
Adding a touch of beauty and elegance to your landscape is easier than you think. Consider planting flowering ornamental trees, which can bloom for months and add vibrant colors to your outdoor space.
From a distance, the vibrant blooms of the Crabapple tree can be seen, drawing in pollinators and other wildlife. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller landscapes.
The Japanese Cherry tree produces delicate pink flowers that are a favorite of bees and butterflies. Its slender branches and weeping habit make it a great choice for a smaller yard.
Planting a flowering ornamental tree can also provide shade and structure to your landscape, making it a great investment for your home.
Related reading: Do Bonsai Trees Flower
Tree Characteristics
Tree characteristics play a significant role in selecting the perfect flowering ornamental tree for your space. Hardiness zone is a crucial factor, as it determines the tree's ability to thrive in your area. Enter your zip code in the Plant Highlights to check compatibility.
Mature size is another essential consideration, ensuring the tree fits your space at full growth. A tree that's too large can be overwhelming, while one that's too small may not provide the desired impact.
Sunlight needs are also vital, with some trees requiring full sun and others tolerating shade. Choose from sun-loving or shade-tolerant varieties to ensure the tree receives the right amount of sunlight.
Intriguing read: Do Bonsai Trees Need Direct Sunlight
Tree Characteristics
When choosing a flowering tree, consider its hardiness zone, which can be checked by entering your zip code in the Plant Highlights section. This ensures the tree will thrive in your area.
Sunlight needs are also crucial, as some trees require full sun while others can tolerate shade. Make sure to choose a tree that fits your space at full growth, taking into account its mature size.
Soil type and drainage are essential factors to consider, as some trees prefer well-draining soil while others can handle moist conditions. To ensure a continuous display of blooms, plan a sequence of flowering trees with different bloom times.
Expand your knowledge: Can Birch Trees Grow in Clay Soil
If you're looking to attract wildlife to your yard, select a tree that feeds pollinators or birds. This can be a great way to add some extra life to your outdoor space.
Here are some examples of flowering trees that bloom at different times:
Bloom Color
Some trees bloom with vibrant colors like the Cherry Blossom, which is a deep pink. The vibrant colors of the blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
The Redbud tree produces small, delicate flowers that are a deep magenta color. These flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds.
The Dogwood tree is known for its showy white or pink flowers. These flowers are a great source of nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
The Maple tree produces small, yellow flowers that are often overlooked. However, they are an important source of food for bees and other pollinators.
The Oak tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are not as showy as some other trees.
Broaden your view: Dogwood Tree Colors
Tree Selection
To select the perfect flowering ornamental tree for your landscape, consider the hardiness zone of your area. Enter your zip code in the Plant Highlights to check compatibility.
Hardiness zone is just one factor to think about - you'll also want to choose a tree that fits your sunlight needs. Do you have a spot that gets full sun or is it shadier? Select a tree that can thrive in those conditions.
To ensure your tree doesn't outgrow its space, consider its mature size. Make sure to choose a tree that will fit comfortably in your yard at full growth.
Here are some popular flowering shade trees to consider:
Why Choose for Landscape?
Flowering trees bring instant beauty to your garden with their vibrant spring blooms.
Their seasonal display isn't limited to spring, either. Many varieties offer a range of benefits throughout the year.
Summer appeal is just one of the many perks of flowering trees, with lush green foliage providing a stunning backdrop to your garden.
See what others are reading: Metal Garden Ornaments
Autumn color is another highlight, with many trees displaying fiery reds, oranges, and golds.
Winter interest is also a key benefit, with berries, seed pods, and unique bark adding visual interest to your garden even in the dead of winter.
The right flowering tree can create curb appeal and seasonal beauty for decades, adding lasting value to your property.
Here are some of the key benefits of flowering trees:
- Summer appeal with lush green foliage
- Autumn color in fiery reds, oranges, and golds
- Winter interest with berries, seed pods, or unique bark
- Wildlife benefits for birds, bees, and pollinators
Selecting the Best Tree
First, consider the hardiness zone of the tree, as this will determine its compatibility with your local climate. You can easily check this by entering your zip code into the Plant Highlights.
To ensure your tree receives the right amount of sunlight, choose from sun-loving or shade-tolerant varieties. Some trees are adaptable to either condition, but it's essential to select the right type for your space.
