Trees with white branches


The 6 Best White Bark Trees That Look Great All Year

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Often, trees are selected and grown for their foliage, fruit, or flowers—seasonal features that blossom and fade over several months. However, it’s not impossible to find deciduous trees (those with leaves that drop over the winter) capable of delivering beauty year-round. The key is to narrow your search to trees with white bark. Even in winter months, when barren, uniquely alabaster branches offer a striking contrast against dark siding, a backdrop of evergreens, or even against the winter sky.

While trees with white bark are not rare, they’re not as common as other trees for two reasons: Certain varieties require particular growing climates, while others are subject to disease and insect infestation. Before choosing a tree, make sure it’s suitable for your geographic region by consulting the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which indicates the coldest average winter temperatures by region.

Keep in mind that some white trees have additional geographical requirements on top of hardiness zones, such as altitude limitations, so do your homework to determine which trees to grow and which trees to avoid. The following six types of trees are among those most commonly chosen for the beauty of their white bark.

The 6 Best Trees with White Bark

While their growing ranges are limited in scope, the following trees thrive in specific regions and under particular growing conditions. Planting a white bark tree will add visual interest to the landscape and help increase the property’s value.

Photo: istockphoto.com

1. Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis)

You may be familiar with some species of birch that have beige or brown bark, but a select few species of Himalayan birch (Betula utilis var. jacquemontii) feature creamy white trunks and limbs. Native to the Himalayan region, these birch trees prefer cool, well-drained soil and full-to-partial sun exposure. These birch varieties grow best in zones 1 through 7, although areas where summer temps regularly exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental to their growth. If you live in northern areas of the contiguous United States, Canada, or Alaska, check out the following trees with white bark—though very similar, each has a few unique qualities.

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While the trees, themselves, love full sun, the ground around their roots should be shaded. This can be accomplished by adding a layer of hardwood bark mulch around the trunk. Additionally, Himalayan birch trees are prone to infestation by sawflies and aphids, and they can develop diseases, such as rust and leaf spot. For the best results, have the tree checked annually by a tree professional (arborist) and treated as necessary to keep it in top health.

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2. American Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

For fans of colorful autumn foliage, nothing beats the brilliant gold and orange show put on by a grove of Aspen trees on the side of a forested mountain. The American Aspen (Populus tremuloides), also known as “quaking aspen” or “trembling aspen,” produces a smooth–bark white tree trunk that can reach 80 feet at maturity with a narrow crown spread of only 20 feet. American Aspen’s striking white bark will develop contrasting black markings as it matures, which add to its visual interest. In optimal conditions, American Aspen is a quick grower, growing as much as four feet per year.

This soaring tree grows best in zones 2 through 7, and while it likes full sun, it doesn’t care for summer temperatures that regularly exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It also will not abide low elevations: American Aspen rarely grows at elevations less than 2,000 feet, and grows best at elevations between 5,000 to 12,000 feet. By entering your city and state on this interactive elevation map, you can determine if an American Aspen is suitable for your area. (Bonus points if you’re in the right elevation range and located near banks and streams, as these trees with white bark thrive with plenty of water and well-drained soil.)

With its tall, lean stature, American Aspen is well-suited to growing in clumps, and when planted three to five inches apart will produce a multi-trunk effect. It’s just as attractive when planted individually along fences and property lines, or anywhere else a statuesque border is desired. Aspens spread by root shoots, so a few clumps of aspen could become a spectacular grove in 15 to 20 years.

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3. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

Reaching an average height of 100 feet at maturity with a similarly wide crown spread, the white bark American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a dramatic addition to a large landscape. It grows well in zones 4 through 9, averaging two to two-and-a-half feet of growth per year. It produces insignificant yellow-red flowers in spring that give way to large green leaves (up to nine inches wide) in summer. Brownish non-edible fruit balls develop in summer and eventually dry out, bursting open to release downy seeds. Its mottled white bark, which starts out brown and turns creamy white after 10 to 12 years, makes it a favorite in the winter landscape.

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Due to its large size—the average mature trunk measures three to eight feet in diameter but has been known to reach as wide as 16 feet—it needs plenty of room to grow. Historically, the trunk of this tree with white bark was favored by Native Americans who would hollow it out for canoes.

