Vibrant Dwarf Blossoming Trees Ideal for Compact Outdoor Spaces
In the quest for a beautiful and vibrant garden, even in cooler climates, there are numerous small flowering trees that can add charm and colour to your small yard. Here are some of the best options for USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 8.
The Purpleleaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x cisterna tree form) is a standout choice, with its purple leaves gracing the garden throughout the growing season. This tree, a result of a cross between Prunus ceracifera and Prunus pumila, matures into a leggy bush or a small tree, depending on the length and warmth of summers where it is grown. It produces small, white flowers in early summer and can be found in nurseries as grafted trees, with specific rootstocks determining their final height.
Another striking tree is the Red Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Sibirica'). This slow grower remains 10 to 15 feet tall, gradually spreading out instead of growing up. It is known for its striking red blossoms in early spring and its reddish-purple leaves throughout the summer. Red dogwood is suitable in humid locations in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9.
The Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) is another tree that deserves attention. It grows taller than many of the other trees on this list, reaching a height of 15 to 25 feet. It is covered with beautiful white clusters of blossoms in early spring, followed by plump, red berries that birds love in late summer. In the fall, its foliage takes on red and golden hues.
For those seeking trees that thrive in drier climates, consider the Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria). This group of seven closely related trees blooms wispy filaments that from a distance look like puffs of smoke: cream, and pink puffs of smoke. Smoketree grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8 and bears brilliant wine-red foliage in the fall.
Citrus trees, such as dwarf citrus trees, provide year-round greenery, wonderfully scented blossoms, and delicious fruit. They can be grown in pots with no limitations of soil and climate, but they need bright sun every day and fertile soil for optimal growth. They also need a large container (28 inches or larger) to accommodate their root systems.
The Prairiefire Flowering Crabapple (Malus 'Prairifire') is another beautiful option. It bears dark pink to red blossoms every spring and its leaves change color throughout the year, from maroon or glossy red in late spring, dark green with reddish-purple veins in the early summer, to bronze in the fall. However, it grows up to 20 feet tall, so it is not a good choice under utility lines.
Lastly, the Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a delightful addition to any garden. It begins to bloom just a few years after it is planted, offering a stunning display of star-shaped white flowers. Its reddish-green, knobby fruit follows, opening slits that display red seeds inside. The secret to successfully growing a star magnolia is to plant it where it is shielded from foot traffic, pets that like to dig, and children at play.
Other small trees that can beautify a small yard include the Carolina Silverbell, Eastern Redbud trees, Japanese Cherry trees, plum trees, snow fountains weeping cherry trees, mimosa trees, hinoki cypress, dwarf fruit trees, and Japanese tree lilac. Each of these trees offers unique qualities that make them valuable additions to any garden.
In conclusion, there is a wide variety of small flowering trees suitable for cooler climates. By considering factors such as climate, soil, and the desired size and colour of the tree, gardeners can create a beautiful and vibrant garden in even the coolest of climates.