When selecting a flowering tree, think about its mature size to ensure it fits your yard at full growth. Don't forget to consider the space it will need to accommodate its roots as well.
Matching the tree to your site's soil type and drainage conditions is crucial for its health and longevity. Some trees prefer well-drained soil, while others can tolerate wet conditions.
Consider the bloom color and timing to plan a sequence of blooms for continuous color in your garden. This will keep your yard looking beautiful throughout the growing season.
If you want to attract wildlife, select species that feed pollinators or birds. This will not only add beauty to your garden but also provide a valuable service to the local ecosystem.
Here are some popular flowering shade tree options:
Tree Types
There are many types of flowering ornamental trees to choose from, and each one has its own unique characteristics. Let's take a look at some popular varieties.
Crabapple trees, for example, are known for their long-lasting blooms and decorative fruit. They're a great choice for gardens of all sizes. Flowering Dogwoods, on the other hand, are elegant and produce beautiful spring flowers and fall color.
For more insights, see: Quince Flowering Tree
Here are some popular types of flowering ornamental trees:
- Crabapple Trees: Long-lasting blooms and decorative fruit
- Flowering Dogwoods: Elegant spring flowers and fall color
- Flowering Cherry Trees: Iconic pink or white clouds of blooms
- Redbud Trees: Brilliant pink-purple blooms before foliage appears
- Lilac Trees: Sweet fragrance and lush summer blossoms
These trees come in a range of styles, from columnar trees for narrow spaces to weeping trees with romantic cascading branches.
Prunus Sp
Prunus sp, the flowering cherry tree, is a stunning addition to any landscape. Its airy spring bloom is a sight to behold, with varieties like the weeping Higan cherry displaying an especially delicate and romantic appearance.
Flowering cherries are slow-growing trees that respond well to good soil or soil improvement. They tend to decline in vigor on poor or heavy soils, so it's essential to provide them with the right conditions.
The Double-flowered Mazzard cherry is a dense pyramidal tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall, producing white, double flowers that are effective for seven to 10 days. Its medium-sized edible fruit is also attractive to birds.
Higan cherry is another popular variety, with a dense rounded shape and light pink flowers. It's not suitable for northern Missouri, but it's a great choice for other regions.
Recommended read: Flowering Bamboo Plants
If you're looking for a hardy and reliable flowering cherry, the Kwanzan cherry is an excellent option. It has an upright growth habit and produces double pink flowers. However, its hardiness in northern Missouri is questionable.
The Sargent cherry is another variety worth considering, with a dense growth habit and deep pink, single flowers. It's hardy statewide and has bronze-colored foliage in the spring, green in the summer, and red in the fall.
Here are some popular flowering cherry varieties:
I hope this helps you choose the perfect flowering cherry tree for your landscape!
Chastetree
Chastetree is a lesser-known ornamental tree that blooms in late summer with lovely blue-purple flowers resembling lilac.
These flowers are a hit with pollinators, who love the long-lasting blooms that last into fall.
You can find a dwarf variety called Blue Diddley, perfect for smaller gardens.
Serviceberry
Serviceberry is one of the first trees to bloom each spring.
Its growth rate is slow to moderate, depending on the site, and it can reach an ultimate height of over 40 feet in ideal locations.
The tree's foliage turns yellow, golden, or red in the fall, making it a beautiful addition to any landscape.
It prefers well-drained sites, such as woodland or deep prairie soils, and can be used as a specimen or lawn tree, in border masses, or as naturalistic groups.
Occasionally, Serviceberry is damaged by leaf-eating insects.
Horsechestnut (Aesculus X Carnia)
The Red horsechestnut is a hybrid between horsechestnut and the small, red flowering buckeye, Aesculus pavia. It's a rounded tree growing to about 35 feet.
This tree is smaller than its horsechestnut parent and produces 10-inch-long panicles of pinkish red flowers with yellow throats in May.
Red horsechestnut should be planted in full sun with good air circulation to reduce the incidence of a leaf blotch fungus.
Related reading: Red Tulip Flower Meaning
Star Magnolia
The Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a dense, mounded shrub or small tree that reaches 20 feet tall. It's a popular choice for its large, white starlike flowers that appear in early April before leaves.
