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Yunnan Redbud

Cercis yunnanensis

$27.00 Sold out
USDA Zones 7–9 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 12–15 Feet

A refined Chinese redbud, Cercis yunnanensis lights bare branches with magenta-pink spring flowers above unusually glossy, heart-shaped leaves.

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Cercis yunnanensis, the Yunnan redbud, is an upright, vase-shaped deciduous tree that opens the spring with an abundance of magenta-pink, pea-like flowers, borne in the redbud fashion straight along the bare branches and older wood before the leaves appear. The heart-shaped leaves that follow are the tree's quieter distinction: glossier and more refined than those of most redbuds, giving a polished, clean-textured canopy through summer.

Native to Yunnan Province and perhaps neighboring parts of south China, this is a redbud for the collector and for the gardener who wants the familiar spring magenta on a slightly different, handsomer frame. Modest in size at twelve to fifteen feet, upright rather than spreading, the Yunnan redbud suits a small lawn, a courtyard, or the edge of a woodland planting.

Photos courtesy of Aaron Campbell.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 7–9
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Well-drained
Mature size
Height 12–15 Feet · Spread 12–15 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Deciduous
Design Notes

Site the Yunnan redbud where the magenta spring flowers can be seen against bare branches and a quiet background, a small lawn, a courtyard, an entry, or a woodland edge, and where the upright, vase-shaped frame suits a tighter space than the spreading native redbuds need. The glossy, heart-shaped foliage carries the tree handsomely through summer; underplant with spring bulbs and shade-tolerant perennials that welcome the light beneath. Give full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, and enjoy an uncommon redbud with better-than-usual leaves.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Magenta-pink, early spring

Flower. Abundant magenta-pink, pea-like flowers in early spring, clustered straight along the bare branches and older wood in the redbud manner before the leaves emerge, an early nectar source for bees.

Foliage. Heart-shaped leaves, glossier and more refined than those of the common redbuds, a clean, polished canopy through summer.

Habit. An upright, vase-shaped small deciduous tree, twelve to fifteen feet, neater and more vertical than the spreading native redbuds.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Full sun to part shade; sun gives the heaviest bloom, light shade suits the hottest gardens.

Soil. Well-drained, average to fertile soil; redbuds resent wet feet.

Water. Regular while establishing, then moderately drought-tolerant.

Pruning. Prune just after flowering to shape the young frame; little needed once established.

Hardiness. Reliable through roughly USDA Zones 7 to 9.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

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We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.