Redbuds are the perfect specimen tree! The redbuds have bright pink flowers that coat the branches in spring after all the other spring trees are done blooming.
Adorable heart shaped leaves with colors like lime green or burgundy purple that hold on through the fall.
When they finally drop, the colors are breathtaking with bright yellow, oranges and burgundy.
The redbud ranges in size from very small, 5-6’ to 25-30’; there’s the right sized one for any garden.
My favorite are the Flame thrower with green and maroon leaves and the Ruby Falls with the weeping purple leaves, Heart of Gold is nice for the lime green leaves in a dark corner.
Redbuds like full sun or partial shade, so are a good alternative to Japanese maples. They do require good drainage.