Its dark green leaves change in fall to yellow or bronze in full sun. This tree is generally pest free, but may not be sufficiently hardy in northernmost Missouri.
You can use the Star magnolia as a specimen or in small groups for best results. It's best to transplant in the spring for optimal growth.
Tree Care
Pruning flowering trees at the right time is crucial for their health and appearance. Prune Spring Flowering Trees like Flowering Plum and Crabapple right after blooming.
Spring Flowering Trees like Dogwood, Redbud, and Magnolia should also be pruned right after blooming. This allows the tree to focus its energy on producing new growth and flowers.
Summer Flowering Trees like Crape Myrtles can be pruned in late winter or early spring when they are dormant. This helps prevent shocking the tree with new growth.
Here's an interesting read: Flowering Dogwood Tree Growth Rate
When to Prune?
Pruning at the right time is crucial for the health and beauty of your trees. Prune Spring Flowering Trees like Flowering Plum, Crabapple, Dogwood, Redbud, Magnolia, and Flowering Cherry trees right after blooming.
You'll want to prune these trees in the late spring or early summer, after they've finished blooming, to avoid cutting off next year's flowers. This timing ensures that you don't sacrifice next year's blooms for this year's pruning.
Summer Flowering Trees like Crape Myrtles should be pruned in late winter or early spring when they are dormant. Pruning during this time helps promote healthy growth and prevents disease.
Dead, broken, or diseased branches can be removed at any time, but it's essential to prune them carefully to avoid spreading disease or encouraging pests.
Take a look at this: Pruning Fig Trees for Fruit
Soil Type
Soil Type & Drainage is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a flowering ornamental tree. Make sure to match the tree to your site's conditions.
If you have poor drainage, look for trees that can thrive in wet conditions, such as those with deep roots. This will prevent waterlogged soil and root rot.
However, if you have well-draining soil, you can opt for trees that prefer dry conditions. This will help prevent root damage and ensure the tree's health.
Here are some general guidelines to consider:
By considering the soil type and drainage, you can ensure your flowering ornamental tree thrives in its new home.
Tree Plant Options
If you're looking for a flowering ornamental tree, you've got plenty of options to choose from. Dogwoods, Crape Myrtles, and Redbuds are all great choices, as they're large enough to provide shade and offer beautiful blooms.
You can also consider trees like Crabapples, which have long-lasting blooms and decorative fruit, or Flowering Cherry Trees, which are known for their iconic pink or white clouds of blooms. Magnolias are another great option, with their fragrant, showy blossoms in early spring.
For a more unique look, you might want to consider a tree like the Tulip Poplar, which has unique tulip-shaped flowers and provides shade. Or, if you're looking for something with a romantic touch, a Fringe Tree with its wispy, fragrant white flowers might be the way to go.
Here are some popular flowering tree options:
When to Plant?
Spring and fall are the best times to plant Ornamental Flowering Trees in most parts of the US. For areas with mild summers, these seasons can be excellent times to plant as well.
Planting in the spring allows the tree to establish itself before the heat of summer. It's a great time to get a head start on the growing season.
Best Shade Options
If you're looking for trees that provide both shade and beautiful blooms, you're in luck. Any large flowering tree can double as a shade tree, giving you the best of both worlds.
Dogwoods are a great option for shade, with their showy white or pink flowers blooming in spring. They're relatively small, making them perfect for smaller spaces.
Crape Myrtles are another popular choice for shade, with their vibrant flowers blooming in summer. They're also heat-tolerant, making them ideal for warmer climates.
Redbuds are a great choice for shade, with their stunning purple flowers blooming in spring. They're also relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care.
Here are some of the best flowering shade trees to consider:
- Dogwoods
- Crape Myrtles
- Redbuds
- Flowering Cherry
- Plum
- Pear
- Flowering Crabapples
These trees not only provide beautiful blooms but also offer a natural canopy for shade.
Best Dwarf Plants
If you're looking for compact options, consider dwarf flowering trees that thrive in tight spaces. Crape Myrtles are fast-growing and come in varieties like Magic and Black Diamond, growing to under 15 feet tall.
Magnolia trees like Jane and Royal Star are fragrant and mature between 10 and 15 feet. They're perfect for small yards or containers.
