Beautiful trees are personal choice, yet some trees lend themselves better in structure, size and color.
Along with the two trees mentioned in the last entry, the Thundercloud, which has almost finished blooming already, and Blireiana Plum, here are a few more early bloomers.
Magnolia soulangiana
The Saucer Magnolia, Magnolia soulangiana, is usually a multi-stemmed, but can be pruned to be single stem tree spreading to 25’.
Young trees are rather upright but will become more rounded with age! In the winter, the tree is covered with large, fuzzy, gray-green flower buds, sitting at the tips of brittle branches. The blooms open in early spring, creating a prolific display of large goblet shaped fragrant flowers, in shades from deepest purple to pink to pure white.
The bud
The goblet flowers
Trees prefer a good rich soil with plenty of organic matter when planting which is moist but well draining. Protect trees from extreme cold and icy winds to prevent loss of buds. USDA zone hardiness 5-9. Prune as needed after flowering but before buds are set for the next season.
Magnolia stellata
Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata, is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree to 15’ with lightly fragrant, star-shaped, showy white or pink flowers, blooming in early spring before the leaves appear. It is the perfect tree for small properties because of its compact stature. Use against a dark background, such as needled evergreens. Its’ gracefully flowers and twiggy growth pattern makes it a great specimen tree with a hint of the exotic Asian garden. Star magnolias like deep organic acid soil with a good layer of mulch around their roots. Little or no pruning is necessary, but if you do, then be sure to prune right after blooming to prevent loss of buds setting for the next year’s blooms.
flowers
Prunus subhirtelia pendula
The Weeping Cherry, Prunus subhirtelia is a wonderful accent tree. Its showy pink flowers open from deeper pink buds on Pendula branches before the leaves emerge. The heavy flowering, which, while spectacular, lasts only one week! The bark is smooth and a brown-bronze and in the fall the leaves are a mixture of green and yellow before falling.
close up
‘Pendula Plena Rosea’ is one of the most popular weeping Cherries growing to 20’ with beautiful arching weeping branches but there are many other wonderful varieties.
Jane
Harmonious Garden Artistry
Professional Landscape Consulting|photos
