You know spring is here and can put the winter blues behind, at the sight of a deciduous tree in full bloom. While most deciduous trees flower in spring, there are some very nice summer flowering types. When choosing a tree make sure the mature size and spread will fit in the landscape. Ask if the tree is suitable for our climate, the Comox Valley is considered ZONE 7, there are micro climates that are warmer than the average Temperature and able to grow the more exotic types like the Empress tree. Important are soil conditions, most require well-drained soils in winter and do not tolerate standing water. Try to pick trees that offer more than just blooms, example interesting form or leaves, fall color or unique bark for seasonal interest. Don’t over look planting fruit trees they put on a pretty good display, while the blooms may be short lived, you can always look forward to eating the fruit.
1# Cherry Ornamental ‘Kwanzan’ Prunus avium: Nothing can quite compare in spring to the stunning display of double pink flowers of this cultivar. A medium sized tree that’s suitable as a single specimen or lining a long driveway. Sadly, ornamental cherries are not long lived and can be susceptible to other problems, but well worth the effort.
2# Dogwood ‘Eddie’s White Wonder’ Cornus hybrid: A cross between our native Cornus nuttallii and florida, it’s a reliable producer of masses of large white flowers in spring with attractive fall color. Suitable for most average sized gardens.
3# Dogwood ‘Rainbow’ Cornus florida: A small tree with bright yellow & green leaves and white flowers in spring. The fall foliage is a rainbow of pink, red, & purple. While suitable for most gardens, it will need pruning when older to maintain size.
4# Golden Chain Tree ‘Weeping’ Laburnum alpinum pendula: A flowering dwarf tree with trailing branches. The scented yellow flowers hang in long chains in spring. Suitable for small gardens or large containers. (Note: caution all parts are toxic)
5# Lilac ‘Japanese Tree Lilac’ Syringa reticulata: This summer flowering tree is covered in fragrant creamy-white flowers. Has attractive bark for winter interest and small enough that it deserves consideration.
6# Magnolia ‘Oyama’ Magnolia sieboldii: Summer flowering, this shrub-like tree produces fragrant cup-shaped white flowers with red centers in summer. Attractive shaped foliage, fall color and small enough for most gardens.
7# Mountain Ash ‘Pink Pagoda’ Sorbus hupehensis: A beautiful cultivar with bluish-green foliage, the white spring flowers are followed by clusters of pink berries that persist into winter. Top off with orange & red fall color and this small to medium sized tree will add color to any landscape.
8# Pear Ornamental ‘Chanticleer’ Pyrus calleryana: An attractive shape this medium sized tree produces masses of showy white flowers in spring. Brilliant fall color and slow growing it’s perfect for all but the smallest yards.
9# Redbud ‘Hearts of Gold’ Cercis canadensis: Colorful is the word to describe this spring flowering tree, bright golden foliage and small lavender-purple blooms. While not overly tall it does have a wide canopy, so choose a site carefully.
10# Stewartia ‘Japanese’ Stewartia pseudocamellia: A tree with year round interest, producing white flowers in summer, attractive form & foliage, peeling bark and stunning orange & red fall color. Fairly slow growing, it’s a nice addition to any average sized garden. (Note: needs very well-drained soils in winter)
