As winter’s chill begins to subside, the first signs of spring emerge, courtesy of flowering trees that burst forth with vibrant hues and sweet fragrances. Whether you prefer towering specimens or compact shrubs, each blooming tree has the ability to beautifully adorn your garden or yard. For a lasting impact, consider planting trees that bloom in spring as well as throughout the seasons.
Some excellent options include Venus Dogwood, ‘Oklahoma’ Redbud, Higan Cherry, American Fringe Tree, and ‘Evereste’ Crabapple. Meanwhile, the majestic Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a timeless classic. When it comes to planning your spring garden, you likely have some burning questions that need swift answers. Let’s address a few: What are the first trees to bloom in spring?
Wild plum, Eastern redbud, and Dogwood are just a few examples of early-blooming varieties that will surprise you with their timely displays. And what’s more, you can repurpose full blossom branches to create stunning spring centerpiece ideas. In our next article, we’ll delve into the world of 15 amazing spring blooming trees, providing inspiration for your backyard this year.
Crape Myrtle
The vibrant colors of crape myrtle trees can’t be missed in the spring. With their stunning pink blooms, it’s no wonder they’re a popular sight among nature lovers. The deep purple hue is not only visually striking but also possesses strong healing properties, making it a great excuse to stop and appreciate these beautiful trees for at least 10 minutes.
While the Tonto Crape Myrtle variety may be one of the most impressive, there are many other stunning varieties to explore, such as the Catawba, Red Rocket, Natchez, and Black Diamond Purely Purple. Not only do they offer a kaleidoscope of colors, but their long-lasting flowers also make them a popular choice for summer gardens. When it comes to size, crape myrtles can range from under 30 cm (1 ft) to over 30 meters (100 ft), with leaves measuring between 2-8 inches in length.
The fruit is a capsule that matures from green to dark brown or black, releasing many small, feathered seeds when it splits open along six or seven lines.
Lilac Kiss Tree
The allure of a lilac tree is undeniable. Its essence embodies spirit, intellect, and mystery, evoking a sense of regality. The vibrant purple hue that emerges in spring is a breathtaking testament to the season’s arrival. Not only do these trees produce an intoxicating scent, but they also offer varying heights and shades.
For instance, the Japanese tree lilac stands at 25 feet, producing creamy white flowers with a subtle fragrance, while the ‘Ivory Silk’ variety reaches 20 feet, blooming in early summer. When it comes to popular lilac varieties, the Common Lilac, Miss Kim Lilac, Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac, and Bloomerang Dwarf Pink Lilac are among the most sought-after. These trees have captivated hearts with their unique characteristics, making them a staple in many gardens.
French Rose Tree
The French Rose, also known as Rosa gallica, is a vibrant shrub that bursts forth with life during the spring season. Its majestic crown is adorned with an abundance of showy flowers that are simply irresistible to the senses. The delicate rosy petals absorb the warm sunshine, releasing their sweet fragrance and captivating all who lay eyes on them. This deciduous tree’s claim to fame lies in its stunning floral displays, which feature large, fragrant blooms in a deep pink hue.
These elegant flowers are arranged one to four per stem, each one showcasing five or more intricate petals with subtle orange or brown undertones. Measuring around 10-13 mm in diameter, the French Rose’s blooms are truly a marvel of nature.
Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac
In Japan, where seasons bring vibrancy to the landscape, the arrival of spring is particularly breathtaking. Amidst the lush greenery, the Ivory Silk tree stands out for its intoxicating aroma and stunning beauty. This deciduous tree takes on a majestic form, boasting rich green leaves and dark brown bark that provide a striking contrast.
The real showstopper, however, is the petite tree’s rounded crown adorned with creamy-white blooms that waft an alluring fragrance throughout the spring and summer months.
Japanese Lilac Spring Tree
What defines success is often subjective, yet it’s the subtle joys in life that truly bring us a sense of fulfillment. This tree embodies the essence of inner beauty, kindness, and the ornaments that make life so special. Its intricate details and intoxicating fragrance are a poignant reminder to appreciate the simple things. The Japanese lilac (Syringa reticulata) is a striking example of nature’s splendor.
These deciduous shrubs or trees can grow up to 30 feet tall, with a spread of 15-20 feet, producing white flowers in the spring that cascade downwards. Native to eastern Asia, this species has a fascinating history, with its Latin name ‘syringa’ derived from the empty stems that resemble pipes.
Tonto Tree
Their captivating presence is often overshadowed by their name. However, a single glance at this radiant hue can transport you to a world of unbridled passion, freedom, and creativity. It’s as if the pink trees that bloom in spring are infusing the air with an unmistakable essence of inspiration and vitality. These treasured sources of imagination and liveliness are truly irreplaceable.
