Come springtime, just look up: There are so many flowering trees that help the world come alive after a long, dreary winter. One of these colorful trees, which you’ll likely see around town come spring, is the lovely redbud tree, known for its magenta-pink flowers and shiny heart-shaped leaves.
Although redbuds pop up throughout across America every spring, Oklahoma redbuds are one of the sturdiest varieties out there. They might be smaller than the average redbud, but they’re mighty: drought-tolerant, heat-tolerant, sun-loving, and—not to mention—totally eye-catching. In fact, Oklahoma redbuds are a sign of spring that Ree Drummond looks forward to every year.
"For me, the first sign of spring is the blooming of Oklahoma redbuds—otherwise nondescript deciduous trees that line creeks and dot the countryside," she ruminates. "Come early March, whenever I’m driving my eyes are peeled for them, hungry for color of any kind. Then suddenly they appear: the most saturated pinkish-purple blooms you will ever see, creating intense pops of color in a still-wintry, brown world. Redbuds are one of the first plants in our area to come back to life, and the two-ish weeks they’re in bloom are thrilling."
If you’re thinking about adding an Oklahoma redbud to your yard, there are a few things you’ll need to know first. Read on for your complete guide to redbud trees, including how to plant, grow, and care for them.
What Are Oklahoma Redbuds?
A hardy variety of the American redbud tree, Oklahoma redbuds are defined by their clusters of magenta-pink blooms that appear in early spring—even before their glossy, heart-shaped leaves sprout.
"Redbuds are very adaptable," says Nancy Buley, communications director for J. Frank Schmidt & Son, Company, wholesale tree growers in Oregon. “They grow from Massachusetts to Florida and Texas to Minnesota, with more cold-hardy cultivars—or cultivated varieties—having developed in recent years.”
Since they’re drought-tolerant plants that thrive in full sun and can tolerate heat and humidity better than the average redbud, they’re well-suited to warmer climates, especially in the South. These trees typically reach 15 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet way, so they’ll bring a burst of color to small landscapes. Considered a fast-growing tree, Oklahoma redbuds reach maturity within 10 to 15 years and can last 50 years or longer with the right care. What’s more, since they’re part of the pea family like other redbuds, they’re low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly.
When to See Oklahoma Redbuds
Whether or not you’re planting Oklahoma redbuds at home, this type of tree generally blooms from March through early April. So, you’ll typically see the freshest, most colorful buds in early spring. The ideal timing depends on the climate, though: In warmer Southern regions, you might spot the blossoms a bit earlier than the average timeframe, while the flowers tend to last a little longer in cooler areas down South. For a photo-worthy experience, look for these trees as the flowers just begin to open.
Where to See Oklahoma Redbuds in Bloom
It might come as no surprise that one of the best places to see Oklahoma redbuds is, in fact, Oklahoma. Since it’s a native tree to parts of the central regions of the country and thrives in sunny areas, it also grows in Texas and other surrounding states. Catch them in wide-open woodlands, small-town main streets, residential yards, and local parks.
How to Plant Oklahoma Redbuds
If you’re thinking about planting an Oklahoma redbud at home, first thing’s first, you won’t be disappointed! These small ornamental trees deliver big, colorful results without the fuss. Here’s how to plant them in four easy steps.
Choose the Right Location
As with any other type of tree, location matters. So, before you start digging, be sure to scope out the ideal spot. These trees thrive in full sun or partial shade, so you’ll want to plant them in an area that receives lots of sunlight. Their canopies also grow wide, so select a location on your lawn that’s roomy enough for their branches to stretch. If you’re planting your tree along the perimeter of your yard, keep it at least three feet away from your fence. And remember to watch out for low rooflines and wires!
Dig a Spacious Hole
Once you’ve found the perfect place to grow your Oklahoma redbud, it’s time to grab a shovel. Dig a hole about two to three times as wide as the container it came in. Since this tree grows beset in its native soil, avoid adding peat moss or potting soil, which will only cause drainage issues and potentially stunt its growth.
Plant the Tree
Next, gently tip the tree out of its container. Use your hand to rough up the surface of the root ball and a pruner to snip off any tree roots circling around it. Make sure that you plant your tree at the same height as it was in the container. “The biggest mistake is planting too deeply,” Buley says. “Make sure the tree’s root flare, where the base widens slightly, is above ground.”
Add More Soil
Once you’ve planted your Oklahoma redbud, refill the sparse parts of the hole with soil. This type of redbud requires well-draining soil, but since it’s pH-adaptable, it’ll do well in both alkaline and acidic soil. Finally, tamp down the soil and give it a nice watering.
How to Care for Oklahoma Redbuds
Properly caring for your Oklahoma redbuds is the key to a thriving tree. Here’s how to nurture and maintain your brightly colored spring tree, so it’ll last for decades:
Water It Deeply
Even though Oklahoma redbuds are drought-tolerant, they’ll need consistent watering for the first few years before they become fully established. Instead of spraying them lightly and daily, give them a deep soak every so often (think: 15 gallons a week for new trees). “It’s better to water deeply and infrequently than to give it a daily squirt, because that encourages roots to stay near the surface,” Buley notes.
Layer on Mulch
To help your redbud retain moisture, keep its roots cool, and ward off weeds, add a one- to four-inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree. You'll need to pull the mulch away from the tree trunk, so the shape resembles a donut rather than a volcano (which could cause decay, invite pests, and promote disease).
Apply a Fertilizer
Because Oklahoma redbuds can flourish even in low-nutrient soil, fertilization isn’t necessary. That said, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every early spring can help it grow. Just be sure to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, which can burn the leaves.
Prune It Carefully
When your Oklahoma redbud blooms every spring, immediately prune the tree to help improve its structure and air circulation. Look for any dead, overcrowded, or interconnecting branches to chop off.
Monitor for Pests
To keep your redbud healthy and happy, be on the lookout for pests like webworms or Japanese beetles. If you spot creepy crawlers, you can treat them with insecticides.
Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
