Trees are an essential element for every garden. Some deliver it all — fabulous spring blossom, ornamental or edible fruit, great autumn colour and interesting bark to add interest in winter. Most are a magnet for wildlife too. Right now our gardens, streets and parks are full of blossom, frothy clouds of colour inviting us to crane our necks upwards and take in the fleeting spring scene. A bright yellow mimosa in full flower against a clear blue sky echoing the colours of the Ukrainian flag felt particularly poignant the other day.
The precise timing of a tree’s flowering will depend on where in the UK you live. Just a few warm, sunny days can trigger a tree into flower, but get a harsh frost and it may be all over. In mild areas and micro-climates (such as London, where I live), we’ve already had plenty this year, but there’s still more to come. In colder areas, trees may not bloom for another two or three weeks. Many fear planting a tree that grows too big for its spot, but do a little research, be sensible and you’ll find there’s a huge choice out there for even the smallest of gardens. The majority are unfussy about soil as long as it’s not waterlogged or extremely alkaline or acidic, and even then there are some that will thrive.
Multi-stem trees (as opposed to those with single stems/trunks) can look fabulous in some gardens where their spreading, natural form can hold a space beautifully. Not all trees are available as multi-stems, but it’s worth searching one out as an option for the right spot.
How to plant your blossom tree
Dig a hole that’s just a bit deeper than the depth of the tree’s pot and break up the bottom of it with a fork. Mix in plenty of organic matter. Before planting, insert a stake into the ground so you don’t cut through any roots later, driving it in at a 45-degree angle, low down, with the top end pointing towards the prevailing wind.
Soak the tree well before planting, then place in the hole. Adjust the soil so you plant to the same depth as the tree was in the container, then backfill the hole and tread the soil in lightly. Tie the tree to the stake using a tree tie and water again.
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Nine of the best blossoming trees
Prunus x Yedoensis (Yoshino cherry)
Lightly scented, soft pink flowers on bare stems just before the leaves emerge and, wow, what an autumn colour too, with shades of red, orange and gold. Height 12m x spread 8m.
Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree)
Clusters of pink, pea-shaped blooms burst from the new young shoots for an intriguing display before the foliage appears. From late summer, large bunches of rich purple pods deck the branches well into winter. Height 10m x spread 9m.
Cornus kousa chinensis (dogwood)
A stunning specimen tree with showy, clear, white flower-like bracts in late May, then crimson-purple foliage in autumn and strawberry-like fruit once mature. Looks great as a multi-stem. Height 7m x spread 5m.
Pyrus calleryana chanticleer (ornamental pear)
Upright conical tree, beautiful and useful for blocking an eyesore/overlooking window. In summer the foliage is dark and glossy, turning purple and red in autumn. Height 12m x spread 5m.
Paulownia tomentosa (Empress tree or foxglove tree)
More exotic with sweetly scented, large, purple-pink foxglove-like flowers on bare stems that precede the enormous heart-shaped downy leaves. The tree can be pruned hard in winter. Height 12m x spread 8m (if left unpruned).
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Laburnum x watereri ‘Vossii’ (Golden chain tree)
If sunny yellow is your flower colour this laburnum drips huge racemes of bright yellow, pea-like flowers a little later in May and June, each one up to 60cm (2ft) long. Height 8m x spread 8m.
Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Ballerina’
Masses of star-shaped, pink-flushed white flowers in April. After flowering the finely serrated foliage emerges, initially bronze before turning a dark green in summer. Height 4m x spread 4m.
Crataegus persimilis prunifolia (broad-leaved cockspur thorn)
Not the showiest hawthorn for spring blossom, but its single open blooms are particularly wildlife-friendly. Its broad, neat canopy provides perfect summer shade and is ideal for sitting beneath. Height 5m x spread 4m.
Magnolia Loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’
Many gorgeous spring-flowering magnolias make fabulous specimen trees. This one carries more understated pale, rose pink, star-shaped flowers in March and April. Height 8m x spread 7m.
