Hi brozeus. Do you have a Menards near you? I got Ruby Falls at my local store a few weeks ago, $49 less 25%. It's a tiny little thing but looks good so far.

Yea, we have several in the area, so I might pop in. Never even thought to check there! (Have checked local HD and Lowes, but no luck). Guessing based on your username your local store is in Indiana? Did they have a few Ruby Falls, or just the lone little guy?

I would check back around big box stores in the spring, this is when my local lowes gets in the redbuds. I still want one of those texas redbuds with the glossy leaves.

Yes, I'm in Indiana, and I was just popping in to see what they had. That gets me in trouble all the time. Anyway, I spied it peeking out from the middle of a row, and snapped it up quick. This was the only one left at my local store.

If I understand correctly, the problem redbud has with Zone 5 is the snow, not the cold. Planting beneath another tree might offer protection.

While they are an understory tree, I find that they do not bloom reliably in shade. You can fix breakage problems by subordinate pruning. I have seen redbuds that have lasted 60+ years before they split. If subordinately pruned, imagine how much longer lived they are! It really is a pruning technique every gardener should be familiar with.

They're native here, grow all over the place, and I've never seen any problems with snow load.

The wild redbuds can survive to zone 5. Many of the pretty cultivars are a little weaker for some reason and tend to fall apart in New England snow storms. Not familiar with Ruby Red, but Forest Pansy is notorious for this.

I checked 2 local menards- found the species, lavender twist, forest pansy and hearts of gold. Alas no Ruby falls or rising sun. Will have to wait for spring. Was tempted to grab Lavender twist at 75% off, but I really only have the space for one tree and would prefer one of my original choices. No doubt the species is reliably hardy here- my grandmother has an enormous redbud that is at least 50 years old, perhaps more. There is a house a few blocks away with a beautiful lavender twist, probably around 5-6 years old. Interesting that it is snow rather than cold that can cause the demise... The spot in my yard is south facing and relatively sheltered, while still receiving full sun. Does still get snow but not as much as most other parts of my yard.

Logan L Johnson(NC Zone 7a) is right. Subordination could be a good idea and might help. I've heard some tree species are more prone to developing dual leaders when they grow as specimens in the open then when they are when they have to compete for light in the woods. Could the disparity in how wild redbud thrive in Zone 5 Canada but specimen redbud cultivars fail in zone 6 yards result from this?

The only big hardiness problem I have heard of is with 'forest pansy', only being reliable down to borderline zone 6/7 is what I am thinking.

Regarding mail order, Sooner Plant Farm and Rarefind both have Rising Sun in stock. Rarefind's is a little smaller and cheaper, but that is not a big deal because redbuds are fast growers. And you can plant them later in the fall than many trees. I planted a Pink Heartbreaker redbud just before Christmas a couple years ago and the thing went gangbusters the following spring (after a brutal late winter). When chasing down a specific cultivar, I tend to find it much more convenient to do mail order than run around to stores with fingers crossed.

I can't comment on Ruby Falls, but I do have a Rising Sun and the the tree is great.

Thanks for the tip! Yea, I actually prefer to buy smaller plants most of the time. I like to watch the growing progress, and it gives me a sense of pride knowing that I raised them from "babies" haha How long have you had Rising Sun? I imagine in your area you also get a lot of snow too.

I try to stay away from mail order because of their tendency to top trees. If you are open to the species you can get 10 for 80 cents from the missouri state nursery. I heard about this from another GW member, I think it was dax.

My Rising Sun when planted in July'13 is below. Was 2.5' tall.

Photo from Sep'16 below. About 5' tall. It was heavily mauled by deer down to one little branch in '14. Still a bit lopsided. In addition, I moved it once and it thrived through two legit Z5 winters, so this guy has shown nice toughness/vigor. Would probably be 7' without the deer damage. I don't have a photo that does it justice, but the color is impressive throughout most of the summer - lots of repeat flushes.

I remember now looking at the Ruby Falls when shopping for a small weeper two years ago, but I got nervous about the Forest Pansy parentage, as Forest Pansy is not truly Z5 hardy. They sell FP here, but I don't think they thrive with the cold. That's why I went with the Pink Heartbreaker - similar form but green leaved.

Thanks for sharing the photos. Truly a lovely tree- don't think I've seen a photo of rising sun that doesn't look good! The marginal hardiness of Ruby Falls gives me pause, and agree there are similar cultivars that will be more reliable albeit w green leaves. Something about that Burgundy foliage just gets me- I've always loved a good contrast in the garden!

Hey Brozeus, how is the Ruby Falls doing? Still alive?