American sycamore is best suited as a single specimen tree in a large area where it can reach its full growth potential. It thrives in well-drained, moist soil that’s high in organic matter. The largest American sycamore specimens are found along waterways, so plant this tree near a pond or stream for the best results. While American sycamore prefers a location where it receives full sun, it will tolerate light shade.

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4. Ghost Gum (Corymbia aparrerinja)

If you live in zones 9 and 10 and are looking for a fast-growing, white bark tree that won’t lose its foliage during the winter months, consider planting a Ghost Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora). Native to Australia, the Ghost Gum, also called “snow gum” and “white sallee,” has made a name for itself in warmer regions of the US. With its ability to grow up to three feet per year, it doesn’t take Ghost Gum long to become a specimen in the landscape.

It reaches 45 to 50 feet in height with a crown spread of 25 to 30 feet at maturity. In addition to its creamy colored smooth bark, Ghost Gum features attractive gnarled branches, and the tree emits a faint but distinct aroma of eucalyptus. From October through December, Ghost Gum blossoms cover the tree in an explosion of delicate white flowers that offer a striking contrast against its deep green waxy leaves.

This variety grows in all types of soil, won’t mind drought, and flourishes in full sun (although it will tolerate partial shade). Perhaps unsurprisingly, it also thrives in salty coastal regions. Its rapid growth rate and tough demeanor—resistant to smog, insects, and diseases—also make it a good choice for planting in urban neighborhoods. It grows well in various soil types—from loamy to sandy but is susceptible to damage from beetle borers and root rot. Ghost Gum makes an excellent single specimen tree but is just as attractive when planted in groups of three or more.

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5. White Poplar (Populus alba)

Native to Europe and Central Asia, White popular is now grown in many countries, including zones 3 to 8 in the United States, where can become a remarkable focal point in the landscape. White popular produces silvery-green foliage, and at maturity, it reaches 50-75 feet, with a crown spread of up to 75 feet, making it well-suited for growing on large open lots.

The bark on white poplar produces a light green tinge when the tree is young but will mature to a white base with contrasting black patches and dark furrowed ridges. White poplar needs a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day, and it prefers well-drained soil. However, it is tolerant of high moisture levels and will even withstand occasional flooding conditions.

An attractive specimen in the winter landscape, the tree is popular with nesting songbirds and squirrels. For all its positives, although, white poplar is not without challenges. The tree propagates itself quickly through sucker growth, so surrounding grounds should be carefully maintained to keep new suckers from growing.

6. European Poplar (Populus tremula)

Photo: istockphoto.com

Related to American aspen and grown for its silvery-white bark that’s delightfully interspersed with patches of golden yellow, European poplar is commonly found in New England. It will survive as far north as USDA zone 2. Its bark remains smooth its entire life and the tree is often harvested for use as a veneer on high-quality wood furniture.

European popular grows quite tall, reaching 130 feet and producing a dense crown spread of up to 33 feet. The trunk base itself can reach 3 feet in diameter at maturity, making the tree well-suited to large lots and parks where its shimmery foliage can be enjoyed in summer and its stark white bark admired in winter.

The European poplar does best in a sunny location and thrives in moist but well-drained soil. It can be planted as a single specimen tree or in groupings of three or more in borders or privacy screens.

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FAQ About Trees with White Bark

White bark trees are alluring and beautiful in the winter landscape when their trunks and branches provide a stark contrast against buildings and gray skies. For those looking to incorporate the beauty of white bark trees in the landscape, some questions are to be expected.

What type of trees are white?

Among the most common types of white bark trees are varieties of aspen, birch, poplar, sycamore, and gum species.

What kind of tree has bark that looks like paper?

A type of birch, paper birch (Betula papyrifera), produces peeling white bark that resembles sheets of paper flaking off the trunk and branches.

What is the tree with large white flowers?

Several trees produce large white flowers in spring, with two of the most common being Southern Magnolia and White Dogwood.

What does a white poplar tree look like?

Also called “Silver Poplar,” the white poplar grows as tall as 75 feet with a crown spread just as large. At maturity, its white bark develops contrasting black ridges that offer a visually interesting design element in the landscape.

Final Thoughts

While most deciduous trees can be quite dull in the winter landscape, with their brownish-gray trunks and branches, white bark trees produce a stark contrast against houses, buildings, and gray skies. However, getting the right one requires researching the species to ensure it will thrive in a specific region.

