Flowering Trees and Shrubs

Josee Lilac

Syringa x 'Josee'

A sensational dwarf reblooming lilac with highly fragrant, lavender-pink, heavy flower clusters that bloom heavily in spring and continue to bloom sporadically through summer. The compact, mounded form fits easily into any landscape, as an ideal foundation planting, in a mixed shrub border, or as a focal point in a perennial bed. Deciduous.

• Light: Partial to Full Sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. 
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate growing; reaches 4 to 5 ft. tall and wide.
• Uses: Accent, Border, Cutting Garden, Hedge, Mass Planting, Specimen, Wildlife Garden, Windbreak

Care: Thrives in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Needs good air circulation. Water deeply, regularly in first few growing seasons to establish root system. Once established, reduce frequency; increase frequency again before and during spring bloom period. Fertilize in early spring. Prune after flowering.

Photo credit: Hort Printers

Miss Kim Korean Lilac

Syringa pubescens subsp. patula 'Miss Kim'

This upright, compact lilac blooms later than others, extending the season with deep purple buds that reveal clusters of highly fragrant, lavender-blue flowers. Foliage is burgundy-tinged in fall. Hardy, yet performs in southern regions, with excellent powdery mildew resistance. Great for border accent or mass planting. Deciduous.

• Light: Partial to Full Sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. 
• Average Landscape Size: Slow growing; reaches 6 to 8 ft. tall and wide, or more with age.
• Uses: Border, Cutting Garden, Firescaping/Fire Wise, Hedge, Mass Planting, Specimen, Urban Garden

Care: Thrives in rich, neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soils. Needs good air circulation. Water deeply, regularly during first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Supplement water before spring bloom, in absence of rainfall or snow melt. Fertilize in early spring. Prune promptly after flowering.Pruning time: late spring.

Photo credit: Doreen Wynja

Old Glory Lilac

Syringa x 'Old Glory'

An exciting, new release from the United States National Arboretum, this exceptional lilac grows well even in the heat and humidity of the Mid-Atlantic and southern areas. Abundant, fragrant, purple-blue flowers are displayed on a rounded form, with tough, disease tolerant foliage specifically bred to resist mildew. Deciduous.

• Light: Partial to Full sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.  
• Average Landscape Size: Reaches 8 to 11 ft. tall, 10 to 12 ft. wide.
• Uses: Border, Cutting Garden, Firescaping/Fire Wise, Hedge, Mass Planting, Privacy Screen, Specimen, Urban Garden, Windbreak, Woodland Garden

Care: Thrives in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Needs good air circulation. Water deeply, regularly in the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency; increase frequency again before and during spring bloom period. Fertilize in early spring. Prune immediately after flowering in spring.

Photo credit: Doreen Wynja

Pocahontas Canadian Lilac

Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Pocahontas'

Extend the lilac season with this extremely hardy, early blooming variety. Deep maroon-purple buds open in early May to fragrant, deep violet blooms 7 to 10 days before common lilac varieties bloom. Plant near a window or adjacent to a pathway where the fragrant blooms can be enjoyed. Deciduous.

• Light: Partial to Full sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. 
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate growing; reaches 10 ft. tall and wide.
• Uses: Border, Cutting Garden, Firescaping/Fire Wise, Hedge, Mass Planting, Privacy Screen, Urban Garden, Windbreak, Woodland Garden

Care: Thrives in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Needs good air circulation. Water deeply, regularly in the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency; increase frequency again before and during spring bloom period. Fertilize in early spring. Prune in spring after flowering in spring.

Photo credit: Doreen Wynja

Yankee Doodle Lilac

Syringa vulgaris 'Yankee Doodle'

One of the darkest purple lilacs with showy clusters of fragrant, dark purple florets that appear in mid-spring. Excellent for cut flower arrangements. Very hardy. Plant near a window or along walkways where fragrance can be enjoyed, or in mixed shrub borders or mass plantings with other lilacs. Deciduous.

