How to Grow a Redbud Tree in a Container

by Anastasia Leon

Western redbud trees (Cercis occidentalis) grow naturally throughout California and are often grown as an ornamental tree for their attractive, heart-shaped leaves and showy pink blossoms. Western redbud trees reach only 10 to 18 feet at maturity, so they are suitable for growing in containers. You do need to give them well-draining soil, full sun and regular maintenance, such as pruning and feeding, so they look their best. In addition, container-grown western redbuds often attract colonies of Argentine ants, but you can control infestations with nontoxic insecticidal soap.


Fill the container with a fast-draining soil mixture comprised of 4 parts loam, 2 parts sand and 1 part perlite. Plant the western redbud so that the base of its trunk is level with the surface of the soil. Avoid planting it too deeply or shallowly because either position will harm the tree's growth. Choose a container that is twice the volume of the western redbud's original nursery container and has at least one drainage hole at the base. Select a glazed ceramic or wooden container, such as a half barrel.


Position the container where it will receive full sun. Provide light, dappled shade during the hottest part of the day if you are growing it in a hot inland climate because direct sun will cause the soil to dry out too quickly.


Water western redbud trees every seven to 15 days, or whenever the soil feels completely dry at a depth of 3 inches. Run a hose at the base of the tree for five to 10 minutes, at low volume. Stop watering during rainy weather.


Feed western redbud trees with 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to half strength in spring before the tree blooms. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the edges of the container rather than around the base of the trunk so you don't harm the roots. Water deeply after feeding to further dilute the fertilizer.


Snip off up to one-third of the branch height to control the size of the tree in late winter, before the flower buds have formed. Remove crossed branches from the interior of the crown to give the tree a more open shape. Use sharp, clean bypass shears or loppers to remove the growth.


Spray infestations of Argentine ants with insecticidal soap, mixed at a strength of 2 to 3 percent. For example, a water-filled 1-quart spray bottle requires 4 teaspoons of soap for a 2 percent solution or 2 tablespoons of soap to create a 3 percent solution. Spray the insecticidal soap liberally onto the trunk and branches. Reapply as needed.

Things You Will Need

  • Container
  • Loam
  • Sand
  • Perlite
  • 10-10-10 fertilizer
  • Bypass shears or loppers
  • Insecticidal soap
  • Spray bottle

About the Author

Anastasia Leon began writing professionally in 2001. Her experience as a horticulturalist and nurseryman informs her work, which has appeared in publications such as Mother Earth News and Modern Farmer. Leon is a certified master gardener and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

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