flowers, Fall Color

Prized for its dark foliage, Cercis canadensis Black Pearl (Eastern Redbud) is a striking deciduous tree with multiple seasons of interest. A profusion of pea-like lavender-pink flowers held in clusters cover the bare branches for several weeks in the spring, before the foliage emerges, creating a most dramatic display. The foliage of heart-shaped, deep purple – almost black leaves retains its dark color through the summer. The summer foliage turns pretty shades of chartreuse yellow in the fall.

  • Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall (450-600 cm) and 20-25 ft. wide (600-750 cm).
  • This Redbud is easily grown in full sun to part shade in well-drained soils. Performs best in moderately fertile soils with regular and consistent moisture. The best flower production is obtained in full sun, but part shade is best in hot summer climates. Needs a winter chill before the flowers set properly.
  • Perfect choice as a specimen plant or for shrub borders.
  • Attracts birds, butterflies, and bees.
  • Generally pest free. Watch for canker, verticillium wilt, dieback, leaf spots, mildew, and blights. Deer resistant.
  • Does not transplant well. It should be planted when young and left undisturbed.
  • Needs very little pruning. Remove diseased, damaged congested, or crossing shoots.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Cercis canadensis species is native to eastern and central North America from Connecticut to New York to southern Ontario and the Great Lakes south to western Texas and Florida.

Redbud Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success


While redbud trees are generally resilient and easy to grow, they are not without their challenges. From pest infestations to diseases and environmental stress, it’s crucial for gardeners to identify and address these issues promptly to maintain the health and vibrancy of these stunning ornamental trees.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fabaceae
Genus Cercis
Common names Redbud, Eastern Redbud
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread 20' - 25'
(6.1m - 7.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cercis chinensis (Chinese Redbud)
Cercis canadensis Lavender Twist (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis Golden Falls® (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis ‘Alley Cat’ (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis f. alba (White Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis Burgundy Hearts (Eastern Redbud)

Recommended Companion Plants

Betula pendula (Silver Birch)
Heuchera ‘Chocolate Ruffles’ (Coral Bells)
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ (Chinese Silver Grass)
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
35 Best Flowering Trees for a Spectacular Garden Display
Small Trees, Big Impact: Maximize Your Garden’s Potential
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
How to Create an Enchanting Butterfly Garden
For the Love of Butterflies: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
6 Reasons You Should Create a Butterfly Garden
Redbud Tree: Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Redbud Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success
Cercis (Redbud Tree)
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fabaceae
Genus Cercis
Common names Redbud, Eastern Redbud
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread 20' - 25'
(6.1m - 7.6m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cercis (Redbud)
Guides with
Cercis (Redbud)
Not sure which Cercis (Redbud) to pick?
Compare Now

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