Redbud 'Flame Thrower' - The Star of the Show

'Flame Thrower'

I mentioned in an earlier post that there were a lot of questions about the Austalian Mint Bush but the plant by far that got the most comments was Cercis canadensis 'Flame Thrower', better known as the Redbud. It is by the front door and the first thing you see when you walk through the garden gate. This is such a flashy tree that it is hard to miss. It was beautiful last year but it has been a showstopper this Spring and I've been surprised at the intensity of the color which is probably enhanced by a cool spring. 

When I think about Redbuds, I always remember how the blooms would sprinkle the forests along the interstate when we made trips to Birmingham. They bloom early, before the leaves appear on most trees, so they were easy to spot, delicate pink clouds floating in the wilderness. The flowers are pretty but for me, the show comes when the dramatic heart-shaped leaves appear. 

Breeders have been having a field day with these trees and every year brings more dramatic introductions. I have quite a few in our garden including both parents of 'Flame Thrower' - 'Ruby Falls' and 'Rising Sun'.  'Ruby Falls' is a weeping variety with dark burgundy leaves, not unlike the classic 'Forest Pansy'. I have one planted next to the pergola where it gets a lot of shade, so much that there were not many blooms this year and leaf color tends to be more on the greenish side. Planted in the same area is 'Rising Sun' which is looking quite good. 

'Rising Sun'

'Ruby Falls' (autumn)

I also love 'Hearts of Gold' which has chartreuse leaves and brightens up our "nature trail".

'Hearts of Gold'

'Flame Thrower' was developed by Dennis Werner, a professor of horticulture at North Carolina State University where he has bred redbuds for twenty-four years. In 2021, 'Flame Thrower' was voted 'Plant of the Year' at the Chelsea Flower Show. In England, it is marketed as 'Eternal Flame'. 

I've always thought of redbuds as shade-loving trees but they, along with many other plants, tolerate a considerable amount of sun here in the Pacific Northwest. I was afraid that 'Flame Thrower' was suffering last year from too much sun. Drooping leaves seem to be a common trait with them which is one characteristic I do not like. They do prefer moist soil conditions and it is good to keep them in a consistent moist environment but one that is not too wet.

It will be interesting to see how the redbuds fare in our garden here in the Pacific Northwest. They have a shaky reputation and many die from fungal issues and root rot from too wet soils during the winter months. 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy