Eastern redbud?

[baldone]

I collected some trees early this spring. One, my plant app and myself thought was a beech tree. Now that it has leafed out it is obviously a Eastern Redbud. Anyone bonsai these? Pictures?

 

[Paradox]

I once thought about trying to make bonsai from them then I heard they dont take to bonsai practices well.
Do a search, see what people have said about them

 

[johng]

I bought 10 young trees and within two years completely gave up on the species...I just don't think it enjoys container culture and the pruning and chopping that bonsai entail. That said it would be an awesome species as a bonsai...the early purple flowers are outstanding. Do give it try...hopefully you'll find the magic sauce to make it bonsai.

 

[penumbra]

I have about 6 cultivars of Cercis canadensis and 3 of these are in large pots but with no intent of being bonsai. I also literally have several hundred of them on the 8+ acres we are on. Lovely trees but not worth my time as bonsai. The have a habit of throwing branches at random and they are short lived trees. While there are a few old ones about, 35 to 40 years is pretty typical.

 

[baldone]

There seems to be photos of bonsai on enternet. I value everyones options as I am new and trying to keep things simple until I get comfortable with this hobby.

 

[rockm]

This species has been tried and tried and tried over the decades. Simply resents bonsai cultivation. Some species are like that. They just are more pain than pleasure. Not worth the trouble
Best bet is to find a specimen that has already been adapted to a container. They’re not common and usually expensive and usually not for sale

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Love redbuds and always thought it would be cool to have one as bonsai, but never had any luck getting one to survive in a pot. I figured it would have to start young, grow big and live over-potted with little, to no root work. Then, they’re cool about 3 weeks in the year,and begin to look ratty in the summer. But there’s nothing like them blooming along the roadside and in yards in early spring. Good luck, hope you succeed.

 

[baldone]

Thanks guys, last thing I want is something hard to deal with. I will just find a spot in the yard and see if it survives

 

[baldone]

I will try again in spring 2026 to get a beech.