Rising Sun Eastern Redbud

Rising Sun Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'JN2')

Rising Sun Eastern Redbud brings spring flowers and warm, glowing foliage together in one small tree that adds color for months, not just a few weeks. In early spring, rosy pink blooms line the bare branches, creating the classic redbud moment before leaves appear. As the canopy fills in, new growth emerges in apricot and orange tones, then softens into gold and chartreuse, keeping the tree looking lively as the season progresses. It is a great choice for adding a bright canopy and light shade in spaces where a standard green tree would feel flat.

Distinctive Features

This Eastern redbud is prized for its color-shifting foliage, with new leaves often showing warm orange and apricot tones before transitioning to golden and chartreuse shades that contrast beautifully with deep greens. The spring bloom display remains a strong highlight, and the rounded, branching habit provides a polished silhouette through the growing season. It typically reaches about 8 to 12 feet tall with a similar spread, making it an easy fit for smaller landscapes, courtyards, and foundation beds where scale matters.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade, with some afternoon shade helpful in hotter areas to protect foliage color.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential, and it adapts to many soil types when drainage is good.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment, then provide moderate moisture during extended dry spells.
• USDA Zones: Zones 5 to 9.
• Deer: Not reliably deer resistant, so protect young trees where browsing pressure is high.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a focal point where the warm, shifting foliage colors can be enjoyed from windows, entries, or main garden views.
• Small Space Specimen: Delivers big color in a compact tree that fits tight beds and smaller landscapes.
• Foundation Accent: Brightens darker corners and breaks up evergreen masses with warm canopy tones.
• Patio and Courtyard Interest: Provides gentle shade and standout foliage color near outdoor living spaces.
• Mixed Border Contrast: Pairs well with blue evergreens, purple foliage shrubs, and clean green hedging for layered color balance.

Low Maintenance Care

• Planting: Choose a site with good drainage and enough room for the canopy to develop naturally.
• Mulching: Maintain a mulch ring to conserve moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to remove dead or crossing branches and keep the structure balanced.
• Watering: Deep water during the first growing season and during drought to support foliage quality and reduce stress.
• Heat Protection: In hot, exposed sites, provide some afternoon shade or extra deep watering to reduce leaf scorch.

Why Choose Rising Sun Eastern Redbud?

• Color-Shifting Foliage: Apricot, gold, and chartreuse tones keep the canopy looking fresh as the season unfolds.
• Spring Flower Show: Rosy pink blooms deliver the classic early-season redbud highlight.
• Compact Habit: A smaller mature size that fits front yards, patios, and foundation plantings.
• Strong Contrast: Warm leaf tones stand out against evergreens and deep green shrubs.
• Easy Seasonal Interest: Provides extended color with straightforward, low-effort care.

If you want a redbud that stays colorful long after the blooms fade, Rising Sun Eastern Redbud is a standout choice. It combines a dependable spring display with warm, glowing foliage that helps your landscape feel brighter and more intentional from spring into summer.