5 Flowering Trees That Outshine Bradford Pear (and Won’t Cause Problems)

Hawthorn

If you’re looking for showy blooms and four-season visual interest, hawthorns (Crataegus cvs.) are an excellent choice. "Hawthorns have beautiful and abundant spring flowers, and bright red pome fruits that hang on into the winter, providing forage for birds," says Jacob Mentlik, nursery manager and orchardist for the tree division at Fedco Seeds Inc. "They are also hardy, drought-resistant, and tolerant of pollution."

While there are hundreds of species of Hawthorn that will enhance the visual appeal of your garden, Mentlik highlights that some of the best for ornamental and urban plantings are cockspur hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli), Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum), and green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis).  

Flowering Dogwood

Flowering dogwood (Cornus) is considered one of the most captivating trees thanks to its dramatic four-season interest and compact size, allowing it to make a big impact in smaller yards. "Flowering dogwoods have gorgeous pink or white flowers in the spring and red berries for wildlife and fall foliage," says Emily Scott, owner of Scott Farm in Maine. Even in winter, the striking tree features graceful, unique horizontal branching with rounded button buds at the tips of the twigs. Flowering dogwood also showcases textured, alligator bark for added year-round visual interest.

Serviceberry

Serviceberry (Amelanchier) is another four-season beauty. "It has beautiful white flowers, edible berries for both humans and wildlife, and fall foliage," says Scott. They are among the first to bloom in the season, producing clusters of delicate star-shaped flowers. In the summer, the tree bears delicious berries, and in the fall, the leaves turn a fiery red, along with shades of orange and yellow. During the winter, the tree maintains its appeal with an elegant, arching form and smooth, silvery-gray bark featuring unique ridges. Not only is this tree beautiful, but it is also low-maintenance, hardy, cold-tolerant, and relatively resistant to diseases and pests once established.

Crabapple

White-flowering crabapples (Malus spp.) are beloved deciduous trees, cherished for their stunning spring blossoms that begin as soft pink and gradually fade to pristine white. In addition to their beauty, they offer a delightful fragrance during the blooming season. Scott notes that these elegant trees are non-invasive, making them a great choice for enhancing landscapes. When the petals eventually fall, they create a breathtaking spectacle, resembling a blanket of snow on the ground. In the fall, the leaves transition into lovely shades of orange, yellow, and burgundy, creating a beautiful tapestry of colors. When winter arrives, the trees bear small, bright red, orange, or yellow fruits that look like colorful jewels against the white snow.

Magnolia

Magnolias (Magnolia spp.) are highly regarded for their striking beauty in landscapes, often serving as a centerpiece in landscape design. These enchanting flowering trees produce large, dramatic blooms in shades ranging from pure white to vibrant pink and purple, all complemented by a delightful fragrance. Typically, magnolias bloom in spring, and some varieties rebloom in summer and fall, allowing their captivating display to last for months. Their impressive size adds a dramatic touch to outdoor spaces. Magnolias are highly adaptable, with species ranging from small, compact shrubs to large, 80-foot focal points, making them suitable for landscapes of all sizes.