Shimmer and shine in your garden with the Sparkling Wine™ Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'JN21'), a modern cultivar of the native Eastern Redbud tree. This compact ornamental tree bursts with brilliant rose-pink pea-shaped flowers on bare branches in early spring, followed by glossy, heart-shaped foliage that stays attractive all season. It’s an upright, disease-resistant small tree with four-season interest that fits beautifully into today’s landscapes.

Each spring, branches and trunks are cloaked in rich rose-pink blooms that delight pollinators. As flowers fade, new leaves emerge dark burgundy-purple, maturing to glossy green with purple veining for an elegant, layered look. Thick, leathery leaves shimmer in sunlight, creating a twinkling canopy effect that sparkles in any setting. Upright branches provide small-scale shade, making Sparkling Wine™ an excellent choice for courtyards, patios, and entryways.

With deep cultural ties as a relative of the Eastern Redbud, long valued for spring symbolism and pollinator support, Sparkling Wine™ offers a stylish update on a beloved native. This versatile small tree or large shrub belongs to the pea family and offers improved foliage gloss, mildew resistance, and incredible ornamental value year-round.

Key Features

• Brilliant dark rose-pink spring flowers on bare wood
• Glossy purple foliage maturing to green with purple veins
• Compact ornamental tree for small spaces & patios
• Upright growth habit for specimen, hedge, or screen use
• Modern cultivar of the native Eastern Redbud tree
• Improved disease resistance with powdery mildew tolerance
• Four seasons of interest: flowers, foliage, shade, and form

Landscaping Uses

The Sparkling Wine™ Redbud is ideal for adding glowing color and seasonal drama to gardens large and small. Reaching 15-20 feet tall with a 12-15 foot spread, it thrives as a focal point accent tree or can be grouped for hedging or screening.

• Specimen or accent tree in small yards and courtyards
• Foundation planting to modernize the corners of homes
• Planted in rows as a hedge, screen, or driveway allée
• Wildlife-friendly tree attracting butterflies & pollinators
• Perfect companion to spring-blooming bulbs, perennials, or shrubs

Care & Maintenance

Sparkling Wine™ Redbud thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. This deciduous flowering tree is adaptable, compact, and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for urban or suburban gardens. Be sure to use Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong symbiotic root support.

• Planting Time: Best in spring or fall – see planting depth tips
• Sun Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours) for optimal flowering and foliage color
• Soil Requirements: Slightly acidic, well-drained soil; tolerates clay with drainage
• Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture; new trees need consistent water the first year - use the Finger Test to check soil
• Mulch: Apply 3-4 inches of bark mulch or pine straw. Learn how and why to mulch
• Fertilization: Use a slow-release fertilizer in early spring; compost is beneficial
• Pruning: Prune after flowering to shape; remove crossing or crowded branches. Avoid high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers that reduce bloom.
• Special Perks: Deer-resistant, rabbit-resistant, attracts butterflies, mildew-resistant, urban tolerant

Shine Bright With Sparkling Wine™ Redbud

This small flowering tree sparkles with color, shine, and seasonal beauty. Add the Sparkling Wine™ Redbud to your landscape for brilliant blooms, glossy foliage, and year-round appeal. Order your Sparkling Wine™ Redbud now from Nature Hills - shipped to your doorstep at the perfect planting time for your growing zone!