When it comes to enhancing the beauty of a landscape, few things rival the breathtaking effect of flowering trees. They are often called the crown jewels of a yard, and for good reason. With their seasonal blooms, vibrant colors, and unique structures, these trees transform ordinary gardens into stunning works of art. Unlike shrubs or ground-level flowers, flowering trees create height, depth, and a dramatic focal point that changes the character of your outdoor space.
If you are considering adding flowering trees to your yard, it’s worth exploring the many varieties that thrive in different regions and climates. Each type has its own blooming season, color palette, and care requirements, which means you can plan your garden to deliver continuous beauty from early spring through late fall. Below are seven ways to grow and enjoy flowering trees, along with some of the most popular varieties that homeowners and gardeners cherish.
1. Crape Myrtles: The Stars of the South
Crape myrtles are among the most beloved flowering trees in southern landscapes. Known for their long blooming period that stretches from mid-summer well into fall, these trees fill yards with clusters of colorful blossoms in shades of pink, lavender, red, and white. The flowers appear on new wood, which means annual pruning can encourage even more vibrant growth.
While crape myrtles thrive best in warm southern climates, gardeners in northern regions can sometimes grow them as perennials. In colder climates, they may die back during winter but return with fresh growth in the spring, bringing life and color back to the yard.
2. Weeping Varieties for Graceful Blooms
Not all weeping trees are flowering varieties, but certain types produce remarkable displays. Weeping cherry trees, for example, are highly prized for their cascading branches covered in delicate blossoms each spring. Their soft, romantic appearance makes them a popular choice for ornamental gardens and front yards.
Other weeping species, like the snow fountains cherry or weeping Higan cherry, add both elegance and seasonal beauty. When planted as a centerpiece, these trees draw the eye and create a calming, picturesque atmosphere in any outdoor space.
3. Saucer Magnolias: Large Blooms, Bold Beauty
If you’re looking for dramatic flowers that truly stand out, saucer magnolias are hard to beat. Their blooms, often as large as a saucer, open in shades of pink, purple, and white. These striking blossoms appear in early spring, often before the leaves emerge, which gives them even greater visual impact.
Because of their size and stunning floral display, saucer magnolias are often planted as statement trees. They not only brighten up the yard but also bring a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication to the garden design.
4. Rose of Sharon: A Shrub That Acts Like a Tree
While technically a shrub, the rose of Sharon is often treated as a small tree because it grows tall and can be pruned to have a single trunk. It is especially valuable for its late-season blooms, which extend the display of color well after many other trees have stopped flowering.
Available in shades of blue, white, pink, and purple, rose of Sharon adds charm to gardens from midsummer into fall. Its resilience, ease of care, and long blooming period make it an excellent option for homeowners who want to maintain a vibrant yard throughout the growing season.
5. Classic Spring Favorites: Redbud, Callery Pear, and Crabapple
For many gardeners, spring isn’t complete without the vibrant display of classic flowering trees. Redbuds, with their bright magenta-pink blossoms, light up landscapes just as winter begins to loosen its grip. Callery pears are known for their abundant white flowers that create a snow-like effect across neighborhoods. Meanwhile, crabapple trees produce both stunning flowers and small decorative fruits that persist into autumn.
These trees provide some of the earliest bursts of color in spring, refreshing the landscape and offering a sense of renewal after the gray winter months.
6. Hawthorns: Extending the Blooming Season
One common challenge with flowering trees is that their blossoms, while spectacular, often fade too quickly. This is where Washington hawthorn trees stand out. Unlike many early bloomers, hawthorns produce their flowers in late spring to early summer, filling the seasonal gap after other blossoms have disappeared.
In addition to their white flowers, hawthorns also provide ornamental berries in the fall, extending their visual appeal across multiple seasons. They’re a great choice for gardeners who want consistent beauty from spring through winter.
7. Mixing Varieties for Year-Round Color
The most effective way to enjoy flowering trees is to plant multiple varieties that bloom at different times of the year. By combining early bloomers like magnolias and redbuds with mid-season crape myrtles and late-blooming hawthorns or rose of Sharon, you can create a garden that bursts with color from March through October.
Strategic planting also ensures your yard has visual interest in every season. Add evergreens for winter structure, and your landscape will remain lively and inviting year-round.
Growing flowering trees is about more than adding beauty it’s about creating rhythm, balance, and seasonal joy in your garden. From the bold blossoms of magnolias to the delicate cascades of weeping cherries, each variety has its own charm. By thoughtfully selecting and planting these trees, you can transform your yard into a living gallery that delights you and your visitors for years to come.
