Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'TEXAS WHITE' Texas whitebud

This redbud had to be renamed to Texas whitebud owing to its white flowers. They are small, pea-like, and appear in profusion in spring on bare wood. However, the best feature of this variety found in Texas is the lustrous foliage.

The leaves are light to mid green, large and very glossy. Unlike redbud leaves this shape is not a typical heart, it is more rounded with wavy margins.

If you grow it for leaves the largest size possible can be obtained by pollarding / cutting back every spring. Cut off last year’s growth by ¾ beginning of spring, after frosts. This will encourage long, new shoots with large leaves. Extra fertilizing is advisable in this case. The plant itself should be at least 5-years old, well established. Such plants will not flower. If grown on stems you can keep the crown compact by trimming it in the spring, either before flowering or immediately after.

Do not cut into old wood – badly treated cuts may be infected and the plant may die. Texas whitebud is widely soil adaptable and is much more tolerant of drought. It resents transplanting. Grow it in full sun, sheltered from drying winds, if possible. Fully hardy to min. -24°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 15-01-2009.