Images Depict Mature Plants
Flame Thrower® Redbud Tree
Cercis canadensis 'NC2016-2' PPAF
Flame Thrower® is the redbud I reach for when someone wants a tree that looks like it’s putting on a show from the first warm days to the last golden weeks of fall—rosy spring blooms, then that wild ombre canopy that can carry burgundy, red, yellow, and green all at once. Give it sun for the best color, drainage so the roots stay happy, and consistent watering the first year, and you’ll have a compact statement tree that makes your landscape feel curated without feeling fussy.
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Flame Thrower® Redbud Tree For A Season-Long Rainbow Of Leaves And Rosy-Pink Spring Flowers
A Rainbow Foliage Show That Evolves From Spring To Fall
Flame Thrower® Redbud is the tree you plant when you want color that doesn’t clock out after bloom season. As new growth pushes, the heart-shaped leaves emerge in rich burgundy tones, then transition through red and warm bronze notes before settling into yellow-green and green—often with multiple colors showing on the same branch at the same time. That layered, ombre look makes the canopy feel alive and constantly changing, like the tree is repainting itself as it grows.
This multicolor effect is especially striking in mixed landscapes where you’re already playing with contrast. Pair it with deep evergreens, soft gray foliage, or chartreuse shrubs, and you’ll make the reds and yellows pop even more. It’s a standout specimen near an entry, along a drive, or as a focal point at the edge of a patio—anywhere you want that “what is THAT?” moment from spring all the way into fall.
Rosy-Pink Spring Blooms That Kickstart The Season
Before the foliage fully takes over, Flame Thrower® still delivers the classic redbud spring show: rosy-pink flowers that appear along the stems in early spring. That timing is the magic—when the rest of the yard is still waking up, this tree is already celebrating. It’s one of the easiest ways to create instant early-season curb appeal, especially if you can see it from a kitchen window or along your daily path to the mailbox.
Those spring blooms also bring extra life to the garden by supporting early pollinator activity. Plant it as part of a layered landscape with spring bulbs, epimedium, hellebores, or other early performers, and the whole area feels intentional and “in sync” from the first warm days onward.
Right-Sized Canopy For Smaller Yards And Modern Landscapes
Flame Thrower® is a strong choice when you want a real tree presence without the footprint of a large shade tree. It typically matures around 15–20 feet tall and about 15–20 feet wide, forming an upright ornamental canopy that fits front yards, side yards, and tighter garden rooms beautifully. That scale is ideal for anchoring a landscape bed, shading a small seating area, or adding a canopy layer over perennials without swallowing the whole yard.
Because it stays manageable, it’s also easier to site correctly near walkways, patios, and foundation plantings. Give it enough clearance, and it grows into its natural shape with minimal correction. You get a cleaner silhouette, better airflow through the canopy, and a tree that looks “placed” instead of “crammed.”
Easy-Care Performance With Sun, Drainage, And Smart Timing
For best color and overall performance, plant Flame Thrower® in full sun to partial sun in well-drained soil. Sun helps intensify the foliage show, while drainage protects the roots from staying wet—one of the quickest ways to stress redbuds. A wide mulch ring (kept away from the trunk) helps stabilize moisture and temperature, providing the tree with a steady foundation as it establishes.
Pruning is simple and mostly optional. If you need to tidy shape or remove dead or rubbing branches, timing matters: prune in late spring after flowering so you keep the spring display and maintain a clean structure going into summer growth. With good placement, consistent first-year watering, and light pruning only when needed, Flame Thrower® stays surprisingly low-drama for such a high-impact tree.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 15-20 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 15-20 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial sun |
| Bloom Time / Color | Early spring; rosy-pink |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Wildlife Value | Early-season blooms support pollinators |
| Resistance (deer/disease/drought/etc.) | Not deer resistant; adapts to drier sites once established |
| Landscape Uses | Specimen tree, front yard focal point, patio canopy, pollinator-friendly landscapes, small-yard ornamental |
How to Care for Flame Thrower® Redbud Tree
After you purchase your Flame Thrower Redbud Tree, be sure to read the recommended care instructions to ensure your plant stays happy and healthy for years to come!
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How should I plant Flame Thrower® Redbud Tree?
Plant Flame Thrower® Redbud Tree in a sunny to partially sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball and no deeper than the root ball’s height, then set the tree so the top of the root ball (root flare) sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water deeply to settle soil around the roots. Finish with a 2–3-inch mulch ring around the root zone, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk. If your soil is heavy, plant slightly high and expand the planting area outward so water moves away from the trunk instead of pooling.
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How often should I water Flame Thrower® Redbud Tree after planting?
Water thoroughly right after planting, then keep the root zone evenly moist during the first growing season. A strong baseline is 1–2 deep waterings per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. In sandy soils you may water a bit more often; in clay soils, water less frequently but more slowly so it soaks in without staying soggy. After the tree begins to establish, transition to deep watering about once per week during dry spells—especially in summer heat. Deep, slow watering encourages roots to grow outward and improves drought tolerance over time.
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When should I fertilize Flame Thrower® Redbud Tree?
Fertilize lightly in spring after the threat of hard frost has passed, using a balanced, slow-release tree and shrub fertilizer at label rates. Apply around the drip line rather than against the trunk, and water it in well. This supports steady growth and strong foliage color without forcing weak, overly soft growth. If the tree is growing well, you can often skip additional fertilizing and focus on mulch and consistent moisture instead. Avoid fertilizing late in the season; you want the tree to slow down and prepare for dormancy rather than pushing tender growth.
When and how should I prune Flame Thrower® Redbud Tree?
Prune in late spring after flowering to remove dead, damaged, or rubbing branches and to lightly guide shape. Keep cuts clean and targeted—this tree looks best when you preserve its natural ornamental form instead of trying to “shear” it into a rigid outline. As the tree matures, occasional thinning for clearance and airflow is usually all it needs. Avoid heavy pruning during extreme heat or drought stress, and don’t remove more than necessary in a single season.