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Beautiful Trees with White Bark & Where to Find Them – FastGrowingTrees.com

There's plenty of good reasons to add a tree or two to your property, and there are many different types of trees that you might be considering for your home.

The next time you take a walk or a drive around your area, take careful note of the color of the bark of each tree you pass. Most of them have brown, woody bark, but a select few varieties are blessed with bark that reflects the light, appearing a brilliant white on sunny days.

These white bark trees are more common than you might think, and their distinctive appearance makes them highly sought-after by homeowners.

Why Do Some Trees Have White Bark?

White bark on trees is a biological adaptation that protects against sun damage. Darker trees will collect heat faster when illuminated by the sun, while lighter trees will reflect the sunlight with their white bark. Too much heat from sunlight can actually damage trees — especially those in colder growing zones — by way of a phenomenon called sunscald.

As a result, some trees, like the River Birch, have adapted over time to have white bark, a side effect of which is looking great on a residential property as complements to evergreen trees or standing on their own.

The Best White Bark Trees

There are many different types of trees with white bark to choose from. However, not every tree is a good fit for every climate, and if you try to transplant a tree in the wrong growing zone it may not last.

1. Birch Trees

Birch trees are some of the most common trees with white bark that you're likely to see. They're extremely resilient and look great during all four seasons. These trees, belonging to the Betula family, thrive in the Northern hemisphere, most notably in North America, Europe, and Asia.

The birch tree with the whitest bark is the aptly named
White Birch.

It's resistant to many blights and illnesses but prefers cooler climates than most other birch trees. For example, while other varieties of birch grow well in zones 4 to 9, the white birch — also called the "Paper Birch" due to the way its bark peels off in sheets — survives best in zones 2 through 6.

River Birch Trees are another type of birch with white bark, although they're not as bright as White Birch trees.

This is especially true of the Heritage River Birch, which has white bark under a darker outer layer that can shed in certain conditions. Preferred by homeowners in areas with a warmer climate, River Birch trees thrive in a higher range of hardiness zones.

Depending on the type of birch tree you're looking for, you can expect them to grow around 1.5 feet per year, reaching a height of 30 to 40 feet tall after 20 years.

2. Poplar Trees

Trees of the family Populus are also known for their white bark, though not as well or as broadly as birch trees.

The poplar tree with the whitest bark is the
White or Silver Poplar.

It can be distinguished from the white birch fairly easily, even if you can't tell the difference in leaves. The White Birch has brilliant, white bark that peels in bands, while the White Poplar is actually a bit of a misnomer — while it appears to be white, it's more like a silvery gray color and is tighter on the trunk. White Poplars are extremely common in North America, although they have invasive traits, so make sure you do your research before shopping for a poplar tree.

White and Hybrid Poplars are commonly sought after for the width of their canopy, which makes them excellent shade trees. Adding a shade tree to your property can create the ideal environment for staying cool during the summer.

Although it’s rarely considered a true
Poplar, the Quaking Aspen is a unique tree known for its snow white bark.

Iconic in the Rocky Mountains (and the ski town with the same name), the Quaking Aspen is said to quake due to the slight flutter of its leaves in even the mildest breeze. Some Aspen Trees do have brilliant white bark during parts of the year and, during the fall, they're well known for their leaves, which turn a striking, bright yellow. Ultimately, however, they're not the best choice for residential homeowners, as they don't live as long as other trees. Most Quaking Aspens have a shorter growth cycle and only tend to live for an average of 20 years.

3. Sycamore Trees

By far the largest tree on this list, the American Sycamore (a member of the Platanus family) is a resilient tree, able to be planted anywhere in zones 4 through 9, and is known for its striking bark at various times throughout the year. Sycamore trees start the spring with darker bark that slowly sheds over the course of the year to reveal grayish-white bark underneath. Most Sycamore Trees never lose all of their outer bark resulting in a unique "mosaic" look of light and dark bark.

Sycamores top out at around 90 feet high and are resistant to a range of disease and contamination, which makes them a popular choice for suburban and residential streets.

4. Gum or Eucalyptus Trees

The Ghost Gum and its close cousins of the Eucalyptus family are very unique trees, looking more at home in a desert or grassland than a residential yard. This is only fitting considering that they are native to the Australian outback.

