
If you're looking to add some vibrant colors to your landscape, ornamental trees are a great choice. Many species offer stunning blooms that can brighten up any yard.
The Crape Myrtle, for example, produces showy pink, purple, and red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Its compact growth habit and heat tolerance make it a popular choice for warm climates.
The Flowering Dogwood is another excellent option, with its white, pink, or red blooms that provide a striking contrast to its dark green foliage. Its small size and adaptability to various soil types make it a great choice for smaller spaces.
The vibrant blooms of these trees can add a pop of color to your landscape, but it's essential to choose a species that fits your climate and soil type to ensure they thrive.
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Ornamental Landscape Trees
Ornamental landscape trees can add year-round interest to your yard, especially during the 6-7 months when deciduous shrubs have lost their leaves.
Some trees, like the Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, are virtually maintenance-free and rarely need trimming. They're also a great choice because they won't outgrow their area, growing only 6” or so per year.
Dolgo
The Dolgo Crabapple Tree is a Russian discovery, and its name "Dolgo" indeed means long in Russian. This tree's extended bloom time is a notable feature.
Its conical shape is also quite distinctive, and the name "Dolgo" accurately describes it. This tree's unique shape will add visual interest to your landscape.
If you're looking for a tree with a long blooming period, the Dolgo Crabapple is a great choice.
Check this out: How Long Do Ornamental Cherry Trees Live
October Glory Maples
The October Glory Maple is a majestic tree that's sure to turn heads in your landscape. It's a fast-growing tree, adding up to 24" of growth per year, making it a great choice for those who want to see results quickly.
Its name comes from the fact that it turns a flashy crimson around October 1st, making it a standout in the fall. I've seen this tree in action, and it's truly a sight to behold.
This tree grows in an oval shape, which is perfect for adding some visual interest to your yard. It's also relatively tall, making it a great choice for those who want to create a sense of height in their landscape.
If you're looking for a tree that's easy to care for, the October Glory Maple is a great choice. It requires minimal pruning and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Ornamental Landscape Trees
Ornamental Landscape Trees are a great way to add beauty and interest to your yard. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from compact trees like the 'Little Twist' Cherry, which reaches only 8' in height, to more stately options.
One of the best things about ornamental trees is their ability to provide interest year-round. For example, the Dwarf Hinoki Cypress shines in the winter when deciduous shrubs have lost their leaves. It's a great choice for a low-maintenance landscape.
Some ornamental trees are perfect for small gardens and tight spaces. The 'Little Twist' Cherry is a great option, with its white flowers and pink centers in the spring, and its burgundy leaves in the fall. It's a compact tree that won't outgrow its space.
If you're looking for a tree that will add some drama to your landscape, consider the Snow Fountain Cherry Tree. Its stunning white blooms in the spring are sure to turn heads.
A unique perspective: Common White Lilac Bush
Dwarf Korean Lilac
The Dwarf Korean Lilac is a real showstopper. It blooms in late May, later than most standard American lilac bushes, with light purple flowers in clusters.
This tree is perfect for small spaces, reaching only 8 feet in height. It's also a great choice for adding some fragrance to your yard, as the flowers are highly perfumed.
Butterflies love the Dwarf Korean Lilac, so expect some friendly visitors if you plant one. Plant it in a sunny spot, as it loves the sun.
It's a relatively low-maintenance tree, but pruning can help give it a neat and tidy appearance.
Take a look at this: Dwarf Peach Trees
Amur Maackia
The Amur Maackia is a small but showy deciduous tree with dark green leaves. It really shines when covered with an abundance of white blossoms in summer.
This tree is a special ornamental tree since few other trees are flowering at that time. It's also tolerant and easy-care, with few pest or disease issues.
You can grow Amur Maackia in USDA zones 3-7, where it will reach a height of up to 30 feet.
Best Options
If you're looking for trees that offer both shade and beautiful blooms, you've got plenty of options. Any large flowering tree can double as a shade tree, making it a great way to get the best of both worlds.
Dogwoods are a popular choice for ornamental landscape trees, and for good reason. They provide stunning blooms in the spring and can grow up to 20 feet tall.
