No garden is too small for a tree, and plenty of flowering trees thrive in compact spaces. These trees bring vibrant color, unique textures, and soothing summer shade to any landscape. Whether you prefer large or dwarf varieties, you’ll find flowering trees in stunning shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow.
A flowering tree will flourish in your space regardless of your growing zone or soil conditions. Choose a type suited to your climate and growing conditions to ensure success.
Top Flowering Trees For Your Garden
Consider these best flowering trees if you plan to add a tree to your landscape this spring.
Eastern Redbud
The Eastern Redbud is among the earliest trees to bloom in spring. It bursts with tiny rosy pink flowers before its heart-shaped leaves emerge. This small, easy-to-grow tree is native to North America and thrives in various conditions. While its spring display is breathtaking, it also puts on a stunning show in fall when its lush green foliage turns vibrant yellow.
Southern Magnolia
The Southern Magnolia is a true showstopper, with its massive, creamy white, fragrant flowers stealing the spotlight in spring. Its large, glossy evergreen leaves add year-round beauty, and in the fall, it produces unique cone-like fruit. While the standard variety can grow quite tall, dwarf cultivars are available for more miniature landscapes and even container gardening.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn trees are a fantastic choice for those looking to extend their garden’s color beyond early spring. They bloom in late spring to early summer and produce clusters of pink, white, or red flowers, depending on the variety. As fall approaches, they develop small berries that persist into winter, an important bird food source.
Forsythia
Forsythia is one of the first signs that spring is near. It bursts into a brilliant display of yellow flowers before its leaves even appear. This early bloomer thrives as an informal hedge or border plant, offering a long season of interest. Throughout the summer, its green foliage remains lush, and certain varieties, like ‘Lynwood Gold,’ add an extra surprise by turning purple as the season transitions to fall. Whether you’re looking to brighten your garden or add a pop of color to your landscape, forsythia is a reliable and low-maintenance choice.
Lilac
Lilacs are a springtime favorite. Their lush, fragrant flowers fill the air with a sweet scent. With hundreds of varieties, they offer an array of colors, including classic purple, delicate pink, crisp white, and even rare yellow. These eye-catching flowers enhance your garden’s beauty and attract hummingbirds and butterflies, bringing magic to your landscape.
Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtles are a stunning way to keep your garden blooming beyond spring. Their long-lasting flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple make them a favorite in Southern landscapes. These versatile trees can be grown as shrubs or trained into a tree form, reaching up to 40 feet tall. Their striking, peeling bark and vibrant flowers provide year-round visual interest. Their ability to grow in hot climates and resist drought makes them a low-maintenance yet show-stopping addition to any garden.
Flowering Cherries
Flowering cherry trees are a breathtaking addition to any garden. They offer a spectacular show of delicate white or pink blossoms each spring. Their fall foliage transforms into brilliant shades of amber, orange, and red, creating a second season of visual appeal. While these trees are famous for their role in large-scale displays, they also thrive in home landscapes, adding a touch of elegance and romance.
Flowering Crabapple
Flowering crabapples (Malus spp.) are beloved for their stunning spring blossoms and small, colorful fruits that charm any landscape. With more than 30 species and numerous cultivars, these ornamental trees come in various sizes, typically reaching 15 to 20 feet tall. Their blooms range from white to deep pink, attracting pollinators, while the tart fruits provide a feast for birds in fall and winter. Thriving in full sun and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, flowering crabapples are a versatile and eye-catching addition to gardens.
Golden Chain
Want a flowering tree with colors beyond the usual white or pink spring blooms? Go for the stunning Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum spp.). This tree is finicky as it thrives in a sheltered spot with proper care against pests and diseases.
Dogwood
Flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida) bring year-round beauty beyond their showy spring blooms. In fall, their glossy green leaves turn vibrant shades of red, and bright berries emerge. When winter arrives, their striking branching patterns stand against the bare landscape.
FAQ’s
What is the easiest flowering tree to grow?
The eastern redbud grows fast and adapts easily, which makes it a top choice for beginner gardeners who want vibrant spring colors with minimal effort.
What flowering tree stays in bloom the longest?
Plant a crepe myrtle for months of color. Its delicate, paper-thin flowers last 60 to 120 days each year.
When should you plant flowering trees?
Spring or early fall offers the best planting conditions. Aim for at least six weeks before your area’s first frost to give roots time to establish.
