After a long winter, there is nothing more delightful than to watch a tree explode with a profusion of blooms, especially those with a sweet fragrance. These blooming trees are a sure sign that spring is in the air. Their spectacular showy blossoms are like cotton candy for the eye. As they burst from buds to blooms, flowering trees not only announce the change of seasons, they also soften the landscape and become focal points in the garden.
One of the most popular flowering trees is the crabapple. There are many varieties to choose from, all with different shades of flowers. Most crabapples grow best in Zones 3-7 and reach heights of up to 20 feet tall. Many of the newer varieties are more resistant to disease and insects.
Another flowering fruit tree that's easy to grow is the plum tree. Check out the 'Newport' plum tree; it produces petite pink blooms with beautiful, burgundy foliage. It grows best in Zones 4-7.
The flowering cherry, a popular ornamental tree, has big blossoms in soft shades of pink and white. It grows best in Zones 5-9 and ranges in height from 15 to 25 feet.
Flowering citrus trees are very common in the deep South, mainly in Zones 9-10. They produce white flowers with lots of fragrance.
And don't forget about trees like magnolias or dogwoods. They produce spectacular blossoms. All of these trees grow best in full to part sun.
And for a shady location, try the Eastern redbud, which grows about 20 to 30 feet tall and is hardy down to Zone 4. In early April, you'll see rosy pink blossoms that come out before the leaves. It has a beautiful structure and is a great fit for any shady garden. And the best part is that it loves windy, dry conditions.
Unfortunately, when you go to the garden center, you won't necessarily see a tree that's in bloom. So spring is an excellent time to go to your local arboretum. There you can see a fully grown tree in bloom. The trees are labeled, and there are horticulturists on staff who can answer any questions you might have.
Before you head to your local arboretum to check out these trees in bloom, be sure to call first, because the blooming season varies depending on the weather. Another benefit from visiting a local arboretum is that they choose trees that grow well in that climate, which is also your climate. So the trees you see will probably look as good in your own backyard. Once you've picked a variety you like, the best time to plant a flowering tree is in the spring or early fall.
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