April 20, 2023 Trees are the backbone of any landscape design and an essential part of the ecosystem that is your lawn, but they can also bring a big splash of wonder and whimsy when they’re covered in blossoms. Flowering trees can be a challenge in the alpine desert climate of Colorado, but never fear; there are flowering wonders you can rely on for showstopping beauty year after year. Russian Hawthorn – On the smaller side with a low canopy, Russian Hawthorns make delightful accent trees that are more than up to the challenge of thriving in Colorado weather. Hardy, adaptable and capable of growing at elevations over 7,500, Russian Hawthorns bloom with clusters of snowy white flowers in spring, fruits lustrous red berries that birds love at the end of summer, then put on a riotous show of orange, yellow and red colors for autumn. Ornamental Pear – A three-season beauty, ornamental pears bear white flowers in early spring and carry a dense, uniform crown through the summer months. Autumn foliage shades include bursts of orange, red and bronze. The average height for most varieties is approximately 35 feet, though width can range by variety from 8 feet to upwards of 25 feet. This versatile beauty can find a home in just about any landscaping design, even in smaller yards. Ornamental Plum – No fruits from this one, though you will be treated to blossoms ranging from light pink to white in the earliest days of spring. The foliage is purple, providing excellent visual contrast in a predominantly green landscape. Kentucky Coffee Tree – Looking for pest-free, low-maintenance flowering tree capable of withstanding drought conditions while looking beautiful all year long? The Kentucky Coffee Tree more than delivers. Flowers are fragrant, pyramidal clusters of green and white that appear through late May and early June. Kentucky Coffee Trees are not picky about soil types and are adaptable to pollution, making them great choices for urban gardens. Blue Chinese Wisteria Tree – If you love the look of vine wisteria but not its ability to tear down structures upon which it grows, the Blue Chinese Wisteria Tree is here to save the day. Vibrant blue blossoms are heavily fragrant, and this adaptable little tree is as easy to grow as it is delightful. It also grows relatively quickly, as an added bonus. PrairieFire Crabapple – Bursting with bright pink blooms followed by deep burgundy leaves that shift to green and gold in the autumn when they bear tiny red fruits, the PrairieFire Crabapple is suitable for altitudes above 7,500. A must-have for anyone who wants to make a bold statement! White Fringe Tree – Native to Colorado, the White Fringe Tree drips with fragrant, white flowers and sports a deceptively delicate look, but make no mistake; this tree is not fragile. Famously low maintenance and capable of withstanding considerable air pollution, this is a great choice for city dwellers. Don’t fret when spring doesn’t bring immediate leaves; White Fringe is one of the last to show leaves in spring, when it abruptly bursts into bloom at the same time the leaves begin to set. Choosing the right flowering trees for your home isn’t always easy in a challenging climate, and working with professional arborists can save lots of time, money and stress in the long run. If you’re ready to add some stately, blossom-laden trees to your landscape design, contact Front Range Arborists today to schedule a free consultation.