Crape Myrtles are another great option, offering vibrant flowers in the summer months and growing up to 25 feet tall.
Redbuds are known for their stunning pink or purple blooms in the spring, and can grow up to 20 feet tall.
Flowering Cherry trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape, with stunning blooms in the spring and growing up to 30 feet tall.
Plum and Pear trees are also great options, offering beautiful flowers in the spring and growing up to 20 feet tall.
If you're looking for a tree that's a bit smaller, Flowering Crabapples are a great choice, growing up to 15 feet tall and offering stunning blooms in the spring.
Here are some popular flowering shade trees to consider:
- Dogwoods
- Crape Myrtles
- Redbuds
- Flowering Cherry
- Plum
- Pear
- Flowering Crabapples
Bloom Colors
Coral bark maple trees produce vibrant yellow flowers in the spring, adding a pop of color to your landscape.
The redbud tree is known for its stunning pink or purple flowers that bloom in early spring, often before its leaves emerge.
These beautiful blooms can be a major draw for pollinators and other wildlife, making them a great addition to a wildlife-friendly landscape.
Check this out: How to Plant Rose Bushes in the Spring
When Do Plants Flower?
If you're eager to see your flowering trees in full bloom, timing is everything. Redbuds, Flowering Pear trees, Deciduous Magnolias, Dogwood Trees, and Ornamental Cherry trees are the earliest spring bloomers.
These trees are often one of the first signs of spring, and their vibrant blooms are a welcome sight after a long winter. Crape Myrtle trees and the Evergreen Magnolia Trees, Southern and Little Gem, bloom from late spring through summer.
Summer is a great time to enjoy the blooms of Hydrangea Trees, which generally flower in summer and fall.
Pink
Pink is a beautiful and vibrant bloom color that can add a touch of elegance to any garden or outdoor space. The Black Diamond Shell Pink Crape Myrtle is a great option for warm climates, blooming in zones 7-10.
One of the most popular pink flowering trees is the Crape Myrtle, with varieties like Coral Magic and Pink Velour blooming in zones 7-10 and 7-9 respectively.
The Autumn Fire Encore Azalea is a stunning option for pink blooms, thriving in zones 6-10. Its vibrant flowers are sure to draw attention.
If you're looking for a tree that's a bit more unique, consider the Double Pink Hibiscus Tree, which blooms in zones 5-9.
For a more traditional look, the Pink Dogwood Tree is a great choice, blooming in zones 5-9.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance option, the Pink Knock Out Rose Tree is a great choice, blooming in zones 5-10.
Here's an interesting read: Star Jasmine Growing Zone
Here's a list of some of the pink flowering trees mentioned earlier:
- Black Diamond Shell Pink Crape Myrtle (zones 7-10)
- Coral Magic Crape Myrtle (zones 7-9)
- Autumn Fire Encore Azalea (zones 6-10)
- Double Pink Hibiscus Tree (zones 5-9)
- Pink Dogwood Tree (zones 5-9)
- Pink Velour Crape Myrtle (zones 7-10)
- Pink Knock Out Rose Tree (zones 5-10)
Red
Red is a vibrant and stunning color that can add a pop of excitement to any garden or landscape. Black Diamond Best Red Crape Myrtle and Black Diamond Crimson Red Crape Myrtle are two varieties of flowering trees that thrive in zones 7-10.
These trees are known for their stunning red blooms, which can grow up to 10 feet tall. They're perfect for adding a splash of color to your yard.
If you're looking for a more compact option, consider the Double Red Rose of Sharon Tree, which grows up to 6 feet tall and is suitable for zones 5-9.
Take a look at this: How Tall Do Sedums Grow
Purple
Purple is a vibrant and stunning bloom color that can add a pop of color to any garden. The Angel Face Rose Tree is a great option for those in zones 6-9, producing beautiful purple flowers.
If you're looking for a crape myrtle with deep purple flowers, consider the Black Diamond Purely Purple or the Purple Magic varieties, both of which thrive in zones 7-9.