• Light: Partial to Full Sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. 
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate growing; reaches 6 ft. tall and wide.
• Uses: Border, Cutting Garden, Hedge, Mass Planting, Privacy Screen, Specimen, Urban Garden, Windbreak, Woodland Garden

Care: Thrives in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Needs good air circulation. Water deeply, regularly in the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency; increase frequency again before and during spring bloom period. Fertilize in early spring. Prune after flowering.

Photo credit: Tommy Tonsberg / GAP Photos

Magical® Gold Forsythia

Forsythia x intermedia 'Kolgold'

Extra large, rich golden yellow flowers completely shroud the bare stems in early spring. Becomes the focal point of the landscape when in full bloom and blends well with other plants when the rich green foliage emerges after the flowers. Deciduous.

• Light: Full Sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate growing; reaches 5 ft. tall, 4 ft.
• Uses: Coastal Exposure, Cutting Garden, Hedge, Mass Planting, Urban Garden, Wildlife Garden

Care: Easy to grow in average to poor, well-drained soils. Best flowering in full sun. Water regularly, deeply during first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency; tolerates periodic drought. Apply fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Prune to shape immediately after flowering.Pruning time: summer after flowering.

Photo credit: Doreen Wynja

Flowering Quince

Chaenomeles speciosa 'Scarlet Storm'

Absolutely stunning when in bloom. And while available in other colors, this flowering quince's offers a stunning red bloom with a yellow center.

• Light: Prefers full sun
• Water: Occasional water, once established
• Average Landscape Size: Can reach up to 6 ft. tall and wide.
• Uses: Showy flowers

Care: This spring bloomer prefers well draining soil.

Mount Fuji Japanese Flowering Cherry

Prunus serrulata 'Mount Fuji'

A magnificent show-stopper with showy clusters of fragrant white flowers backed by bronze-tinged new foliage. Works well as a single specimen or lawn tree in smaller landscapes or in groves for magnificent impact in larger landscapes. Excellent for use as a shade tree. Deciduous.

• Light: Full sun
• Water:  Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.  
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate grower to 20 ft. tall, 25 ft. wide.
• Uses: Coastal Exposure, Mass Planting, Specimen, Urban Garden, Wildlife Garden, Woodland Garden

Care: Provide humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Prune for shape and structure after flowering.

Photo credit: Doreen Wynja

Angel's Blush® Flowering Cherry

Prunus serrulata 'Taizo'

A wonderful small tree for urban gardens. A profusion of pink buds open to snowy white, double flowers in dense clusters that obscure the branches from view in spring. The blooms give way to attractive, bright green summer foliage. Deciduous.

• Light: Full sun
• Water:  Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers.  
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate growing; reaches 18 to 20 ft. tall, 10 to 12 ft. wide.
• Uses: Border, Container, Mass Planting, Specimen, Urban Garden, Wildlife Garden

Care: Provide humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Prune for shape and structure after flowering.

Photo credit: Monrovia

Akebono Yoshino Cherry

Prunus x yedoensis 'Akebono'

Create a spectacular show with masses of fragrant, double white to pink flowers on a spreading, arching crown. Glossy, dark green leaves turn bright yellow in fall. Deciduous.

• Light: Full sun
• Average Landscape Size: Rapid grower to 25 ft. tall and wide.
• Uses: Specimen

Care: Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Prune in winter.

Double Weeping Rosebud Cherry

Prunus pendula 'Pleno-rosea'

Graceful, long weeping boughs sway like willows in the breeze, densely packed with large magenta buds that open to perfect double pink flowers in spring. Blooms later than some, making it less prone to bud damage from a late season cold snap. Plant as a focal point or use pairs to frame entries. Deciduous.

• Light: Full Sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.  
• Average Landscape Size: Slowly reaches 15 to 20 feet tall and as wide
• Uses: Mass Planting, Specimen, Urban Garden, Wildlife Garden

Care: Prefers slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency, once established. Apply fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, prune annually to shape.

Photo credit: Doreen Wynja

Weeping Extraordinaire™ Double Flowering Cherry

Prunus x 'Extrazam'

A cascade of profuse, large, pink, fluffy, double flowers that will provide a fantastic early spring show. Shiny copper-colored spring foliage turns a glossy deep green in summer, and takes on a rich burgundy tone in the fall. Wonderful as a single specimen, or in pairs along a pathway or framing a formal entryway. Deciduous.

