Redbud, Royal White

Royal White Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Royal White')

Royal White is a white-flowered selection of eastern redbud, with clusters of pea-shaped flowers on bare spring branches. Green, heart-shaped leaves follow, giving a rounded small-tree layer to a mixed border or woodland edge.

Key Characteristics

A White-Flowered Selection with a History

Introduced by the University of Illinois, Royal White was selected for larger, more abundant flowers and a more compact habit than the naturally white-flowered form. Compact is relative: allow room for a spreading mature crown rather than squeezing it against a doorway.

Spring Forage, then Garden Structure

The flowers attract bees and other visiting insects early in the season. Flat pods may follow pollination, while branches and foliage provide a small-tree layer between lower shrubs and taller canopy trees. No companion is needed for its spring flower display.

Drainage and Permanent Placement

Choose sun or partial shade and medium-moisture, well-drained soil. Avoid a regularly saturated planting hole, and water during establishment. Protect its thin bark and prune selectively after flowering if clearance is needed.

Product Details

• Origin: A cultivated selection of eastern and central North American redbud.
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Medium to medium-dry, well-drained soil; water during establishment.
• Mature height: About 15–25 feet; size varies with site and age.
• Mature spread: Allow a similar or broader crown.
• Bloom: White flowers before leaf-out, generally March–April locally; timing varies with climate.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9.
• Fruit or seed: Flat pods that mature brown; primarily an ornamental and habitat tree, not an orchard crop.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Choose its permanent site while the tree is young. Water the root ball before planting, address circling roots, and mulch clear of the trunk. Water during dry spells and protect the thin bark from mowers and trimmers. Inspect dying branches for cankers; prune selectively after flowering rather than repeatedly shearing the canopy.