Published: June 27, 2023 | Updated: October 30, 2026
The Rising Sun redbud (Cercis canadensis 'JN2') is a beautiful small ornamental tree known for its vibrant spring flowers and striking, multicolored foliage. A cultivar of the native Eastern redbud, it offers something special in every season.
As a landscape designer, I often recommend The Rising Sun redbud when homeowners are looking for a small specimen tree for their front yard. I love how dynamic it is, with its appearance changing throughout the growing season.
The Rising Sun redbud puts on a colorful display with its beautiful mix of golden-yellow, orange, and green foliage. Photo © Plant and Bloom Design Studio
In early spring, clusters of lavender-purple flowers cover the branches before the leaves emerge, attracting bees and other early pollinators. The heart-shaped leaves then unfurl in shades of apricot, coral, and orange, gradually transitioning to yellow and lime green as the season progresses.
Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, The Rising Sun redbud typically reaches 10–12 feet tall with a similar spread. Its compact size, graceful shape, and ever-changing foliage make it a wonderful choice for smaller landscapes.
How to Grow and Care for The Rising Sun Redbud
Planting Location: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. The Rising Sun redbud adapts to a variety of soil types, including clay, but doesn't tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Watering: Redbuds prefer consistently moist soil that isn't soggy or waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during the first two years while the roots become established. Even mature trees benefit from supplemental watering during dry spells. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely for extended periods.
Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around the tree to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup.
Pruning: The Rising Sun redbud naturally develops an attractive, rounded shape and requires little pruning. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed. If shaping is necessary, prune after flowering in spring.
Fertilizing: Redbuds generally don't need additional fertilizer when planted in healthy soil. An annual application of compost or leaf mold can help improve soil structure and replenish organic matter.
For more helpful tips, read my guide to watering newly planted trees.
A close-up of The Rising Sun redbud's beautiful heart-shaped leaves in shades of golden yellow, orange, and green. Photo © Plant and Bloom Design Studio
Where to Plant The Rising Sun Redbud Tree
Accent or Specimen Tree: Plant as a focal point in your garden or landscape where its spring flowers and vibrant, multi-colored foliage can be fully appreciated. Position in front of evergreens or darker foliage plants to create a striking color contrast.
Mixed Borders: Ideal for adding height and visual interest to mixed borders, especially in combination with other small flowering trees or shrubs. Use it to create a layered effect in perennial borders, with shorter plants in front.
Mixed Privacy Screens: Incorporate into a mixed privacy screen, where its compact size and colorful foliage can soften the appearance of taller, denser plants. Pair with evergreens or other spring blooming trees.
Woodland Edge: Plant this small flowering tree at the edge of a woodland garden, where it creates a natural transition between wooded areas and open space. The Rising Sun works well in dappled shade, thriving alongside other native trees and understory plants.
Pollinator Garden: Use in a pollinator-friendly garden, where its early spring blooms provide nectar for bees and other pollinators. Combine with other nectar-rich, small flowering trees, shrubs and perennials to create a continuous food source for pollinators throughout the growing season.
Small Urban Gardens: This small flowering tree is perfect for planting in small urban gardens or courtyards, where its compact shape won’t overwhelm the space.
Entryways and Pathways: Use near entryways or along pathways to create a welcoming and colorful entrance to your home or garden. The tree’s vibrant colors and compact form make it an attractive choice for framing doorways or lining walkways.
Street Tree: The Rising Sun redbud is ideal for street-side planting where space is limited, including beneath utility lines. Choose a location with adequate root space and protection from road salt.
The Rising Sun redbud welcomes spring with clusters of delicate pinkish-purple flowers that bloom before the colorful leaves emerge. Photo © epantha via Canva.com
What to Plant with The Rising Sun Redbud
Companion Trees and Shrubs
Serviceberry
Ornamental cherry
Star magnolia
Kousa dogwood
Flowering dogwood
Cherry laurel
Azaleas
Ground Covers and Underplanting
Daffodils
Liriope
Sedges (Carex)
Wild ginger
Creeping phlox
Himalayan sweet box
Epimediums
Is The Rising Sun Redbud Tree Messy?
The Rising Sun redbud produces some natural debris but isn't considered a particularly messy tree.
Like other redbuds, it produces seed pods that may remain on the branches into winter before eventually falling. Occasionally, volunteer seedlings may appear beneath the tree, but they're easy to remove while young.
As a deciduous tree, The Rising Sun also drops its leaves in fall, which can be raked up or left in garden beds to decompose naturally.
The Rising Sun Redbud Tree at a Glance
Common name: The Rising Sun Redbud
Scientific name: Cercis canadensis ‘JN2’
Hardiness zones: 5-9
Mature size: 8-12 feet high and wide
Spacing: 10-12 feet on center
Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Form: Compact, round to vase-shaped deciduous tree
Growth rate: Medium (13-24 inches per year under ideal growing conditions)
Flowering time: Spring
Flower color: Pink to lavender purple
Flower form: Clusters of small, pea-shaped flowers
Foliage type: Alternate, simple, heart-shaped leaves
Fall color: Yellow and orange
Deer resistant: No
Wildlife value: Spring flowers provide nectar for pollinators; seed pods provide food for birds