With that in mind, homeowners in extremely tropical parts of the U.S. may be able to enjoy the beauty of these trees. The reason we're calling out the Ghost Gum is because of the especially attractive appearance of its bark — from a distance, its pinkish-white hue looks smooth and uninterrupted, almost like a drawing of a tree rather than a real one.

The Benefits of White Bark Trees

Choosing a tree with white bark depends greatly on the climate where you live. People in the American midwest won't be able to support a gum tree in the same way that people living in South Florida will have a hard time with a White Birch.

With this in mind, whether you're looking for a smooth bark tree or a rough one, a white tree with peeling bark or one that's a little easier on the lawn, you can't go wrong with any on this list.

Still searching for the right tree for you? Be sure to check out the variety of white bark trees we offer at Fast Growing Trees.

Blair Brown

Blair is the Content Marketing Manager at FastGrowingTrees. com, and though she's not your traditional gardener, the planting world is definitely growing on her (pun intended!). She's enjoyed digging into plant care and maintenance and growing her plant collection, especially with exotic indoor varieties.

tree, bush, plant name with small flowers, as beautiful balls are called, garden

White flowers are an example of unobtrusive elegance. There cannot be too many of them, they coexist perfectly with other plants, including flowering ones. These are herbaceous plants, and shrubs, and trees. Some of them will definitely find a place in the garden.

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Names and descriptions of white flowers

All plants with white flowers can be conditionally divided by flower size, rhizome type and type: herbaceous, shrubs and trees. All of them can both successfully complement each other and be the center of a landscape composition.

Varieties of white flowers in the garden (video)

Beautiful plants with small flowers

Very low plants literally creeping along the ground can be decorated with small white flowers. Here is some of them. nine0003

Anafalis

A perennial with a very delicate appearance due to its small white flowers on erect stems. Their height reaches up to 70 cm, but more often ranges from 40 to 50 cm. Flowering time lasts from mid-summer to autumn. When planting anafalis, it is recommended to choose a diffuse penumbra - the plant feels most comfortable in it. Growing problems do not arise even for beginner growers.

Anafalis

Arabis

Arabis is also called rezukha. It is a ground cover plant that spreads along the ground. Its shoots are decorated with leaves, in some varieties having a silvery pubescence. Small white flowers are collected in low brushes . Arabis bushes look very compact, and when planted at a short distance form a dense mat, under which the ground is not visible. Easily propagated by cuttings.

Gallery: plants with white flowers (25 photos)

Allissum

Herbaceous plant, which can be both annual and perennial. The height of the allissum is 20 cm. Miniature inflorescences appear in early June, and continue to decorate the flower bed until autumn inclusive. The plant is a honey plant : It exudes a pleasant spicy aroma that attracts bees. Allissum has many varieties. Some of them, like Benthamii, have white flowers.

Allissum

Seaside lawn

Plant height does not exceed 30 cm. Its short leaves (from 2 to 4 cm) of elongated shape form a voluminous bush. Small flowers only 5 cm in diameter with 4 rounded petals and yellow stamens appear at the end of May. The lawn stops blooming only in autumn , for which it is loved by many flower growers. But in a dry summer, the period is reduced, and the plant retires in August. If you cut the bush of the lawn, then the flowering will last until the onset of stable frosts - in the middle lane this happens only in October. nine0003

Lily-of-the-valley

A popular low-growing plant with white bells. It is an unpretentious perennial with wide lanceolate leaves. It blooms in May and June.

Although these plants have small flowers, they are very beautiful and bring notes of tenderness to landscape compositions. The main thing is to choose the right neighbors for them, who do not block or distract attention from miniature beauty.

Lily-of-the-valley

Large-flowered garden flowers

Plants with large white flowers are sure to brighten up every flower bed and garden. There are a lot of varieties of them - there is definitely plenty to choose from.

Astra

In the garden, asters are grown as annuals , preparing seedlings in the spring, because this way flowering will begin earlier - in summer, although this plant is traditionally considered an autumn plant. The variety of types and varieties of asters allows you to choose those that are more to your taste: some look like daisies, others look like stars, and still others are lush balls of thin numerous petals. Many of the fluffy flowers are white in color. nine0003

Clematis

This plant is a climbing vine with large white and other colored flowers. Clematis has both simple and terry species. All of them will decorate a hedge, special top dressing or a veranda, if you hang twine to support the shoots.

