The Rising Sun® Redbud

Rising Sun Redbud – A Stunning Burst of Color for Every Season

The Rising Sun Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Rising Sun') is a breathtaking ornamental tree that transforms any landscape with its ever-changing foliage. This compact, easy-care tree bursts into spring with lavender-pink blossoms before unveiling a spectacular show of golden-yellow, orange, and lime-green heart-shaped leaves. As the seasons progress, its vibrant foliage deepens into a lush green, providing lasting beauty from spring through fall.

Why You'll Love the Rising Sun Redbud

• Dazzling Multi-Season Color – Enjoy pink blooms in early spring, followed by brilliant golden-orange new growth that matures to green.
• Compact & Manageable Size – Grows 8–12 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for smaller landscapes, patios, or focal points in larger yards.
• Low Maintenance & Drought-Tolerant – Thrives with minimal care, requiring little pruning and tolerating short dry spells once established.
• Attracts Pollinators – A favorite of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity.
• Cold Hardy & Heat Resistant – Flourishes in USDA zones 5–9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.

Perfect Placement & Landscaping Ideas

The Rising Sun Redbud’s compact size and vibrant foliage make it a perfect specimen tree for front yards, courtyards, or garden borders. It also works beautifully as a decorative accent near patios, walkways, or entryways where its seasonal color transitions can be fully appreciated. Pair it with evergreen shrubs or ornamental grasses for year-round interest.

Easy Growing & Care Tips

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade (at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily).
• Soil Needs: Grows best in well-draining soil; tolerates clay and loamy soils.
• Watering: Moderate watering needed during the first year; drought-tolerant once established.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or crossed branches in late winter.

Additional Details About the Rising Sun Redbud

Unique Foliage Color Changes

One of the standout features of the Rising Sun Redbud is its continual color transformation throughout the growing season. New leaves emerge a bright golden-yellow with hints of orange and apricot, adding warmth and vibrancy to your landscape. As they mature, they shift to lime green before settling into a rich, deep green. Unlike other redbud varieties, this tree holds onto its golden tones for much longer, making it a unique focal point in any yard.

Exceptional Durability & Adaptability

• Thrives in Various Climates: Suitable for USDA zones 5–9, the Rising Sun Redbud can withstand cold winters and hot summers, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of regions.
• Tolerates Urban Conditions: Unlike some ornamental trees, it adapts well to city environments, including pollution and compacted soil, making it perfect for urban gardens or street-side plantings.
• Disease & Pest Resistant: While all trees require some care, the Rising Sun Redbud is resistant to most common tree diseases and is rarely troubled by pests.

Blooming & Pollinator Attraction

Before its foliage emerges, the tree is covered in clusters of lavender-pink flowers in early spring. These delicate blossoms attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a great addition for gardeners looking to support pollinators. The blooms appear on bare branches before the leaves, creating a stunning contrast that signals the arrival of spring.

Best Uses in Landscaping

• Perfect for Small Spaces: Its manageable size (8–12 feet tall and wide) makes it an ideal choice for courtyards, patios, or smaller yards.
• Stunning as a Specimen Tree: Use it as a standalone focal point in your front yard, where its colors can truly shine.
• Great for Mixed Plantings: Pairs beautifully with evergreens, ornamental grasses, and perennials for a layered, year-round landscape design.
• Excellent Near Walkways & Entryways: Plant it near a front entrance, garden path, or patio where its colors can be appreciated up close.

Seasonal Maintenance & Care Tips

• Spring: Minimal pruning is needed; simply remove any dead or crossed branches. Watch as its pink flowers emerge before the foliage.
• Summer: Keep soil evenly moist during the first year to establish strong roots. Once established, the tree becomes drought-tolerant.
• Fall: The leaves turn a mix of yellow, orange, and lime-green, creating a spectacular autumn display before dropping for winter.
• Winter: This tree is cold-hardy and does not require special winter protection in most growing zones. Its smooth, dark branches provide subtle winter interest.

Order Your Rising Sun Redbud Today

The Rising Sun Redbud is the perfect way to bring continuous color, beauty, and easy-care elegance to your yard. Whether you're looking for a unique focal point or a reliable, low-maintenance tree, this variety delivers. Nationwide Plants ensures top-quality trees, expert care, and fast shipping right to your doorstep. Order yours today and transform your landscape with this stunning ornamental tree.