Flame thrower redbud

cercis canadensis (SER-sis kan-a-DEN-sis)

Family: Fabaceae Native Understory (15-40 ft)

Flame Thrower® is a cultivar of the native redbud tree in the bean (Fabaceae) family created by Dennis J. Werner of North Carolina State University. It is a cross of two cultivars, 'The Rising Sun' (non-weeping, gold-leaf) and 'NC2006-14' (weeping, purple leaf). The selected offspring was given the cultivar name 'NC2016-2' and marketed as Flame Thrower. Flame Thrower shows a slight pendant growth habit but is classified as non-weeping and will grow 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. Redbuds will grow in full sun to part shade, are pH-tolerant and do well in moist, well-drained soils of average fertility. Leaves show a dynamic transition of color change from the time of leaf emergence and throughout the growing season. Leaves emerge purple and quickly turn red as they expand. As an individual leaf matures, it transitions from purple to red to reddish-bronze and ultimately yellow-green. Because all leaves are in different stages of development at any particular point in time, the tree displays a dynamic mix of colors, especially during stages of active growth. Maximal variable leaf color is expressed early to mid-season, and declines as summer temperatures increase after mid-July. Flowers are abundant, appearing in clusters in spring before leaf-out. Use as a specimen, accent or understory tree. Great for small yards. Redbuds, in general, do not transplant well. Established plants are difficult to relocate, so choose your site carefully. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Insect pests include leafhoppers, caterpillars, borers, Japanese beetles, treehoppers, scale and webworms. Possible diseases include canker, dieback, leaf spots, verticillium wilt, blights and mildew. It can be a short-lived tree, typically living less than 75 years. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Cercis canadensis .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 63 attributes.