Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud

Name: Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 20498
Price: 139.77 USD
Availability: InStock

Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'

Nature Hills Nursery

$139⁷⁷

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for full sun with at least 6 hours of direct exposure to maintain the deepest burgundy leaf color. While it tolerates partial shade, too much shade often causes the foliage to fade to a duller green.
Soil: Use well-drained soil that is rich in organic material. If you are dealing with heavy clay, plant the root ball slightly above the soil line to prevent "wet feet" and improve drainage.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, provide 5 to 10 gallons of water once or twice a week to help the root system establish. While mature Redbuds are moderately drought tolerant, inconsistent watering during extreme heat can cause the leaf edges to turn brown and crispy. Think of consistent moisture as the best way to keep the canopy lush and the purple pigment vibrant.

Pruning Tips

This tree blooms on old wood, so you should only prune it immediately after the flowers fade in late spring. Focus on removing dead wood or any branches that are crossing and rubbing against each other to keep the structure clean. Pruning right after blooming ensures you do not accidentally remove the flower buds for the following year.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as you see the flower buds beginning to swell. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer because they stimulate soft new growth that can be damaged by early frosts. Proper spring feeding provides the energy needed for both the spring floral show and the heavy summer foliage.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Perfect Small Accent Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud Tree

Tiny, Weeping Ornamental Tree
Sculptural Focal Point
Bold Rose-Pink Flowers Cover Downturned Bare Branches in Early Spring
Deliciously Deep Purple Leaves Ages to Dark Green
Four Seasons of Interest
Full Sun or Partial Shade Tree
Excellent in Small Space Gardens
Winter Interest
Provides Valuable Early Nectar For Pollinators
Easy Care Modern Cultivar
Darling Compact Form
Widely Adapted
Deer Don't Prefer the Taste

The North Carolina State University team has done it again! This incredible modern cultivar of the esteemed Eastern Redbud is a must-have...even in the smallest spaces.

Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls') is a fabulous, weeping variety that displays richly colored blooms and purple, heart-shaped leaves. You'll create a big impact with this compact tree.

The petite trees tell you a story. Think that sounds a bit fanciful? Plant one or more in your landscape, and you'll find out for yourself soon enough.

Please place a comfy outdoor chair near your new tree. You'll want to study the elegant, drooping branches as they reach toward and eventually sweep the ground. Take a good look at the enthralling details featured by these diminutive specimen trees.

With a unique weeping habit, each of these small trees is different. Just like the much larger species, Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud develops into a marvelous, freeform shape. The pendulous branches arch up, out, and cascade down from the canopy.

Use this in a special spot. You'll never, ever grow tired of Ruby Falls. In wintertime, the unique branch structure brings a delightfully showy accent.

Watch in very early spring as Ruby Fall Redbud starts blooming on bare wood. The dark-pink, sweet pea-shaped flowers outline each branch, and can grow down the length of the tree trunk.

Butterflies and beneficial pollinators really appreciate the bloom's early nectar. This tree, while terrifically decorative, adds a lot of environmental value, as well.

The electrifying flower display can last for weeks! This variety is well-known for its long-lasting bloom time.

You'll watch in anticipation for the mysteriously moody, dark purple foliage to slowly emerge. Each breathtaking leaf is held on a long petiole and will curve and cut to flutter in the slightest breeze.

As the growing season progresses, the deep purple foliage matures to a lovely burgundy wash over green. It will become a handsome match for Roses, Ornamental Grasses, or last-season Prairie-style perennials.

Ruby Falls is so romantic. We honestly can't think of a more meaningful anniversary present. Why not celebrate a special friendship with one or two as a gift tree?

Order yours today, and please hurry. It seems like everyone wants a Ruby Falls Redbud! Your professional-grade trees are securely boxed and the order shipped right to your doorstep.

How to Use Ruby Falls Redbud in the Landscape

This isn't a tree to tuck in a forgotten corner. Rather, you'll want to create a special destination spot to showcase its charm.

Place one by your front door, or add a pair to flank either side. You'll have an amazing conversation starter and an easy icebreaker for guests to comment on.

Add to accentuate a special architectural feature of your home. They can even be used as "strategic" privacy plants to block an unsightly view.

Include a series of them in a curved planting behind your patio seating. Keep the planting pattern even and uniform, or vary the spacing for an informal grouping.

Allow everyone to see this tree, or...keep it for yourself as a personal piece of living garden sculpture. Allow it to decorate your outdoor Yoga Studio or Zen Meditation Garden.

Kids will be fascinated with this weeping Redbud. They'll want to decorate it for the Holidays!

It's funny how dear these little trees become to the whole family. They'll be almost like a plant pet.

Count on these marvelous trees as a special feature tree in your landscape design. Choose companion plants that coordinate with the deeply pigmented hues.