Clematis

Nivyanik

These are daisies with a yellow center that look elegant and uplifting. Nivyanik is a perennial, unpretentious to the conditions . But for abundant flowering, he needs fertile soil and mineral supplements. nine0003

Peonies

These flowers, famous for their double petals about 20 cm in diameter, can be called the white giants of the garden. Peonies have an unobtrusive pleasant smell. The height of a bush of adult specimens often reaches 1 m.

Peonies

Platycodon

Tall plant, the stems of which reach up to 80 cm, but there are also undersized 20 cm species. The green part has a bluish tint. Flowering time is in July, August and early September. nine0104

Plants with large flowers look good both in mixborders and in single plantings.

What kind of white flowers to plant in the garden (video)

Bulbous plants with white flowers

Many of the bulbous plants have beautiful white flowers. In combination with feathery leaves, they look very impressive.

White flower

Outwardly, white flower is similar to snowdrop, but its flowers with 6 equal petals are larger. The height of many types of plants reaches 40 cm. Although many bulbs prefer spring for flowering, some varieties of white flowers will delight the eye in summer and even in autumn. One of the advantages of the plant is that it grows well in shady corners. nine0003 White flower

Daffodils

Perhaps the most popular bulb plant used in flower beds. They received such recognition for early flowering and unpretentiousness: they do not require special care. The exception is hybrid species, which are more capricious.

Tulips

Can compete with daffodils in popularity. They have approximately 10,000 varieties, including white-flowering ones. Their height ranges from just 10 cm to an impressive 1 m. Tulips bloom outdoors in spring.

Tulips

Hyacinths

Hyacinths are famous not only for the beauty of small flowers collected in brushes, but also for their unique sweet fragrance. These are low plants, the highest species of which reach 30 cm. Unlike daffodils and tulips, they are more demanding on heat; therefore, bulbs are planted in sunny areas. White hyacinths are the epitome of spring grace.

Lilies

Of course, speaking of bulbous, one cannot but mention lilies. From large flowers look good both in the flower bed and in the cut. nine0103 They have many fantasy hybrids, including with white color. The flowering time of lilies is varied, usually in June and July.

Bulbous plants will take their rightful place in any area. Moreover, many of them bloom when other inhabitants of the garden are just gaining strength after hibernation.

Lilies

Trees with white flowers

Trees with white flowers are no less beautiful than undersized plants. They definitely cannot be overlooked in the spring, because their branches are covered with a snow carpet. nine0003

Cherry

This is a common cultivated tree that can be found in almost every garden. Cherry is interesting to gardeners not only as a source of its fruits, but also as a plant that decorates the site. In the spring, in May, it blooms with lovely white flowers that literally cover every knot.

Irga

Irga grows about 3-4 m in height. Its small white flowers flaunt at the ends of thin twigs. A little later, crimson-lilac berries with a sweetish aftertaste will appear in their place. nine0003 Irga

Pompom tree

Golovach - the second name of the pompon tree - definitely cannot be called a frequent visitor to gardens. This is a fairly rare plant, but with amazing beauty. It has rounded white-cream inflorescences, decorated with yellow stamens. The pom-pom tree endures winter frosts of the temperate zone with resistance , but young, weak shoots may suffer from sub-zero temperatures.

Bird cherry

Bird cherry is famous for its aroma and the fact that simultaneously with its flowering, a cooling begins. But low temperatures for the end of spring do not spoil the impression of bird cherry cascades of flowers falling from the branches of a tree.

Bird cherry

Apple tree

Lush blossoming of the apple tree has forever remained imprinted in folk culture . Adult specimens reach a scale height of 5 m. There are many varieties of apple trees that differ from each other both in size and in the taste of fruits that ripen in August. But most of them have white flowers, sometimes with a soft pink tint. nine0003

Shrubs with white flowers

Shrubs covered with white flowers are no less spectacular. Each of them has its own characteristics, which must be taken into account when growing, so that the plants can show their best side.

Spiraea

Spiraea

Shrub famous for its profuse flowering beginning in spring. It has long, spreading branches strewn with umbrella inflorescences. Some species continue to bloom until mid-autumn.

Hydrangea

Paniculata and tree hydrangeas are most often used in horticulture. Her flowers, like those of spirea, are collected in lush umbrellas. Easy to form and moreover, constant pruning encourages new budding growth.

