Images Depict Mature Plants
Golden Falls® Redbud Tree
Cercis canadensis 'NC2015-12'
Golden Falls is a redbud for gardeners who want something truly different without needing a large yard. The weeping form gives it structure, the lavender-pink flowers give it that classic redbud spring moment, and the golden foliage keeps the show going long after bloom. I would use it as a focal point near a patio, entry, or small front-yard bed where the shape can be seen. Give it drainage, steady water while it establishes, and enough room for the cascading branches to do what they do best.
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Golden Falls Redbud Tree Combines Weeping Form, Golden Foliage, and Spring Flowers
A Gold-Foliage Weeping Redbud for Small Spaces
Golden Falls® Redbud Tree is a compact ornamental redbud with a narrow weeping habit, lavender-pink spring flowers, and bright golden foliage. It brings together two of the most desirable redbud traits—dramatic weeping structure and colorful heart-shaped leaves—in one small-space tree.
This redbud is especially useful where a traditional shade tree would be too large. Use it as a specimen near a patio, a front-yard focal point, a courtyard tree, a small garden accent, or a narrow vertical feature in a mixed border. The cascading branches create movement, while the golden foliage adds brightness through the growing season.
Lavender-Pink Spring Blooms Before the Leaves
In early spring, Golden Falls Redbud blooms on bare branches before the foliage fully emerges. The lavender-pink, pea-like flowers appear along the branches, giving the tree a soft spring display at a time when many landscapes are still waking up.
These early flowers also add pollinator value. Redbuds are among the ornamental trees that help support early-season pollinators, and Golden Falls brings that seasonal benefit in a compact, highly ornamental form. After bloom, the tree shifts into its foliage show, making it valuable well beyond spring.
Orange-Tinged New Growth That Turns Golden
The foliage is one of the biggest reasons homeowners choose Golden Falls Redbud. New leaves emerge with orange tones, then brighten to golden yellow and mature toward golden-lime green as the season progresses. The leaves are heart-shaped, giving the tree the classic redbud look with a much brighter color palette.
Unlike some yellow-foliage trees that scorch or fade quickly, Golden Falls was selected for foliage that holds up well in sun and heat when planted in the right site. Afternoon shade can still be helpful in hotter regions, but this cultivar is known for better summer foliage performance than many gold-leaved redbuds.
Narrow, Weeping Architecture With Big Design Value
Golden Falls Redbud has a distinct upright weeping form. In production, the central leader is often trained upward to create height, while lateral branches naturally cascade. This means the final height can be influenced by staking, training, and pruning, but most landscape plants are commonly expected to mature around 8 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.
That narrow footprint makes Golden Falls ideal for tight spaces. It can fit into small front yards, patio gardens, entry plantings, courtyard beds, and narrow mixed borders where wider trees would overwhelm the space. Its winter branching structure also adds interest after the leaves drop.
Easy Care With the Right Planting Site
Golden Falls Redbud grows best in full sun to part shade with moist, average, well-drained soil. Good drainage is important because redbuds do not like wet, poorly drained sites. Choose the planting location carefully, because redbuds generally do not like being moved once established.
Water regularly during the first growing season to help the root system establish. Mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and protect shallow roots, but keep mulch away from the trunk. Prune lightly after flowering or in late winter to remove dead, damaged, crossing, or poorly placed branches and to maintain the desired weeping form.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 8 to 10 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil Condition: | Average, moist, well-drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water regularly until established; maintain even moisture during heat and drought |
| Bloom Time / Flower Color: | Early spring; lavender-pink to pink flowers on bare branches |
| Foliage | Heart-shaped leaves; orange-tinged new growth, bright golden yellow foliage, golden-lime summer color |
| Ornamental Features | Weeping form, golden foliage, pink spring flowers, narrow habit, winter branch structure, small-space focal point value |
| Wildlife Value | Spring flowers support early pollinators |
| Resistance | Deer resistance is variable; young trees may need protection in high-pressure areas |
| Landscape Uses: | Small yards, patios, courtyards, front yards, specimen plantings, focal points, narrow borders, containers, pollinator gardens |
How to Care for Golden Falls® Redbud Tree
aBe sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Golden Falls Redbud Tree for years to come!
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How should I plant Golden Falls Redbud Tree?
Plant Golden Falls Redbud Tree in full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil. Choose the site carefully before planting because redbuds generally do not transplant well after establishment. Avoid low, soggy areas where water collects around the roots. Dig a hole about two to three times wider than the root ball and about the same depth as the container. Set the root flare at or slightly above soil level, backfill with native soil, water deeply, and apply mulch over the root zone while keeping mulch away from the trunk.
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How often should I water Golden Falls Redbud Tree after planting?
Water Golden Falls Redbud Tree deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season. Newly planted trees need consistent moisture while roots establish, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather. Once established, Golden Falls can handle normal garden conditions, but it will look best with supplemental watering during drought. Water deeply rather than shallowly, and avoid keeping the root zone constantly wet. Mulch helps conserve moisture and protect the roots.
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When should I fertilize Golden Falls Redbud Tree?
Fertilize the Golden Falls Redbud Tree in early spring before new growth begins if the tree is growing slowly or the soil is poor. Use a balanced slow-release tree and shrub fertilizer or topdress with compost around the root zone. Avoid overfertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizer, because it can push soft growth rather than improve tree structure. In healthy soil, Golden Falls usually needs only light feeding. Proper planting, watering, and drainage are more important than frequent fertilizing.
When and how should I prune / cut back Golden Falls Redbud Tree?
Prune Golden Falls Redbud Tree lightly in late winter or after flowering to remove dead, damaged, crossing, or poorly placed branches. Avoid heavy pruning unless structural correction is needed. The tree’s graceful weeping habit is one of its main ornamental features, so pruning should refine the shape rather than fight it. If you want more height, maintain or train a central leader while the tree is young. Once the leader reaches the desired height, the side branches will cascade naturally. Remove suckers or unwanted low shoots as needed, and make clean cuts without leaving long stubs.
