Best trees for spring blossom – 5 beautiful options for a spectacular seasonal show in any sized yard

Nothing signals the changing of the seasons like the sight of blossom in the garden. After the dark and cold months of winter, the appearance of pink or white petals set against a blue sky is a sign that spring has sprung.

While blossom might be short-lived, often lasting no more than a week or two, it is no less impressive and beautiful. In fact, I think the fleetingness of spring blossom makes it even more special.

Here, garden experts reveal five of the best trees for spring blossom, including classic favorites, such as magnolias and cherries, as well as more unknown species to grow in pots and borders. So, if you want to inject a pop of spring color into your yard that can be enjoyed year after year, planting one of the following fast-growing flowering trees is a good idea.

5 best trees for spring blossom

While you might be excited to see bulbs and perennials shooting in spring, trees should not be overlooked.

While trees add privacy, shelter and shade to gardens, many are also valued for their floral display. The following five species are ideal if you are seeking spring garden ideas that will bring color and joy to your plot for many years to come.

1. Flowering cherry

Undoubtedly one of the best trees for spring blossom, flowering cherry trees have long been a favorite of gardeners. There are over one hundred varieties of flowering cherry trees, and most are fully winter hardy and can be grown down to zone 5 or zone 6.

'Learning how to grow flowering cherry trees in pots or borders is not as complicated as you might think,' says Alex Kantor, owner of Perfect Plants Nursery. 'In general, most varieties prefer a sunny, sheltered position, which will prolong blooming.

'There are many dwarf varieties that are well suited to container culture or small yards, such as Prunus 'Kursar' or Prunus incisa 'The Bride'. Or, alternatively, weeping cherry trees are always popular, with a waterfall-like appearance of colorful blooms in spring.'

Weeping flowering cherry trees are available from Perfect Plants Nursery.

Alex Kantor

Alex has worked in the horticultural industry for over 20 years and grew up on the farm since his childhood years. Alex is an expert on landscape trees, shrubs, and indoor plants. He is passionate about growing and helping others learn the trade.

2. Crab apple

Crab apple trees produce some of the most prolific spring blossom, as well as small fruits that appear later in the year. In terms of learning how to plant crab apple trees, they prefer a sunny spot in the yard with moist but well-draining soil.

While it will vary depending on the species and type, most crab apples can be grown down to US hardiness zone 4 and can be planted in a variety of ways, including in containers and borders.

When working as a gardener in South Wales, we had several pleached crap apples, whereby the trees had been trained over several years to form a flat screen of branches atop a single stem. By early spring, these specimens were covered in white blossom that hummed with pollinator activity.

Crab apple live trees are available to order from Nature Hills.

3. Magnolia

There are so many magnolia trees that produce spectacular spring blossom. One of my favorites is the star magnolia, Magnolia Stellata, which is one of the smaller varieties, growing no taller than 10 to 15 feet. With spider-like white flowers, this species is high-impact but compact - ideal for smaller yards.

While it will depend on the species, most magnolias can be grown between US hardiness zone 4 and zone 9. In terms of how to grow and care for a magnolia tree, opt for a bright, sunny position with well-draining soil.

With magnolias, frost or wind can damage the buds and spoil the spring blossom show. For this reason, planting in a sheltered spot near the house is a good idea. Some species can even tolerate dappled shade, the likes of which you would find at the edge of a woodland, including the southern magnolia.

For a pink flowering variety, try growing magnolia 'Jane', live plants are available from Perfect Plants Nursery. This magnolia will flower better in full sun but can tolerate partial shade too. To enhance flowering, feed magnolia shrubs and trees in spring.

4. Almond

'Almond trees produce masses of white or pink blossom in the springtime, similar in shape and form to cherry trees,' says Mike Murphy, garden expert and owner at You Had Me At Gardening.

'In terms of how to grow an almond tree, they thrive in regions with a Mediterranean climate,' Mike continues, 'characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

'They grow best from US hardiness zone 7 to zone 9, and require full sun exposure, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Well-draining soil is essential to prevent waterlogged conditions, as almond trees are susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.

'You might be able to get away with growing them in slightly cooler zones,' Mike says, 'but you'd need to wrap or cover them for the winter, especially if growing them in containers.'

Live bare-root almond trees are available from Walmart, and are a cost-effective way to grow these spring-blooming trees.

Mike Murphy

Mike grew up gardening with his parents and grandparents. He enjoys his backyard orchard of dwarf fruit trees, raspberry and blackberry patches, and raised garden boxes. In addition to his perennials, Mike enjoys sprouting new fruit and vegetable seeds every spring.

5. Serviceberry

Many serviceberry tree species, or Amelanchier spp., are native to North America, including the Allegheny serviceberry, Amelanchier laevis, the Canadian serviceberry, Amelanchier canadensis, and the common serviceberry, Amelanchier arborea.

Most are medium-sized trees, growing no bigger than 15 or 20 feet tall. Not only are they famed for their impressive spring blossom, but most serviceberry trees have excellent seasonal foliage and are considered ideal native alternatives to Japanese maples.

While it will vary from species to species, most serviceberry trees are hardy down to zone 4, and with pruning in late winter, they can make the perfect tree to grow in containers or borders in smaller yards.

Live serviceberry trees are available from Amazon.

FAQs

What is a North American native tree with spring blossom?

In addition to serviceberry trees, learning how to grow eastern redbuds is a good idea if you are looking for an injection of spring color in your garden. The eastern redbud, or Cercis canadensis, is a large deciduous shrub or small tree, found growing across eastern North America from Michigan south to Mexico. This native tree typically blooms anytime between February and April.

To give your flowering trees a boost in spring, it is a good idea to apply a fertilizer that has been designed for trees. Use something like this organic tree feed from Espoma, that is available at Amazon. Feeding once or twice in spring will help to give your trees a boost for the growing season ahead.

For more tree inspiration, see our guide on how to grow mulberry trees in pots, to add fruiting plants to your yard this year and enjoy a delicious harvest.