Ornamental trees are grown for their aesthetic value and the sheer enjoyment of having them in the garden. They may have outstanding flowers and fragrance, an interesting shape, colorful or unusual bark, excellent fall color, or a combination of these and other features.
When picking an ornamental tree, consider the size, form and overall appearance of the tree when in full bloom as well as at maturity. Many produce stunning fall foliage, while others yield fruit or have attractive bark color and texture for winter interest. HGTV.com offers The Best Ornamental Trees for inspiration.
Here are our top 5 picks:
- The Dwarf Red Buckeye Tree
This tree is one of the first to open leaves in spring, a month ahead of oaks and maples. The early blooms are one of the first food sources for hummingbirds. Dwarf Red Buckeye will bloom when the tree is still very young.
Plant in full to mostly sun for best flowering. The small tree is clump forming and can be grown as a large shrub or multi-trunk tree. Prune lower lateral branches to maintain a tree form. Excellent small ornamental tree for a woodland garden or near a patio.
2.The Crabapple Tree
The Crabapple Tree is a compact, versatile tree that provides interest nearly year-round. In addition to producing breathtaking buds and blossoms in spring, crabapples also produce handsome foliage in summer and fall and bountiful displays of fruit that linger on the branches well into winter.
Crabapples thrive in full sun. They adapt to most soil conditions, as long as they are planted in well-drained soil. To avoid foliar diseases, plant in a location that offers good air circulation. they come in a range of sizes and forms (most no taller than 20 feet) to accommodate nearly any space constraint.
3. Japanese Lilac Tree
Japanese lilacs are trees or very large shrubs. The plant has a naturally attractive shape and interesting, reddish bark with white markings that give it year-round interest. It produces clusters of white, fragrant flowers. After the flowers fade, the tree produces seed capsules that attract songbirds to the garden.
Growing Japanese lilac trees near a window allows you to enjoy the flowers and fragrance indoors, but make sure you leave plenty of room for the tree’s 20 foot spread. The care of the Japanese lilac tree is easy because it maintains its lovely shape without extensive pruning
4. Cornus Mas Tree
The Cornus Mas Tree is a deciduous shrub or small tree. Its yellow flowers appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. Red fruits develop and mature in the mid-summer. On mature trees, the bark is scaly and exfoliating. In late winter to early spring the bright small clusters of yellow flowers appear on the naked branches.
The Cornus Mas Tree prefers full to partial shade, and moist, well-drained rich soils. The plant is tough, adaptable, and is low maintenance. Consider this plant for a shrub border, hedge, or screen. It may also be used in naturalized and woodland settings.Jack Dwarf Flowering Pear
This exquisite flowering tree starts spring with dazzling white flowers. Summer shade is created by thick dark green foliage that is the last tree to turn brilliant red in Autumn, even the winter bark is attractive. This deciduous tree has deep green, ovate leaves.
Choosing a site for this tree should allow for its mature height of at least thirty feet tall and twenty feet wide. The canopy tends to grow in a narrow upright shape. It can get quite cluttered unless pruned regularly, so avoid planting near electrical wiring or too close to a structure. Ideal specimen tree for lawns, lining driveways, and specimens in small spaces.
Let the experts at Patera Landscaping pick the perfect ornamental tree, (or trees!) for your yard!
Contact us today for your Patera Perfect Landscape!