• Light: Full sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.  
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate growing; reaches 15 to 20 ft. tall, with a canopy of equal width.
• Uses: Specimen, Urban Garden, Woodland Garden

Care: Provide humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency, once established. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Prune for shape and structure after flowering.

Photo credit: Lake County Nursery

Snow Fountains® Weeping Cherry

Prunus x 'Snowfozam'

Naturally weeping branches are covered with showy, snow white flowers on this magnificent, compact, hardy specimen for the landscape. Red ornamental fruit follows in summer. Very disease and insect resistant. A beautiful small yard tree. Exquisite in Japanese style or nature inspired gardens. Deciduous.

• Light: Full sun
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate growing; reaches 8 to 15 ft. tall, 6 to 8 ft. wide.
• Uses: Specimen, container, urban garden

Care: Provide humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency, once established. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Prune for shape and structure after flowering.

Black Tulip™ Magnolia

Magnolia x soulangiana 'Jurmag1'

This is the darkest, most dramatic tulip magnolia of any on the market, with rich, deep burgundy-red six-inch-wide blooms that appear before the foliage emerges in early spring. The small, slender, multi-branched form is outstanding for use as an elegant specimen tree, en masse to form a hedge, or as a container plant. Deciduous.

• Light: Full Sun
• Water: Deeply, regularly - weekly, or more in extreme heat or containers. 
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate growing; reaches 15 to 20 ft. tall, 6 to 10 ft. wide.
• Uses: Container, Cutting Garden, Firescaping/Fire Wise, Hedge, Mass Planting, Specimen, Urban Garden

Care: Provide deep, organically rich, acidic, evenly moist, well-drained soil; does not tolerate heavy, wet soils or drought. Water deeply, regularly during the first few growing seasons to establish an extensive root system; once established, reduce frequency, but continue to water deeply. Apply fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.

Photo credit: Doreen Wynja

Magnolia Elizabeth

Magnolia x 'Elizabeth'

A stunning yellow-flowered Magnolia, with a profusion of elegantly tapered buds that open to large, fragrant, primrose-yellow blooms in spring. Blooms are replaced by large, dark green leaves on the neat, upright, pyramidal form. Well-suited for use as a landscape specimen, and a wonderful shade tree with its wide-spread branches. Deciduous.

• Light: Full Sun
• Water: Deeply, regularly; more frequently in extreme heat.   
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate growing; reaches 25 to 40 ft. tall, 12 to 20 ft. wide.
• Uses: Cutting Garden, Specimen

Care: Provide deep, enriched, acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Thrives in all but the coldest of climates, with protection from harsh winter winds. Water deeply, regularly during the first few growing seasons to establish an extensive root system; once established, reduce frequency. Fertilize before new growth begins in spring. Prune in winter.

Photo credits: Main - Allan Mandell; Inset - Richard Shiell

Avondale Redbud

Cercis chinensis 'Avondale'

One of the most profuse flowering of all redbuds. Very showy dark rose-purple flowers literally cover the stems of this small, sturdy branched tree in spring. Glossy, green, heart-shaped leaves fill the tree as the blooms fade. A thrilling spring specimen that easily fits into smaller landscapes and is well-adapted to containers. Deciduous.

• Light: Partial to Full Sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers. 
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate growing; reaches 10 to 12 ft. tall and wide.
• Uses: Border, Container, Firescaping/Fire Wise, Mass Planting, Specimen, Urban Garden

Care: Prefers deep, light, well-drained soil. Best with light shade in hot southwestern deserts. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; once established, reduce frequency. Apply fertilizer in early spring. Pruning time: winter.

Photo credit: Doreen Wynja

Claremont Western Redbud

Cercis occidentalis 'Claremont'

An exceptional profusion of rich, dark pink flowers that explode in late winter to early spring, followed by distinctive thick blue-green leaves. Yellow fall foliage is accented by maroon seedpods that may linger through winter. An outstanding form as compared to the species. An ideal small tree for dry, minimal-care landscapes. Deciduous.

