Don Egolf Redbud Tree

Don Egolf is a compact Chinese redbud selected for a profusion of rosy mauve flowers on a small, tidy shrub or tree. The U.S. National Arboretum reports that the cultivar is sterile and does not produce seedpods. Its exact cultivar identity is Cercis chinensis 'Don Egolf' ([USDA National Arboretum](https://usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_standard_image/Cercis_chinensis_Don_Egolf.pdf)). ## Form and season This slow-growing, deciduous, multi-stemmed plant blooms in early spring before the leaves emerge. The Arboretum records a 15-year size of about 9 ft tall and 9.5 ft wide, consistent with the catalog’s rounded 9–10 ft dimensions. Dark green, heart-shaped leaves follow the flowers and may turn pale yellow in fall. ## Placement Plant in full sun or partial shade in soil that drains well. The cultivar suits a specimen planting, woodland edge, or mixed shrub border. The National Arboretum lists USDA Zones 6–9, and its cultivar fact sheet advises against poorly drained sites. [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cercis-chinensis/common-name/chinese-redbud/) also describes Don Egolf as a sterile, compact Chinese redbud and notes that Chinese redbuds can be stressed by heat and drought. ## Maintenance Water regularly while the plant establishes, then adjust irrigation to soil and weather. Keep the root area well drained. Because Don Egolf is sterile, it avoids seedpod cleanup associated with many redbuds; inspect the canopy and remove damaged branches as needed.