Redbud
Golden Falls
Cercis canadensis
A striking weeping selection of the native Eastern Redbud, combining a pendulous, umbrella-like growth habit with bright golden-yellow, heart-shaped foliage. In early spring, the bare, cascading branches are studded with small lavender-pink pea-like flowers before the leaves emerge. As the canopy fills in, the foliage holds a warm chartreuse-gold through summer, giving the weeping form a luminous, waterfall-like presence in the landscape.
Growing Specifications
- Height
- Variable with age and staking height
- Spread
- Variable with age and staking height
- Watering
- Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates typical garden watering once established
- Light
- Morning sun, afternoon shade
- Heat Tolerance
- Moderate; benefits from afternoon shade protection in peak summer heat to preserve leaf color
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Soil Requirement
- Adaptable; performs well in rich, well-draining soil and tolerates clay better than many ornamentals
North Texas Micro-climate Notes
Because its golden foliage has less chlorophyll than green-leaved redbuds, it is more prone to leaf scorch in the harshest North Texas afternoon sun. Siting it where it receives protection from intense 2 PM to 6 PM western exposure helps keep the canopy color bright rather than bleached.
Care Instructions
Plant in well-draining soil amended with organic matter. Stake a central leader while young to establish the desired cascading clearance height. Water deeply during establishment and summer dry spells; minimal pruning is needed beyond removing dead or crossing growth in winter dormancy.
Landscape Usage
Well suited as a weeping accent near a patio or entryway, staged over a low wall or berm, or used as a golden-foliage counterpoint to darker evergreens in a mixed border.
Fun Fact
As a weeping cultivar, 'Golden Falls' does not gain much height on its own — its ultimate form depends heavily on how it is staked while young, much like other cascading ornamentals in the collection.
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