Hearts A' Fire Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'Hearts A' Fire'

Nature Hills Nursery

Hearts A' Fire Redbud Displays Multi-Colored New Growth in Burgundy, Red, Tangerine, and Gold Simultaneously
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 10-15 Tall and Wide
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies
Great Choice for Street Tree in Butterfly Gardens

$168⁶⁶

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Delivery and Shipping

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.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Thornless, Attracts pollinators, Fall Color/Interest, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	10-15
Width	10-15
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Purple, Pink
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Cercis canadensis 'Hearts A' Fire'
Species	canadensis
Cultivar	JN100
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Hearts A' Fire Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Hearts A' Fire') puts on a foliage show unlike any other small tree. New leaves emerge in shades of burgundy, red, and tangerine, then shift to gold before settling into green for summer. Because the tree keeps pushing new growth through the season, you'll see multiple colors on the same branch at the same time. It's a cross between burgundy-leaved and golden-leaved redbuds, and it inherited the best of both parents.

Why You'll Love Hearts A' Fire Redbud

Multi-colored foliage spectacle with burgundy, red, tangerine, and gold all visible at once
Dark pink flowers bloom before leaves in early spring (March through April)
Compact 10 to 15 feet tall and wide, perfect for small yards and garden beds
Heart-shaped leaves add charm from spring through fall
Native species that's also deer resistant and tolerates black walnut
Adapts to clay, sand, and alkaline soils without complaint

Growing Conditions

Hearts A' Fire Redbud thrives in zones 5 through 9. It handles full sun to part shade, though the foliage color tends to be most vivid with morning sun and light afternoon shade. This cultivar is refreshingly adaptable when it comes to soil. Clay, sand, alkaline, average, well-drained: it works with all of them. It even tolerates juglone from nearby black walnut trees, which is a major advantage in many Midwestern and Eastern landscapes.

Size and Growth Habit

Mature size is 10 to 15 feet tall with an equal spread of 10 to 15 feet. Growth rate is moderate, producing a graceful, rounded canopy over time. The branching pattern is naturally attractive, with the kind of sculptural form that looks good even in winter. This is a tree that earns its space year-round.

Landscape Uses and Design Ideas

This redbud shines as a specimen tree near a patio, front walk, or entryway where you can appreciate the changing foliage up close. It works beautifully as an understory tree beneath taller shade trees, or planted at the edge of a woodland garden. Group three together for a small grove that becomes the focal point of your spring landscape. Browse our full redbud trees collection and see how this cultivar compares to other flowering trees for small spaces.

Planting and Care Tips

Plant in spring or fall, and water consistently during the first growing season. Redbuds have relatively shallow root systems, so a generous ring of mulch (two to four inches deep) helps maintain even soil moisture. Pruning is rarely needed beyond removing any dead or crossing branches in late winter.

For more inspiration, check out our redbud varieties and care guide, explore five trees for early spring color, and find the right fit for compact landscapes in the best shade trees for small yards. Don't forget to check our native plants and deer resistant plants collections.

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and spread of Hearts A'Fire Redbud?

Hearts A' Fire Redbud reaches 10-15 feet tall and wide at maturity, making it an ideal compact ornamental tree. This size works perfectly for residential landscapes and smaller yards where space is limited. Plant it as a specimen tree or focal point where it has room to develop its full, rounded canopy.

Is Hearts A'Fire Redbud hardy in zone 5?

Yes, Hearts A' Fire Redbud is hardy in USDA Zone 5 through Zone 9. This compact 10-15 ft. tree tolerates cold winters well and adapts to various soil conditions. Plant in full sun to part shade for best color development, available at naturehills.com.

How do I plant Hearts A'Fire Redbud in my garden?

Plant Hearts A'Fire Redbud in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil across USDA Zones 5-9. This adaptable 10-15 ft tree thrives in most soil types with minimal care once established. Water regularly the first season to develop strong roots, then enjoy years of low-maintenance spring color.

What are the watering requirements for new Hearts A'Fire Redbud plantings?

Water your newly planted Hearts A' Fire Redbud regularly throughout the first growing season to establish a strong, deep root system. Once established, this adaptable tree becomes quite drought tolerant. Focus on consistent moisture during spring and summer of year one, then reduce frequency as the tree matures.

Does Hearts A'Fire Redbud need fertilizer, and when should I apply it?

Hearts A'Fire Redbud rarely needs fertilizer once established, as it adapts well to average soil conditions. If desired, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before the pink flowers emerge. This low-maintenance tree available at naturehills.com thrives in zones 5-9 without heavy feeding.

How much sun or shade does Hearts A'Fire Redbud require?

Hearts A' Fire Redbud thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. This adaptable tree performs well across a range of light exposures, making it versatile for most landscape situations. For the best flower and foliage color display, plant in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Will deer eat or damage Hearts A'Fire Redbud?

Redbud trees are generally deer resistant, and Hearts A' Fire Redbud should experience minimal browsing damage in most areas. Young trees may need protection during their first season while establishing roots. Consider temporary fencing or deer repellent sprays if deer pressure is severe in your area.

Are there any restricted states where Hearts A'Fire Redbud can't be shipped?

Hearts A' Fire Redbud ships to most states within USDA Zones 5-9 where it's hardy. Some states have agricultural restrictions on shipping live plants, but these vary by season and regulation. Check your specific state's current shipping availability at checkout to confirm delivery to your area.

How do I prune Hearts A'Fire Redbud, and when?

Prune Hearts A' Fire Redbud in late spring after flowering to avoid cutting off next year's buds. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and lightly shape if needed. Since this compact tree naturally stays 10-15 ft., minimal pruning is required.