Ornamental trees like Ruby Falls Redbud, Rising Sun Redbud, Double Purple Hibiscus, and Double Red Hibiscus stay under 10 feet, making them ideal for tiny spaces.
Types of Plants at Nature Hills
At Nature Hills, you'll find a wide variety of flowering trees to suit every yard size, climate, and style.
Their collection features over a dozen types of flowering trees, including Crabapple Trees with long-lasting blooms and decorative fruit.
From elegant spring flowers to fall color, Flowering Dogwoods are a great choice.
Magnolias are known for their fragrant, showy blossoms in early spring.
Flowering Cherry Trees are iconic for their pink or white clouds of blooms.
Redbud Trees boast brilliant pink-purple blooms before foliage appears.
Lilac Trees are a sweet choice for their fragrance and lush summer blossoms.
Tulip Poplar has unique tulip-shaped flowers and provides shade.
Fringe Trees have wispy, fragrant white flowers.
Mimosa Trees are exotic with fluffy pink blooms.
Golden Rain Trees cascade with yellow blossoms in summer.
Here are some of the types of flowering trees at Nature Hills, organized by their unique characteristics:
Why Buy from Nature Hills?
At Nature Hills, they've curated a selection of top-rated flowering trees that's hard to find elsewhere. Their trees are grown in an expert tree nursery and shipped with care, ensuring healthy root systems and ready-to-thrive plants for your yard.
Whether you're looking for a small flowering tree for a courtyard or a stately, shade-giving specimen, Nature Hills has got you covered. They offer a wide range of varieties that are selected for performance, beauty, and adaptability.
Here are some key benefits of buying flowering trees from Nature Hills:
- A curated selection of top-rated flowering trees
- Trees suited to a wide range of USDA Hardiness Zones
- Expert advice on planting and care
- Careful shipping to protect roots and branches
- High-quality nursery-grown plants
This means you can find the perfect flowering tree for your landscape, no matter where you live. Nature Hills takes care of the hard work, so you can enjoy the beauty of blooming trees in your yard.
Disease-Resistant Trees
Some flowering ornamental trees have natural resistance to certain diseases, making them a great choice for gardeners. The Crape Myrtle tree, for example, is highly resistant to many common tree diseases.
The Crape Myrtle's resistance is due in part to its thick, peeling bark that helps prevent disease from taking hold. This makes it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
The Yoshino Cherry tree also has natural defenses against certain diseases, but it's more susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites. Regular pruning and insect control can help keep these pests at bay.
Disease-Resistant Crabapples
Crabapples are a great choice for disease-resistant trees, with many varieties offering excellent resistance to common diseases like powdery mildew and scab.
The 'Red Jewel' crabapple, for example, is highly resistant to powdery mildew and scab, making it a great option for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance tree.
The 'Dolgo' crabapple is another great choice, offering excellent resistance to powdery mildew and fire blight, a highly infectious disease that can be devastating to crabapple trees.
Crabapples are also relatively small, making them a great choice for smaller gardens or spaces where larger trees might not fit.
The 'Chestnut' crabapple is a good example of a compact, disease-resistant tree that can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Tea Olive
Tea Olive is a great choice for a disease-resistant tree, especially if you're looking for a low-maintenance option. They're known for their sweet fragrant flowers, which typically bloom in autumn and winter.
Some varieties will produce flowers in spring as well, but it's worth noting that clusters of tiny flowers are usually white but can also be more golden.
Specific Tree Types
If you're looking for flowering trees that are long-lasting, consider Crabapple Trees, which offer decorative fruit in addition to their blooms.
Crabapple Trees are a great choice for many yards, but you may also want to consider Flowering Dogwoods, which provide elegant spring flowers and stunning fall color.
Some flowering trees are known for their unique blooms, like the Magnolia, which produces fragrant, showy blossoms in early spring.