• Light: Partial to  Full Sun
• Water: Once established, water occasionally; more often in extreme heat. 
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate growing; reaches 12 to 20 ft. wide, 10 to 15 ft. tall.
• Uses: Firescaping/Fire Wise, Mass Planting, Privacy Screen, Specimen, Urban Garden, Wildlife Garden

Care: Adapts to a wide variety of soils, even clay; thrives in average to lean, well-drained soil. Best with some winter chill for optimal flowering. Water deeply, regularly during first few growing seasons to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. Provide some shade and supplemental water in hot, desert-like regions.

Photo credit: Doreen Wynja

Forest Pansy Redbud

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'

Beautiful landscape tree valued for its brilliant scarlet-purple color to new foliage, maturing to maroon. Rosy-pink flowers on bare branches bridge the gap between winter and spring! Deciduous.

• Light: Full Sun
• Water: Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate grower to 20 ft. tall, 25 ft. wide.
• Uses: Firescaping/Fire Wise, Mass Planting, Specimen

Care: Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in sprin. Prune in winter.

Photo credit: Doreen Wynja

Oklahoma Redbud

Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Oklahoma'

A wonderful landscape specimen valued for its profusion of vibrant, petite, purple-red flowers that cloak the bare branches to bridge the gap between winter and spring! Lustrous heart-shaped foliage emerges with a soft pink tinge as the flowers fade then matures to a rich green. May develop as a multi-trunk tree. Deciduous.

• Light:  Full Sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.
• Average Landscape Size: Moderate growing; reaches 15 ft. tall and wide.
• Uses: Border, Firescaping/Fire Wise, Mass Planting, Specimen, Urban Garden, Wildlife Garden, Woodland Garden

Care: Prefers deep, slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained sandy loams. Benefits from light shade in hotter regions. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Apply a general purpose fertilizer before new growth emerges in late winter to early spring. Prune in winter.

Photo credit: Richard Shiell

Amethyst Falls American Wisteria

Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls'

Perfect for smaller spaces, this gorgeous twining vine grows at about a third of the rate of Asian wisteria. Blooms at an early age, with its lightly fragrant purple racemes weeping gracefully downward. Use in containers for porch or patio, train up an arbor or trellis, or as a small free-standing tree. Deciduous.

• Light: Partial to Full Sun
• Water:  Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers.
• Average Landscape Size: 8 to 10 ft. long and may reach 30 ft. over time
• Uses: Container, Espalier, Privacy Screen, Specimen

Care: Provide enriched, humusy, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Water deeply and regularly during first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. Apply fertilizer in early spring. Trim lightly after flowering to promote repeat bloom. Prune in late winter to shape and control size.

Photo credit: Richard Shiell

Blue Moon Kentucky Wisteria

Wisteria macrostachya 'Blue Moon'

The hardiest of wisteria! Dependably blooms up to three times in a growing season once established, producing beautiful, foot-long racemes of fragrant, pea-like, lavender-blue flowers. Cloaks shade arbors and structures. Ideal for arching over gateways and entries or along the top of a wall. Deciduous.

• Light: Partial to Full Sun
• Water:  Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme hea .
• Average Landscape Size: Twining stems quickly reach 15 to 25 ft. long.
• Uses: Espalier, Privacy Screen, Specimen, Urban Garden, Woodland Garden

Care: Thrives in enriched, slightly acidic, well-drained soil, with sturdy trellis or arbor support. Water deeply, regularly during first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. Feed in early spring. Trim lightly after flowering to promote repeat bloom. Prune in late winter to shape and control size.

Photo credit: Doreen Wynja

Cooke's Purple™ Wisteria

Wisteria sinensis 'Cooke's Purple'

A recognized favorite with prolific, stunning, weeping 18-inch racemes that burst with slightly fragrant purple pea-like blooms in spring before leafing out on a twining vine that is perfect for arbor, trellis or fence. Works well trained into a tree form. Produces smaller blooms sporadically throughout the summer.

• Light: Filtered to Full Sun
• Water: Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. 
• Average Landscape Size: Twining woody stems quickly reach 25 ft.; longer over time.
• Uses: Espalier, Privacy Screen, Specimen, Urban Garden

Care: Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer. Provide a sturdy support such as a trellis or arbor. Prune annually to control size. Prune in winter.