A different take: Gardening Zones Canada
The Double Purple Hibiscus is another great choice for those in zones 5-9, producing large, showy purple flowers.
Here are some popular purple flowering trees to consider:
- Angel Face Rose Tree (zones 6-9)
- Black Diamond Purely Purple Crape Myrtle (zones 7-9)
- Purple Magic Crape Myrtle (zones 7-9)
- Double Purple Hibiscus (zones 5-9)
These trees and shrubs are sure to add a touch of elegance and beauty to your garden, and with proper care, they'll thrive for years to come.
White
White is a stunning color that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. The Black Diamond Pure White Crape Myrtle, for example, is a popular choice for its vibrant white blooms that attract pollinators.
If you're looking for a tree with long-lasting white flowers, consider the Cleveland Pear, which blooms from May to July. Its showy white flowers are a favorite among gardeners.
The Iceberg Rose Tree and Icecap Rose Tree are both excellent options for white flowering trees, with blooms that appear in mid-to-late spring. They're perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden.
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Some white flowering trees are more adaptable to different climates than others. The Little Gem Magnolia, for instance, thrives in zones 6-9, while the Royal Star Magnolia Tree does well in zones 4-9.
Here are some popular white flowering trees to consider:
- Black Diamond Pure White Crape Myrtle (zones 7-10)
- Cleveland Pear (zones 5-9)
- Iceberg Rose Tree (zones 5-10)
- Icecap Rose Tree (zones 6-10)
- Little Gem Magnolia (zones 6-9)
- Natchez Crape Myrtle (zones 7-10)
- Royal Star Magnolia Tree (zones 4-9)
- Southern Magnolia (zones 7-9)
- Sweetbay Magnolia (zones 5-10)
- Weeping Yoshino Cherry (zones 5-8)
- White Dogwood Tree (zones 5-9)
- White Kousa Dogwood (zones 5-8)
- Yoshino Cherry Tree (zones 5-8)
Shrubs and Evergreens
We're excited to share some of our favorite shrubs that will add a touch of elegance to any landscape. These compact plants are perfect for small spaces and will thrive in a variety of conditions.
Some shrubs will mature into multi-season interest, providing beauty and interest throughout the year. We've selected a range of variegated foliage options to add visual interest to your garden.
Our shrubs are designed to be low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care. By selecting the right shrub for your garden, you can enjoy a lush and thriving landscape with minimal upkeep.
For your interest: Will a Dogwood Tree Grow in Florida
Colorado Blue Spruce
The Colorado Blue Spruce is a bright blue, upright evergreen that looks similar to a Christmas tree when grown.
It's a common sight in colder forests, which is no surprise given its ability to thrive in harsh environments.
For more insights, see: Blue Lilac Bush
Profusion
The Profusion Flowering Crabapple Tree is a statement piece, growing wider than it is tall. It's a great option for adding some color to your landscape.
This crabapple tree is a branchier variety, with a more sprawling shape than other types. It's perfect for adding some texture and interest to your yard.
The Magenta colored flowers of the Profusion Flowering Crabapple Tree are a real showstopper, blooming in the spring. They're a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
Best Dwarf Plants
If you're short on space, there are many small flowering trees that thrive in containers or tight spaces. Crape Myrtles, for example, grow to less than 15 feet tall and come in varieties like Magic and Black Diamond.
Some trees, like Magnolia, are fragrant and compact, with mature sizes between 10 and 15 feet.
Ornamental trees like Ruby Falls Redbud and Rising Sun Redbud stay under 10 feet tall.
Take a look at this: 10 Gardening Tools
Shrubs
We're excited to share some of the exceptional new landscape shrubs we're growing at Cricket Hill Garden. Some will add a pop of color to your garden, while others will provide a beautiful texture with their variegated foliage.
Dwarf forms of shrubs are available, perfect for tiny spots in your garden. They're ideal for adding distinction to any landscape without overwhelming the space.
These outstanding ornamentals will provide multi-season interest, keeping your garden looking great all year round.
