A single flowering tree can carry an entire garden through its season. The right five together can carry it across the year. Here are the flowering trees we use when colour is the brief.
1. Magnolia x soulangeana — Saucer Magnolia
Saucer Magnolia opens spring with large pink and white cup-shaped blooms on bare branches. Dramatic, brief and unforgettable.
Plant in a spot sheltered from late frost.
2. Lagerstroemia indica 'Natchez' — White Crepe Myrtle
Natchez delivers white panicles from early summer into autumn, then strong autumn foliage colour and a cinnamon trunk in winter. Long summer flowering window.
Plant in full sun for strongest flowering.
3. Lagerstroemia indica 'Lipan' — Lipan Crepe Myrtle
Lipan brings vibrant fuchsia pink. A long flowering window and four season interest at a manageable courtyard size.
Plant in full sun.
4. Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' — Forest Pansy Redbud
Forest Pansy carries bright pink flowers on bare branches in spring, then deep burgundy foliage through summer. Two strong colour events on one small tree.
Best in part shade in hotter climates.
5. Pyrus nivalis — Snow Pear
Snow Pear gives pure white spring blossom and silver-grey summer foliage that turns warm yellow and amber in autumn. Reliable spring and autumn colour.
Stake at planting and water deeply through the first summer.
Designing with flowering trees
Stagger the flowering windows. Saucer Magnolia for spring, Crepe Myrtles for summer, Snow Pear and Forest Pansy for autumn finish. Plant against a glossy evergreen backdrop so the flowers read strongly.
FAQs
Which gives the longest flowering window?
Crepe Myrtle Natchez and Lipan both flower for months through summer and into autumn.
Which suits a small garden?
Saucer Magnolia, Lipan and Forest Pansy fit small to mid-size gardens.
Are these trees low maintenance?
All five are low maintenance once established.
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