Flowering Trees

There aren't many more uplifting sights than a tree breaking into blossom; heralding the start of spring and putting the dark days of winter behind us, flowering trees deserve a starring role in any garden. Flowering cherries and crabapples are perennially popular - and with good reason - but there are many other fascinating species to explore...

 

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South Downs National Park

Meet Danielle

110 years' expertise free with every tree

Danielle's nursery has been growing trees in the South Downs National Park for over a century, and it shows. Dug up and sent straight to your garden at between 18-36 months old, their quality rootstocks, expert pruning and natural pest control mean that these traditionally field-grown trees are the hardiest you can get.

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Which flowering trees should you choose?

Which flowering trees should you choose?

There are so many amazing flowering trees out there to choose from, that we’re not surprised if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. Fear not, we’ve got you covered! If you want a tree with showy wow power – the sort that stops people in their tracks – then you can’t go wrong with a cherry blossom tree, which can sport (depending on the variety) single, fully double and even chrysanthemum-like flowers. Honourable mentions go to crabapple and hawthorn trees, which boast similarly impressive springtime flowers. Alternatively, you can go for something like a magnolia, with their eye-catching blooms coming in a range of hues and shapes, or a dogwood, whose flower-like bracts add grace and timeless elegance wherever they’re found.

Flowering tree planting schemes

Flowering tree planting schemes

There are a variety of planting schemes out there, and flowering trees certainly have a part to play in many of them. The one that perhaps first springs to mind is Japanese-style gardens and the role that cherry blossom trees occupy within them. It’s not unusual to find magnolias in these gardens, either. If you want a Mediterranean feel, then plant a citrus tree like a lemon or orange. These sun-loving favourites produce beautiful, fragrant white blossoms throughout the year, and grow beautifully in containers in a greenhouse or conservatory. Strawberry trees also make good additions to Mediterranean gardens. Then there are cottage gardens, which utilise fruit trees like apples and pears to great effect. Redbud and amelanchier work wonderfully in wildlife gardens, while a modern, minimalist feel can be achieved with a more architectural flowering tree, like the ‘Flagpole’ cherry blossom.

Caring for flowering trees

Caring for flowering trees

Specific care requirements can vary between flowering trees, however there are a few general tips you can bear in mind when planting and looking after your tree(s). Most flowering trees prefer moist but well-drained soil. If you know your garden soil is a bit on the heavy side, then consider amending with some well-rotted manure or compost. Water your tree regularly for its first couple of growing seasons, then during hot, dry spells thereafter. Pruning needs range from tree to tree, but many flowering trees will be fine with a simple trim each year to remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches.

Flowering Trees FAQs

What flowering trees can you grow in the UK?

In short, all sorts! There are trees you can go to specifically for their flowers, like cherry blossoms, magnolias, crabapples, redbuds and flowering dogwoods, for instance, as well as fruiting trees that put on a bloomin’ good show alongside their production of fruit – we’re talking apples, pears, plums and peaches (to name just a few).

Which flowering trees bloom the longest in the UK?

Chinese dogwoods have flower-like bracts that can last for several weeks before fading. Strawberry trees provide autumn-long flowers, while the winter-flowering cherry blossoms offer up blossoms on and off through the winter months. Most flowering trees hold their flowers for two to three weeks before they lose them.

Which flowering tree is best for small gardens?

There are plenty of smaller, more compact flowering trees out there, including Cheal’s weeping cherry blossom, ‘Susan’ magnolia and ‘Copacabana’ Japanese dogwood. You could also purchase a patio tree, or a fruit tree grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock (like M26 for apples, for instance).

Which flowering tree is best for wildlife?

The best flowering trees for wildlife are hawthorns, pussy willows and crabapples. These provide food and shelter for a range of beneficial pollinating insects and birds.

Which flowering tree has the best fragrance?

Magnolia grandiflora has exceptional, perfumed blooms, and so too does the Japanese apricot tree (Prunus mume).

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