For another approach, see: Will Confederate Jasmine Grow in Shade
Evergreens
Evergreens are a great addition to any landscape, providing year-round interest and beauty. The Dwarf Hinoki Cypress is a small tree that shines during the winter months when deciduous shrubs have lost their leaves.
This tree is virtually maintenance-free and rarely needs to be trimmed, making it a low-maintenance option for busy homeowners. It grows only 6 inches per year, so it won't outgrow the area it's planted in.
The Baby Blue Spruce is another great option for a year-round screen. Its silvery blue foliage is striking and a nice alternative to other evergreen screens like arborvitae.
This tree is deer and rabbit resistant, making it a great choice for areas with wildlife. Expect it to slowly grow 15-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide in 10 years.
The Colorado Blue Spruce is a common sight in colder forests, with its bright blue, upright evergreen foliage. It looks similar to a Christmas tree when grown, adding a touch of festive charm to any landscape.
This tree is a great option for those who want a traditional evergreen look.
For another approach, see: Evergreen Ornamental Trees
Unique Trees
Unique Trees can make a real statement in the landscape. They come in all shapes and sizes, from towering deciduous redwoods to compact flowering trees.
Some unique trees are perfect for smaller gardens, like the white-flowering small tree mentioned earlier. These trees can add a touch of elegance and charm to even the most compact outdoor spaces.
If you're looking to make a statement with a specimen tree, consider a soaring deciduous redwood. Its size and grandeur can be truly breathtaking.
Paper Birch
Paper Birch is a common tree across the entirety of North America. Its bark is strikingly white and is easy to spot in a forest. The Paper Birch or White Birch is a tree that can be found in many places.
Its bark is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other trees.
Take a look at this: Do Birch Trees Have Leaves
Dappled Willow Standard
The Dappled Willow Standard is a unique and beautiful addition to any landscape. Developed by Dr. N. E. Hanson of South Dakota State University in 1910, it's a cold hardy decorative landscaping plant that thrives in damp soil.
This grafted plant loves water and will grow and grow if waters regularly. It's a great choice for areas with high humidity or where water is readily available.
Small white flowers bloom in clusters, adding a delicate touch to the overall appearance of the tree. Its unique shape and foliage make it a standout in any landscape.
The Dappled Willow Standard is a relatively low-maintenance tree, requiring very little pruning to keep it looking its best.
Unique
If you're looking for a tree that makes a statement, you can't go wrong with a unique ornamental tree. These trees are especially appealing for specimen trees, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Some of the most unique ornamental trees include the Prairie Fire Flowering Crabapple Tree, which is a newer variety bred to be disease resistant and everblooming. Its deep sanguine color with a hint of purple is a sight to behold.
If you're looking for a maple tree, you might want to consider the Paperbark Maple, which has open branching that allows you to admire the trunk as its bark exfoliates in paperlike strips. This small tree is exceptional in both its peeling bark and pretty fall color.
Here are some key facts about the Paperbark Maple:
- Botanical name: Acer griseum
- USDA zones: 4-7
- Height: to 25 feet (8.3 m)
Saratoga Ginkgo
The Saratoga Ginkgo Tree is a relatively new member of the Gingko family, with more elongated leaves and a more vibrant chartreuse color during Spring and Summer. This unique characteristic sets it apart from other Gingko varieties.
Its leaves are a standout feature, but the tree itself is also worth noting. The Saratoga Ginkgo is a relatively new introduction to the world of ornamental trees, offering a fresh take on the traditional Gingko.
If you're considering adding a Saratoga Ginkgo to your landscape, keep in mind that it's a relatively new variety, so you may not find as much information about it as you would with more established tree species.
Intriguing read: Mini Ginkgo Tree
Weeping Mulberry
The Weeping Mulberry is a unique and beautiful tree that's perfect for adding some drama to your landscape. It's a fast-growing and fruitless tree with canopies lush with dark green leaves that cascade down in weeping growth.
This tree is quite versatile, reaching heights of up to 30 feet, making it a great choice for larger spaces. It's also hardy, tolerating USDA zones 4-8.
