The Black Pearl Redbud, a new cultivar of Eastern Redbud, was created in 2012 by Ray and Cindy Jackson in Belvidere, Tennessee. This unique tree resulted from a carefully planned cross between two existing cultivars, Ruby Falls and The Rising Sun. Compared to its parent, Ruby Falls, the Black Pearl Redbud boasts a more compact and upright form. Unlike the cascading branches of Ruby Falls, the Black Pearl maintains a denser, bushier shape. But the most striking difference lies in the foliage. While Ruby Falls loses its vibrant color throughout the summer, the Black Pearl’s deep purple leaves hold their rich hue all season long. Another popular comparison for the Black Pearl Redbud is the Forest Pansy. Here too, the Black Pearl’s compact nature shines. It has shorter internodes, resulting in a denser and bushier plant compared to the sprawling Forest Pansy. The Black Pearl also takes the crown for color. Its leaves are a deeper, richer purple than the Forest Pansy, and unlike the Forest Pansy’s fading color, the Black Pearl maintains its stunning purple throughout the summer months.