Spring Flowering Trees

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Geologically, singing about "Springtime in the Rockies" might not be technically correct but it does have a nicer ring to it than "Springtime in the Great Basin." The colors right now are glorious pinks, luscious lavenders, glistening yellows, creamy whites and grandiose reds. All of these paint our gardens during this wonderful season.

Finding the right tree at this season is sometimes a case of color overload. Which of the myriad of spring flowering wonders are right for your landscape? As you try to make the selections, if often is a decision of which ones to leave out not which ones to choose.

Crabapples are the most popular flowering trees sold in America, but they are by no means the only choices. The list is includes many flowering types of fruit trees and an extensive list of other choices.

When selecting from the palette of trees, do some research on which plants will grow well for you. Flowering trees, like all others, must fit the spot where they are going to grow. Regardless of how beautiful the flowers are, if they do not grow well, they never make good trees.

The flowers never compensate for other drawbacks. Look at how the tree is going to grow and what other landscape characteristics the plant might have in other seasons. A two week splash of color is not all that needed for an attractive landscape tree.

One popular group is the flowering stone fruits. These include flowering cherries, plums, peaches and nectarines. While these are highly attractive, they are less cold hardy than crab apple or pear trees so they do not do well in higher mountain valleys or in colder counties of the state. They are also susceptible to peach tree borers and may be severely damaged or killed by these pests.

At the top of the list are the flowering cherries. These come in dozens of varieties with single or double white, pink, or magenta flowers. Look for shapes that fit your growing area because the trees have forms from narrow upright columnar trees to broad, spreading trees, to weeping forms. They make excellent specimen trees if properly cared for.

For those planting in higher mountain valleys, the choice is more limited. The best stone fruit choice for colder areas is the flowering chokecherry. Besides being very cold hardy it has the advantage of red to purplish foliage in summer.

Flowering plums are attractive, but have several problems. Besides those mentioned previously, they have congested, upright growth that breaks down easily with snow or heavy winds. Although they are attractive, they are over used in many landscapes. If you decide to use flowering plums train them carefully when they are young to avoid future problems.

Flowering pears are among my favorite flowering trees. Right now they are covered with a blizzard of showy white flowers. Most varieties have excellent upright growth forms. As a bonus they have dark-green, glossy leaves. Another great treat comes in the fall with their very showy fall color ranging from yellow to orange or red.

They are usually winter hardy and resistant to fireblight. The fruit is very small and round and causes no problems. Bradford is the original introduction but there are several improved varieties including ‘Aristocrat,' ‘Autumn Blaze,' ‘Chanticleer,' ‘Redspire' and ‘Trinity.'

Don't overlook the droplet shaped blossoms of the redbuds. Their brilliant purplish flowers in the spring add a special delight to the spring display. They are small trees that grow best if given light protection from the heat of the sun. ‘Forest Pansy' is a variety with purple leaves.

Hawthorns are other small trees with many shapes, and colors. Choose improved varieties as many are susceptible to insects and diseases. Another common defect is crowded upright growth that needs regular pruning to keep them looking attractive. My own favorite is ‘Lavalle'.

Horse chestnuts have very large clusters of white or red flowers. Those with red flowers are smaller, more manageable trees that fit small landscapes better than their larger counterparts.

The black or Idaho locust has white or rich purple blossoms. These trees withstand hostile conditions and are cold hardy in most locations.

Spring blooming trees have never been more showy or had better display. Look for favorites to include in your plantings to make all future spring even more exciting as the bloom year after year.