Overview

Cercis canadensis 'Red Force' is a spreading, multi-stemmed tree in the genus Cercis, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 12 m tall. Cercis canadensis 'Red Force' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include specimen tree and ornamental. It is native to Eastern North America.

About

Cercis canadensis, the eastern redbud, is a large deciduous shrub or small tree, native to eastern North America from southern Michigan south to central Mexico, west to New Mexico, but able to thrive as far west as California and as far north as southern Ontario. It is the state tree of Oklahoma and the official city tree of Huntington Beach.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cercis canadensis

About the genus

Cercis is a genus of flowering plants in the subfamily Cercidoideae of the pea family Fabaceae. It contains small deciduous trees or large shrubs commonly known as redbuds in the USA. They are characterised by simple, rounded to heart-shaped leaves and pinkish-red flowers borne in the early spring on bare leafless shoots, on both branches and trunk ("cauliflory").

Wikipedia contributors, "Cercis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cercis

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cercis

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy
Soil pH
Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Cercis canadensis 'Red Force' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Tree
Habit
Spreading, multi-stemmed
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
12 m
Suggested uses
Specimen tree, ornamental
Native to
Eastern North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cercis canadensis 'Red Force'

Propagation
Seed, semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistance
Aphids
Disease resistance
Verticillium wilt, coral spot, honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Cercis canadensis 'Red Force'?

Cercis canadensis 'Red Force' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Cercis canadensis 'Red Force' need?

Cercis canadensis 'Red Force' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Cercis canadensis 'Red Force' grow?

Cercis canadensis 'Red Force' reaches a height of 12 m.

Is Cercis canadensis 'Red Force' hardy in the UK?

Cercis canadensis 'Red Force' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Cercis canadensis 'Red Force'?

Seed, semi-ripe cuttings.

From the Fenn Plants journal