Twilight Crape Myrtle
Imagine stepping into a whimsical world where nature’s beauty harmonizes with the essence of magic. The Twilight series of trees, with their majestic presence, embody the perfect blend of low maintenance and high rewards. Their striking dark purple hue is not only captivating but also promises a sense of serenity and happiness. This remarkable tree is all about achieving energetic balance, fostering an atmosphere of purity and positivity that can have a profound impact on one’s life.
With its subtle light fragrance and uplifting appearance, incorporating this tree into your daily routine can bring a touch of enchantment to your day. The result? A symphony of high vibrations and magic that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
Saucer Magnolia
The Saucer magnolia is a highly prized tree in many gardens for its stunning display of large, showy blossoms that typically reach up to 8 inches in size. This ornamental tree, also known as Magnolia x Soulangeana, is a hybrid species within the genus Magnoliaceae and family Magnoliaceae. Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for smaller spaces, growing between 20-25 feet tall.
A notable tip when planting this variety in regions prone to late spring frosts: avoid placing it on the southern side of a structure, as retained heat can cause early blooming that may be vulnerable to frost damage. If you’re interested in bringing this beauty into your own garden, you can find Saucer magnolia at [insert link].
Hyperion Dogwood
As the early spring season unfolds, the Hyperion dogwood tree stands tall at approximately 20 feet, its ornamental beauty amplified by its stunning display of oversized white or pink blossoms. This fleeting floral spectacle marks a brief but vibrant chapter in the life cycle of this remarkable tree. As the seasons progress, the flowers give way to reddish, strawberry-like fruits that become a prized treat for spring birds.
The resulting visual harmony between these fruits and the lush surrounding foliage is nothing short of breathtaking. For those looking to bring this charming tree into their own landscape, Pink Dogwood can be obtained HERE.
Flowering Crabapple
For those who adore the stunning display of white blooming trees in the spring, incorporating a flowering crabapple tree into your backyard landscape is an excellent choice. This compact (reaching heights of 15 to 20 feet) ornamental tree is distinguished by its vibrant, fragrant, and snowy white blossoms that are sure to captivate. What’s more, it boasts a seasonal shedding of foliage, which can be a unique and attractive feature in your yard.
To thrive, the flowering crabapple tree requires well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist, as well as full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day). With proper care, this tree is one of the most striking white flowering trees you’ll see in the spring, and its beauty can be appreciated from all angles.
Cherry Blossom Tree
The cherry blossom tree holds a special place in Japanese culture, having been designated as its national flower. While this may not come as a surprise to many, it’s undeniable that these trees are breathtakingly beautiful and a harbinger of spring. As the seasons change, the cherry blossom trees burst into bloom, typically preferring sheltered spots with full sun, deep soil rich in nutrients, and good drainage.
This annual phenomenon has inspired the Cherry Blossom Festival, held annually at the start of March. With so many varieties to choose from, it’s worth exploring some of the most popular types, including the Yoshino, Okame, Kwanzan, and Pink Weeping cherry trees.
Pear Tree
While I have a soft spot for the elegant white flowering trees that bloom in early spring, I also have a deep appreciation for the humble pear tree (Pyrus communis). One of its many charms is its impressive stature, growing up to 40 feet tall and spanning around 20 feet wide. Pears are also surprisingly adaptable, thriving in full sun and tolerating heavy clay soils when paired with an ample supply of compost.
In fact, these trees typically begin producing fruit within three to five years after planting. The stunning Cleveland Pear Tree, as featured above, is a perfect example of this tree’s beauty and bounty.
Blossom Chestnut
When spring arrives, it’s hard to miss the vibrant display of the Red horse chestnut tree. This stunning hybrid of Aesculus and Carnea produces large, showy flowers with a striking white-reddish hue that demands attention. Growing up to 35 feet tall and spreading 25 feet wide, this tree is a common sight in parks, gardens, and village greens, its beauty sure to brighten up any setting.
Oklahoma Redbud
The Oklahoma Redbud, a standout among spring trees, is celebrated for its stunning display of delicate, purple-reddish flowers that burst forth on bare branches, bridging the gap between winter and early spring. But its appeal extends beyond just those fleeting blooms – the tree’s glossy foliage commands attention even from casual observers.
What’s more, this versatile variety thrives in small yards, reaching a manageable height of around 15 feet, making it an ideal choice for homeowners with limited space.
American Fringe Tree
The final species I’d like to highlight is the native American fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), a beautiful option for those who adore white flowering trees in the spring. Also known as a ‘dogwood alternative’ by landscape architects, this tree produces small, snowy-white blossoms that create a stunning fringe effect on its branches. As an added bonus, it also bears red fruits that will attract singing birds to your yard. The result is a serene and idyllic setting that’s perfect for spring.
When it comes to blooming trees in the spring, there’s nothing quite like the vibrant colors and lively displays of flowers. Not only do they provide a much-needed burst of color after a long winter, but they also serve as a reminder that spring is just around the corner and our yards will once again be filled with joy and beauty. I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of 15 spring-blooming trees; which one would you choose to add to your garden?