Photo credit: Visions Pictures

Shiro-Beni Silky Wisteria

Wisteria brachybotrys 'Shiro-Beni'

Lovely racemes, 4 to 6-inches long, thickly covered with dark pink buds that open to highly scented soft pink blooms all at once. A profuse spring bloomer, especially as it ages. An excellent vine for trellis and espalier. Works well in containers and is a wise choice for smaller gardens. Deciduous.

• Light: Partial to Full Sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers.
• Average Landscape Size: Twining stems quickly climb 16 ft. tall or more, with support.
• Uses: Container, Espalier, Privacy Screen, Small Spaces, Specimen, Woodland Garden

Care: Thrives in average, loamy, well-drained soil, but tolerant of a range of soil conditions. Water deeply, regularly in the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; once established, water as needed to maintain evenly moist soil. Feed in early spring. For a tidy appearance, prune annually after flowering.

Photo credit: Howard Rice / GAP photos

Texas Purple Japanese Wisteria

Wisteria floribunda 'Texas Purple'

Showy, large clusters of sweetly fragrant purple flowers in spring are followed by large, compound, dark green leaves on vigorous twining stems. Best when trained on an arbor, trellis or fence to allow a full view of the spectacular pendulous flower clusters. Blooms at a very early age. Deciduous.

• Light: Full Sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.  
• Average Landscape Size: Fast growing; twining stems quickly climb 20 to 25 ft., with support
• Uses: woodland garden, Espalier, Privacy Screen, Specimen

Care: Provide enriched, humusy, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Provide sturdy support such as a trellis or arbor. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. Apply fertilizer in early spring. Prune annually to control size.Pruning time: winter.

Photo credit: Monrovia

White Japanese Wisteria

Wisteria floribunda 'Issai Perfect'

Twining, woody vine prized for its huge (15 to 18 in.) grape-like clusters of very fragrant white flowers. Perfect for covering patio, arbor or fences. Can be trained as small tree. Deciduous.

• Light: Full Sun
• Water: Regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. 
• Average Landscape Size: Fast grower, stems to 25 ft. long.
• Uses: Container, Espalier, Specimen, Urban Garden, Woodland Garden

Care: Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, water deeply and less frequently. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer. Provide support such as a trellis or arbor. Prune annually to control size.Pruning time: winter.

Photo credit: Richard Shiell

Source for above shrub and tree information: Monrovia.com

Planting Wisteria

• Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
• Ensure placement has full Sun. Though wisteria will grow in partial shade, it probably won't flower. Sun is essential.
• If your soil is in poor condition, add compost; otherwise, wisteria will grow in most soils.
• Plant in the spring or fall.
• Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and 2 to 3 times as wide. Space plants 10 to 15 feet apart.
• Choose a site that will not overwhelm nearby plants as wisteria grows quickly and can overtake other plants.

Caring for your Wisteria

• Each spring, apply a layer of compost under the plant and a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
• Some gardeners swear by phosphorus to aid flowering. Scratch a couple of cups of bone meal into the soil in the and then add some rock phosphate in the Fall.
• Water your plants if you receive less than one inch of rain each week. (To know how much rain you are getting, you can place an empty tuna can outside and measure the depth of water with a measuring stick.)

Pruning your Wisteria

• Pruning is the secret to good flowering.
• Prune wisteria in late winter. Remove at least half of the prior year's growth, leaving just a few buds per stem.
• If you want a more formal appearance, prune again during summer after traditional flowering.
• For more blooms, try cutting back the rampant shoots every two weeks during the summer.
• Do you have a new wisteria? Cut the vine back severely right after planting. Then, the next year, cut the main stem or stems backh to 3 feet of the previous season's growth. Once the framework is full size, shorten further extension growth in midsummer to where growth began for that season.
• Informally grown, mature plants need little or no subsequent pruning.
• For a formally trained plant, cut side shoots back to 6 inches in summer, then shorten them again in winter to 3 buds.
• Wisteria will resprout with vigor if cut back severely, but this pruning should be avoided, if possible, because new shoots may take some years before they flower.