The Weeping Mulberry is not your average mulberry plant - it's a specific variety known as Morus alba "pendula". If you're looking for a tree that can thrive in a variety of conditions, this one's a great option.
Here are some key facts about the Weeping Mulberry:
- Botanical name: Morus alba "pendula"
- USDA zones: 4-8
- Height: to 30 feet (10 m)
This tree is perfect for adding a vertical element to your garden, and its cascading yellow flowers in June are a lovely bonus.
Dawn Redwood
The Dawn Redwood is a truly remarkable tree. Its botanical name is Metasequoia glyptostroboides, and it's a fast-growing, deciduous redwood that can reach heights of up to 80 feet.
This tree has a fascinating history, as it was considered extinct for decades and was only known through fossil records. But in 1945, a botanist discovered some of this species in a remote area in China.
The Dawn Redwood has a unique appearance, with feathery needles as its foliage. It's also one of the few deciduous conifers, meaning it sheds its needles in the fall.
Here are some key facts about the Dawn Redwood:
- Botanical name: Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- USDA zones: 4-8
- Height: to 80 feet (28 m)
The Dawn Redwood is a great choice for gardeners in certain regions, as it can thrive in USDA zones 4-8.
Cedar of Lebanon
The Cedar of Lebanon is a standout tree that's sure to impress. It's the most cold-hardy of the true cedars, making it a great choice for gardeners in USDA zones 5-7.
This tree grows to a height of up to 50 feet (16.6 m), which is quite impressive. The Cedar of Lebanon has a pyramidal form when it's young, but as it matures, it develops wide, spreading branches.
Its slow growth rate is a characteristic that many gardeners appreciate, as it means less maintenance over time.
Cryptomeria
Cryptomeria is a unique tree that's worth considering for your landscape.
Its botanical name is Cryptomeria japonica.
This evergreen tree can grow up to 60 feet tall, with a conical shape when young that spreads wide as it matures.
You'll need to protect it from severe winter damage, so plant it in a protected site that gets full sun and is out of the path of winter winds.
USDA zones 6-8 are suitable for this tree.
I've seen trees like this thrive in the right conditions, and with proper care, it can be a stunning addition to your garden.
Pruning and Planting Tips
Pruning is a crucial part of maintaining ornamental landscape trees. Prune deciduous trees in late winter when temperatures are above freezing, as the structure of the tree is more evident for shaping.
For flowering trees, timing is everything. Prune spring flowering trees like Flowering Plum and Redbud right after they have finished blooming to avoid removing the current season's flowers.
Dead, broken, or diseased branches can be removed at any time, but it's best to prune them when they're visible.
A different take: Cutting Back Peach Trees
Pruning Tips
Pruning can be a bit tricky, but knowing the right time to do it can make all the difference. Prune deciduous trees in late winter when they're dormant and temperatures are above freezing.
This is the best time to shape the tree's structure, and you'll have a better idea of what you're working with. Prune crossing, dead, or disease branches at any time.
Some flowering trees, like Eastern Redbud, should be pruned right after they finish blooming. This way, you won't accidentally remove the current season's flowers.
Spring flowering trees like Flowering Plum, Crabapple, and Dogwood should be pruned right after they bloom. This timing is crucial to ensure you don't miss the blooms.
Summer flowering trees like Crape Myrtles should be pruned in late winter or early spring when they're dormant.
A fresh viewpoint: Can You Trim a Dogwood Tree
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, planting in the spring can be a great option.
In areas with mild winters, planting in the fall can also be an excellent choice.
For more insights, see: Planting Peonies Spacing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular ornamental tree?
Our most popular ornamental trees include crape myrtle, redbud, cherry blossom, and lilac varieties, offering beautiful blooms and vibrant colors. Discover which one suits your landscape needs and preferences.
What is the best landscaping tree from the front of a house?
For a visually appealing tree in front of a house, consider a flowering tree like the Redbud, which blooms vibrant pink flowers in spring and provides year-round interest with its attractive foliage. Its hardiness in zones 5-9 makes it a great choice for many homeowners.
Featured Images: pexels.com