Or, create a dynamic contrast with strongly vertical plants like Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass. Underplant their sunny side with groundcover Roses for a perfectly easy display that looks amazing for months.

When your tree arrives, water it well. Then, take the time to study it and move the potted tree around in your landscape to decide exactly where you'll use it.

It will look great in a million places, we're sure! Before planting, turn the tree around in a circle to study all angles. Decide which aspect works best in your chosen spot.

Don't overanalyze it, but do enjoy the process of planting your very special Ruby Falls. Invite an opinionated friend or two over to help!

#ProPlantTips for Care

Ruby Falls Redbud requires well-drained soil, but they tolerate a wide variety of soil types, including clay soil. adaptable to many different types of soil. Use a pack of Nature Hills Root Booster when planting. It works with your tree over its whole lifetime to better access water and micronutrients.

Plant them in full sun up north, or give them some afternoon shade in the warmest climates listed on the Plant Highlights. They'll need at least four hours of direct sunlight to develop the best color.

Apply a moderate amount of water on a regular basis to supplement, if you don't get enough rainfall. Spread a three-inch layer of mulch on top of the root system to cut down on surface evaporation. Pull it away from the trunk. Mulch should never touch tree trunks!

While you'll adore your new tree, please understand that young Redbuds can be a bit slow to fully leaf out in spring. Patience is a virtue, and you'll be rewarded with intensely purple leaves soon.

Place your Ruby Falls Redbud order now! You'll fall in love with these fetching little trees.

Single Stem, Multi Stem, Shrub Form, Oh My!

Before you buy, make sure you know what you’re getting! Single stem, multi stem, and shrub forms are different so read a bit about which we’re currently offering below.

Single Stem:

These are plants that have one stem coming from the ground. Plants can also be considered single stem when lower branches are removed to raise the height of the branching. Sometimes, you will hear a single stem referred to as Tree Form.

Multi Stem:

These are plants with 2 or more stems planted together in the ground in close proximity to form a clump. There are times when multiple stems are formed by a tree that branches at the soil line with more than one main stem.

Shrub Form:

These are bushy plants with many stems and branches close to the ground. They are referred to as shrubs or bushes and are often shorter than their tree forms.

Botanical Name

Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'
Class
- Magnoliopsida
Species

canadensis
Cultivar

Ruby Falls
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

6-8 ft
Width

5-6 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Purple
- Pink
Leaf Color
- Purple
- Red
Fall Color

Yellow
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 5-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud grow well in full sun or partial shade?

Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud thrives in both full sun and partial shade conditions. This adaptable tree performs well with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. For best flowering and foliage color, choose a location with morning sun and some afternoon protection in hot climates.

What type of soil does Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud prefer, and does it tolerate clay or poor soil?

Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud adapts well to various soil types, including clay and moderately poor soils. Like most redbuds, it prefers well-draining conditions but tolerates less-than-perfect sites better than many ornamental trees. Ensure decent drainage and you'll have success with this widely adapted cultivar available at naturehills.com.

How often should I water a newly planted Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud, and is it drought tolerant once established?

Water newly planted Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud deeply 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. Once established after 1-2 years, this compact redbud becomes quite drought tolerant thanks to its deep taproot. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches down - water when dry.

When is the best time to plant a Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud shipped online?

Plant Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild and rainfall is consistent. These times allow the root system to establish before summer heat or winter stress. Avoid planting during hot summer months or when ground is frozen.

How is Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud packaged and shipped, and will it arrive healthy?

Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud ships as a bare root or potted plant depending on season, carefully packaged to protect the delicate weeping branches. Nature Hills uses specialized packaging to ensure your tree arrives healthy and ready to establish in your garden. Plant immediately upon arrival and keep roots moist until planting.

What are the shipping dates or seasons for Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud orders by zone?

Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud ships in spring and fall when trees are dormant, with timing varying by your hardiness zone. Northern zones typically receive shipments later in spring and earlier in fall than southern regions. Check your specific zone's shipping window when placing your order.

Is the Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud grafted, and what happens if the top dies back to rootstock?

Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud is a grafted cultivar, typically grafted onto standard Eastern Redbud rootstock. If the grafted top dies back, any growth from the rootstock will produce a standard upright redbud without the weeping habit or deep purple foliage. Remove any upright shoots growing from below the graft union to maintain the desired weeping form.

How do I prune a Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud to maintain its weeping shape?

Minimal pruning preserves Ruby Falls' natural weeping form and freeform shape. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before spring blooming. Avoid heavy pruning since flowers form on bare wood - let the pendulous branches cascade naturally to the ground.

What common pests or diseases affect Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud, like canker or leaf spot?

Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud can develop canker diseases and leaf spot, though it's generally quite resilient. The weeping habit provides good air circulation which helps prevent fungal issues. Plant in well-draining soil and avoid overhead watering to minimize disease pressure.