Honest review: Redbud is rewarding but scale insects or aphids in the canopy attracting sooty mould is real

Redbud is a genuinely satisfying plant to grow, but I want to be upfront about one thing: scale insects or aphids in the canopy attracting sooty mould. I've dealt with it twice now and it takes consistent attention to manage.

Beyond that, exceptional seasonal spectacle from blossom through autumn colour makes it one of my favourites in the collection. I keep it in a garden focal point visible from the house windows which suits it well. Learning about formative pruning in the first five years to build a clear leader has been essential. autumn colour and fruit or berry display is worth waiting for — the plant really justifies itself then. Four stars because of that persistent issue.