Spring Flowering Trees
After what is sometimes a long cold and dreary Winter the arrival of spring flowers is just what the doctor might order to shake us out of the winter blues or duldrums. And there's no better way to leave Winter behind and signal the arrival of Spring than with the explosion of color that flowering trees provide.
A Few of the Best Spring Flowering Trees
- Flowering Cherry - There are several varieties of flowering cherry that produce an abundance of blossoms in the Spring (these do not produce fruit). The pink flowering 'Okame' cherry is one of the first to bloom in Spring and has a long bloom season (up to 30 days) compared to the flowering periods of other flowering cherry trees. 'Autmnalis', or Autmn Flowering Cherry, produces light pink blossoms in both Spring and Fall...well, actually Spring and Winter in the South. 'Yoshino' produces masses of white to very pale pink fluffy blossoms that literally cover the tree like snow in Spring. 'Kwansan' produces bright pink fully double flowers on a more upright, vase shaped form. Also available are the "weeping" varieties of flowering cherry. These put on the same spectacular flower show as the upright varieties but the branches weep like a weeping willow.
NOTE: In Georgia, small Yoshino and Kwansan flowering cherry trees (2" caliper or less trunk diameter) are susceptible to attack by the Asian Ambrosia Beetle. Outside of wrapping the entire trunk during winter we know of no surefire way to destroy these non-native pests so are no longer selling small specimens of these two varieties at the nursery. This tiny beetle can kill a small tree by boring a hole through the trunk to the heart, where it will lay its eggs.
- Eastern Redbud - This is one of the most adaptable spring flowering trees. Eastern Redbud is a beautiful, flowering native tree with a spreading, rounded crown that can eventually grow to 20 to 30' tall. Clusters of tiny, rose-purple, pea-like flowers bloom profusely on the branches for 2 to 3 weeks in early spring before the foliage emerges. Heart-shaped green leaves may turn an attractive yellow in Fall. One of the most adaptable flowering trees that will grow in full sun or shade. Exceptionally drought tolerant once established. Not picky about soil so long as it is well-drained. Useful as a specimen, in small groups or as an understory tree in woodland areas and woodland borders. 'Forest Pansy' is a unique selection with deep purple foliage.
Tulip Tree - These deciduous magnolias produce an abundance of upward-facing flowers that resemble tulips perched on the tips of stems. The U. S. National Arboretum has developed a series of new hybrids known as the "Little Girls". These hybrids bloom later and longer than older Japanese varieties making them less susceptible to damage from frost. The flower buds begin to open in mid to late March and may have sporadic rebloom during the summer months. A few of the newer releases, such as 'Ann' and 'Jane', are being commercially grown and you'll find them available at well-stocked nursery and garden centers. These grow to around 10' in height with an equal spread. Tulip trees will produce foliage to the ground, however are most attractive when limbed up to form a small single or multi-stem tree. Full sun is best for heavy flower production.
Dogwoods - The Dogwood tree is one of the most popular spring flowering trees in North America. When it comes to trees, flowering Dogwoods make most every gardeners top 10 list. Dogwood trees are best known for their outstanding show of spring blooms but they also provide outstanding fall foliage color in the garden. Cornus florida is the native flowering dogwood tree in the U.S. and these days, interestingly enough, they may be the most difficult for the average gardener to grow. Some of the Japanese and Chinese (Cornus kousa) varieties seem to be easier to grow, hold up better during the hot and humid summer in the South and are more resistant to anthracnose disease.Dogwoods are adaptable to several types of soils; however, they grow best in moist, fertile, well-drained soils high in organic matter. To successfully grow healthy Dogwood trees you must mimic the conditions where they grow naturally in the wild. Where do we find them growing in the wild? Very rarely will you find a Dogwood growing out in the open - in full sun, and you will never find one growing naturally in boggy soil. Where we will find them growing most happily is as an understory tree in the woods or along woodland borders where they receive dappled sunlight to partial shade. Dense shade will result in poor flowering.
When planting a Dogwood, make sure the soil at the site is well-drained. Planting on a slight to moderate slope typically ensures there will be good drainage. If there is any dought as to soil moisture, plant your Dogwood tree in a "raised mound" to ensure the roots won't stand in water during rainy periods. Dogwoods are highly susceptible to root rot. When planting, always mix in a good amount of an organic soil ammendment ,such as mushroom compost or composted cow manure, at a 50/50 ratio to the native soil that is removed from the planting hole. When planting on level ground, make sure the top edge of the root ball is slightly to several inches above ground level. Backfill soil mixture to top edge of root ball and taper soil mixture gradually to grade to create the "mound". When planting a Dogwood on a sloped you can plant with the top edge of the root ball level or just slightly above ground level.
We may be making it sound more difficult to grow Dogwood trees than it is to actually grow them; however, when you're in the nursery business and you see more Dogwoods die shortly after planting than any other tree, it makes you want to provide as much information as possible so that folks can have more success in growing such a desirable and beautiful tree.
Though a challenge, if planted and cared for properly during the first season or two Dogwoods become very low-maintenance and hardy trees.
Below is a listing of trees that produce flowers in the Spring. Click on any thumbnail image or link to see detailed description, usage tips and instructions for care.
(19) Plants Found. Showing 1 to 6 of 19.