Garden Gems® Emerald Redbud Tree

Cercis canadensis ‘NC2014-5’, sold as Garden Gems® Emerald, is a compact upright redbud for smaller gardens and patio containers. The cultivar combines pink spring flowers with red new growth that matures to green, while its four-year trial plants measured about 4.6 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. ## Size and placement [Star® Roses and Plants](https://starrosesandplants.com/plants/garden-gems-emerald-cercis/) lists a mature size of 8–10 feet tall and wide, zones 5–9, and full sun. The current 2.5 m dimensions are approximately 8.2 feet each and sit within that marketed mature range. The cultivar patent identifies the selection as ‘NC2014-5’ and records the four-year plant measurements; those trial measurements are useful context, not a mature-size limit ([U.S. plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP35079P2/en)). ## Seasonal interest Pink flowers open in early spring before the red-to-green foliage fills in. The upright, compact habit makes the tree suitable as a focal point where a broad shade canopy would be too large. Keep the soil evenly moist while the plant establishes and provide regular water during dry weather. ## Maintenance Water regularly until established, then check soil moisture during prolonged dry spells. Retain a strong central framework and prune selectively to maintain clearance and the compact upright shape.