Here are some popular flowering tree types:
- Crabapple Trees: Long-lasting blooms and decorative fruit
- Flowering Dogwoods: Elegant spring flowers and fall color
- Magnolias: Fragrant, showy blossoms in early spring
- Flowering Cherry Trees: Iconic pink or white clouds of blooms
- Redbud Trees: Brilliant pink-purple blooms before foliage appears
- Lilac Trees: Sweet fragrance and lush summer blossoms
- Tulip Poplar: Unique tulip-shaped flowers and shade
- Fringe Trees: Wispy, fragrant white flowers
- Mimosa Trees: Exotic, fluffy pink blooms
- Golden Rain Trees: Cascading yellow blossoms in summer
Specific Tree Types
If you're looking for a flowering tree that's a real showstopper, consider the Saucer Magnolia. This tree provides splashes of spectacular color in the spring season with its cup-shaped flowers, white tinged with pink or purple.
The Saucer magnolia is a natural habit shrubby, rounded to spreading tree that grows rather slowly to 25 feet. It's best used as a specimen or lawn tree or small groups, or seen against a background of evergreens.
Some popular cultivars of the Saucer magnolia include 'Alba', which has compact, petals tinted light purple outside, and 'Burgundy', which has early flowering, deep purple flowers.
Suggestion: Purple Fountain Beech
For a tree that's synonymous with the Deep South, look no further than the Southern Magnolia. This tree can grow to majestic heights of up to 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide, making it a popular choice for holiday wreaths and garlands.
The Southern Magnolia's shiny dark green leaves have a fuzzy, coppery underside, adding to its unique charm.
If you're looking for a tree that's a bit more compact, consider the Japanese Dogwood. This tree grows to about 20 feet at maturity and has large, pointed, white to pinkish bracts produced three weeks after flowering dogwood.
Here are some popular flowering tree types:
- Saucer Magnolia: Provides splashes of spectacular color in the spring season
- Southern Magnolia: Can grow to majestic heights of up to 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide
- Japanese Dogwood: Has large, pointed, white to pinkish bracts produced three weeks after flowering dogwood
- Crabapple Trees: Long-lasting blooms and decorative fruit
- Flowering Cherry Trees: Iconic pink or white clouds of blooms
- Lilac Trees: Sweet fragrance and lush summer blossoms
Redbud
The redbud tree is a lovely addition to any garden. It's a native purple flowering tree that blooms in early to mid-spring, making it a favorite among pollinators.
The Forest Pansy variety is a nice choice for most gardens, with its tiny lavender-pink or fuchsia sweetpea-like flowers clustered on bare branches before heart-shaped leaves appear.
Redbuds are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of soils, making them easier to blend into the landscape. They also have a unique spreading crown with purplish pink small flowers in clusters before leaves.
Here are some key characteristics of redbud trees to keep in mind:
In terms of growth habits, redbuds do best when planted in masses or as specimens at the edge of woods. They're also a great choice for attracting wildlife, especially pollinators.
Red Horsechestnut (Aesculus X Carnia)
The Red Horsechestnut (Aesculus x carnea) is a unique flowering tree that's a hybrid between horsechestnut and the small, red flowering buckeye. It grows to about 35 feet, smaller than its horsechestnut parent.
This tree produces 10-inch-long panicles of pinkish red flowers with yellow throats in May, which look dramatic against the large, glossy leaves. The 'Briotii' cultivar is the most commonly planted one.
Red horsechestnut is susceptible to a leaf blotch fungus, so it's essential to plant it in full sun with good air circulation to reduce the incidence of this disease.
You might enjoy: Red Peonies Flowers
If you're considering planting a Red Horsechestnut, make sure to check its hardiness zone compatibility, as it's suitable for zones 5-9.
Here are some key facts about the Red Horsechestnut:
Frequently Asked Questions
What flowering tree stays in bloom the longest?
The Goldenrain Tree is known for its longest blooming period among flowering trees, providing a continuous display of flowers throughout the growing season. Its blooms can last from spring to fall, making it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers.
What is the best tree to plant close to a house?
For a tree that thrives near a house, consider the Japanese Maple, known for its vibrant colors and compact growth habit, making it an ideal choice for a residential landscape. Its adaptability to various conditions also makes it a low-maintenance option.
What are the best small flowering trees for gardens?
For small gardens, consider Flowering Cherry, Magnolia, Amelanchier, Cornus, Lilac, and Hawthorn trees for added vertical interest and structure. These compact varieties bring beauty and charm to even the smallest outdoor spaces.
Featured Images: pexels.com


