Trees

Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'

Ruby Falls redbud

Young Ruby Falls redbud at Spetchley Park, Worcestershire, UK, September 8, 2023. Photo: Owen Johnson / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ruby Falls combines deep purple foliage with a small, weeping framework. Rose-purple flowers open along the pendulous branches before glossy, heart-shaped leaves expand. This compact NC State selection brings both spring bloom and summer leaf color to a close-view garden accent, with yellow-bronze foliage later in the season.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: 8 ft · Width: 6 ft
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 5
Bloom: Rose-purple, spring

Sizes & prices

#10Weeping Red Bud$169.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental specimen; Understory planting
Major issues: Canker, dieback, Verticillium wilt and borers can affect stressed redbuds; avoid root disturbance.
Form: Compact weeping
Growth rate: Species: moderate; compact and weeping cultivars differ in extension growth.
Fruit / litter: Small papery seed pods may develop and persist into fall.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Browsing can be significant despite some resistance reports; protect young trees.
Drought: Parent-species guidance: Drought can stress plants; irrigate through dry periods.
Wet soil: Parent-species guidance: Avoid waterlogged soil.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees, Butterflies
Caterpillar host: Caterpillars
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivar/selection of a species native to eastern and central North America. Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.
Tristate native status: Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Glossy purple leaves; yellow-bronze in fall

Growing & care

Site: Water well during establishment. Avoid root disturbance and remove dead branches.
Pruning: Maintain sound branch attachments while young; remove dead wood and weak crossing branches. Preserve a weeping cultivar's trained leader and remove shoots below any graft.
Soil: Moist, well-drained; brief dry periods tolerated

Sources & photo credits

J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Rutgers Cooperative Extension

The Morton Arboretum

springgrovenursery.com

horticulture.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: Owen Johnson / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement. · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Young Ruby Falls redbud at Spetchley Park, Worcestershire, UK, September 8, 2023. Photo: Owen Johnson / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.