How Well Does Eastern Redbud Grow/Bloom in Tampa?

17 years ago

I'm new here so I hope I'm doing this correctly.

I've recently dug out another large section of my lawn to replace sod with plants. Some of the plants will be divisions from other places in my yard -- some I'll purchase. I've decided to use all Florida Friendly and/or natives in this area. It gets afternoon sun for about 5 hours with some dappled shade in the a.m. and as the sun sets.

I'd like to plant a flowering tree that does well in the Tampa Bay Area.

My first choice is a Redbud. The height, the color, the attributes of the tree fit for this area. It's interesting to note ,however, I don't recall seeing Redbud trees growing in this area. I have found them for sale here but wonder why I don't see them used? Are they like dogwood trees that will grow but never really flower well? Because I REALLY want it to flower if I purchase one.

Does anyone here grow them in Hillsborough County? Or does anyone know of their success or failure in this area? Anyone have any comments, ideas, suggestions or other thoughts on the Redbud or perhaps an idea of another tree for this space?

My second choice would be a Fringetree... but I don't recall seeing them used in this area either.

Thanks so much,

Meems

P.S. I couldn't figure out how to get a photo uploaded or I would have inserted a photo of the newly dug area.

Featured Answer

gusolie

17 years ago

As others have mentioned, in Tampa you're on the very southern fringes of the native "adaptability" range for the redbud, as well as the flowering dogwood. If you'd like to see a fringetree, there is one about 9' tall at Leu Gardens in Orlando, but it is slowwww growing.

Two other natives that I can think of that may be a good choice for you include Simpson's stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) and sweet-bay (Magnolia virginiana). Both can handle light shade, and the former is beautifully fragrant. I'm hesitant to also recommend Loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), only that is matures well over your height restriction (although it'd not get there in your lifetime), but also that it resents root disturbance which could be bad in a garden like yours where things are always happening.

The dilemma with a lot of the prettiest of flowering trees is that they truly need partial to full sun for best form and of course flowering. That includes any orchid tree (Bauhinia).If you do chose a sterile orchid tree (Bauhinia x blakeana), it does grow fast and big.

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Comments (8)

laura1
17 years ago
When I re-landscaped the yard at my last (Land O Lakes) home a few years ago with natives I put in 3 red buds. One died almost right away. One died within the first year and the 3rd on lasted 2 years. Personally I would not attempt it again. The ones that I see are never very healthy looking either.
an_ill-mannered_ache
17 years ago
fringe trees are nice, but the ones i know are mature and still quite small--like, 6ft.
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hoeandshovel
Original Author
17 years ago
laural...
Thank you. That is very helpful information and much what I suspected. LOL is a little north of me. Redbuds are so pretty. With their beautiful heartshaped foliage and then the covered blooms in spring make them so appealing. They are everywhere just north of Pasco county so I'm wondering if they prefer the colder winter to help them bloom come spring. It would be a risk for certain to give it a try.
meems

an ill mannered ache...
From what I understand Fringetrees don't get much taller than about 20-30'. That is the size I'm looking for. The Fringetree lives a good 50 years too. I've only seen them in books which is my hesitation. I like to 'see' something in its natural state before choosing. Thank you for the help. meems
hoeandshovel
Original Author
17 years ago
I can't figure out how to upload photos so I've added a link if you want to see the area I dug out. OR if you have any suggestions for a flowering specimen tree that will only reach a height of 25-30' max I'd be happy to hear them.
Thanks so much!
Meems

Here is a link that might be useful: Removing the Sod for Plants
corar4gw
17 years ago
Meems, an orchid tree (Bauhinia) might be a lovely substitute for a redbud or dogwood in the Tampa area. The first time I saw one of these in bloom I was enchanted. The flowers are large and showey, the tree is perhaps smaller than a redbud, but the heart shaped leaves provide plenty of shade. In the older part of Tampa (long time ago) there were streets lined with these trees. cora
hoeandshovel
Original Author
17 years ago
Corar,
An excellent suggestion. I do admire the orchid tree.

Gusolie,
I so appreciate your thoughtful comment. All are good points and suggestions. I don't mind the idea of a slow growing Fringetree... not sure why... but don't recall ever seeing one in person. Decision time coming soon.
Thank you all for helping me out with more to think about.
Meems
R G
5 years ago
Just plant a Mexican Redbud.