Here are 10 varieties of flowering trees that will brighten up your yard.
10 Flowering Trees
Star magnolia makes a great specimen tree in the yard, or it can be used in woodland borders. When grown as a shrub, it is sometimes used in tall informal hedges.
USDA Growing Zones: 4a to 8aColor Varieties: WhiteSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained loam
This is a smallish tree, growing 15 to 25 feet. It is most often planted as a specimen tree or in small groupings in the yard. It also works well in woodland garden settings. It is important to keep this tree in good condition, as stress can make it susceptible to several problems, the most problematic being spot anthracnose, a fungal disease.
USDA Growing Zones: 5a to 9aColor Varieties: White, Pink, Gold, GreenSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
Weeping cherries need to be kept moist, especially in drought conditions, by using mulch around the base of the tree. Weeping cherries are typically planted individually as specimen trees, or in small groups.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8 (varies by species)Color Varieties: Pink, whiteSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
Kwanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’) has an upright, rather than a weeping form, but it puts on an equally fine flowering show in spring. It grows 25 to 36 feet, and unlike many flowering trees, it also makes a good street tree. It is also used as a specimen tree or can be planted in small groups. Similar is Yoshino cherry (Prunus x yedoensis). Yoshino is a larger tree, standing 30 to 40 feet tall, with a similar spread. Cherry trees need to be protected from strong winds, as the branches are brittle and prone to breaking.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: White to light pinkSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 4a to 9aColor Varieties: White. pink, purple, lavenderSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Acidic, moist, well-draining loam
The redbud grows 20 to 30 feet high and wide and has a variety of landscape uses as a specimen, street, or lawn tree, or in naturalized woodland settings.
USDA Growing Zones: 4a to 9aColor Varieties: Pink, Lavender, RedSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
Like apple trees, pear trees are prone to fire blight, a bacterial disease that creates a scorched look on the leaves. To prevent it, avoid heavy pruning and feed the tree only minimally to avoid excessively fast growth.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: WhiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8, depending on speciesColor Varieties: Pink, white, or redSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
In the first few years, make sure to prune out secondary leaders, which will help the plant grow with a classic tree-like structure.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 7Color Varieties: YellowSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, medium-moisture, well-drained soil
Proper pruning is essential to maintain an attractive year-round tree.
USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 9Color Varieties: Pink, white, red, lavenderSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