Hydrangea

Lilac

Perhaps the most popular shrub that blooms in late spring. Lilac won the love of gardeners not only with its unpretentiousness and its cone-shaped inflorescences, but also with a pleasant sweet aroma. nine0003

Snowberry

In spring the bush is covered with small white flowers; less often - pink. But decorativeness is given to the plant by autumn berries in the form of small balls, remaining on the branches in the first month of winter and originally peeking out from the snow.

Snowberry

Garden plants with white flowers in landscaping

White, being neutral, blends well with the rest. There are several options to create a harmonious composition:

  1. White with pastel shades gives softness and airiness. For example, white bellflowers planted with light pink peonies.
  2. White with bright colors: white asters and crimson dahlias create a spectacular autumn flower garden.
  3. White plants on their own combined with green foliage look elegant and noble.

Of course, the list of ideas for decorating a garden with white flowers does not end there, you can always show your creativity. nine0003

Unpretentious garden flowers (video)

Plants with white flowers, regardless of their height, will definitely take their rightful place on the site. The main thing is to take into account the characteristics of each species and variety, as well as find worthy neighbors for them. The white garden, organically complemented by the right accents, looks very attractive.

MAY FLOWERING

At the end of March and in April we, with bated breath, listen to the first steps of spring, barely audible at first, rejoice in tight swollen buds, from which young clean leaves soon appear. The first heralds of spring are primroses, so tender and defenseless, and so miniature that they can only be seen by squatting down. nine0003

Such small joys that a young spring brings give us the opportunity to prepare for that wild flowering of nature that we see in May. The gardens finally awaken from sleep and are fragrant with youth and freshness. May leaves and grass are especially clean and juicy. But, of course, the strongest impression of late spring is the flowering of shrubs and trees. The beauty of this phenomenon invariably causes delight.

Perhaps the most luxurious flowering among the trees shows the horse chestnut. In early May, after the leaves bloom, large pyramidal inflorescences of white flowers appear in pink flecks. Flowering lasts for a long time, about 20 days, and this plant is a honey plant and at the time of flowering hardworking bees curl around its flowers, filling the garden with their businesslike buzzing. This tree is one of the most beautiful and majestic, it reaches a height of 20 meters, and its powerful branches grow to a width of 15-18 meters. The chestnut has an interesting decorative form ‘Pyramidalis’. This plant is compact and suitable for landscaping small garden plots. It grows up to eight meters, and in width - up to five. nine0003

Another large tree that blooms brightly in May is black locust, colloquially called white locust. Unlike chestnut, this tree is very light openwork, almost does not cast a shadow, flowers and shrubs can be planted under its canopy.

Many people love the time when bird cherry blossoms. The most famous bird cherry in our country. This is a tree or large shrub up to 15 meters high. Delicate white flowers are collected in brushes, their intoxicating aroma spreads far across the neighborhood. In addition to bird cherry, other representatives of this genus grow well in our gardens: bird cherry antipka, virgin, Maaka, late. nine0003

It is impossible not to remember the blossoming orchards, which for many of us are childhood memories. Few things in our northern nature can compare with the beauty and abundance of blooming May gardens, where millions of cherry, plum, blackthorn, apple, pear flowers are waiting for bees to pollinate them and help set fruit. And how touching is the moment of flowering and falling of white light petals, which, like snow, cover the grass and garden paths. Modern owners of suburban areas do not favor “fruitful” crops with attention, but they like to use decorative types of familiar fruit trees in the garden. For example, the profusely flowering apple tree and the Sargent apple tree bloom very profusely, but produce small fruits. nine0003

If among the trees we can remember a few that delight us with beautiful flowering, then the shrubs did their best in this matter. The variety of colors, smells and shapes is breathtaking. Let's stop here on the most famous and we will move alphabetically.

The first Japanese quince in the list. Its scarlet-red flowers with short pedicels appear directly on prickly branches and seem to be hiding among the leaves.

Next on the list are barberries, invaluable plants for planting our gardens and city parks. Among them there are large shrubs up to three meters high (Ottawa barberry), and real dwarfs up to 30-40 cm in size (Thunberg barberry ‘Kobold’), and with ordinary green leaves, and forms with bright yellow or burgundy. But they all bloom in May yellow flowers, collected in racemose inflorescences. The flowering of red-leaved forms makes a particularly vivid impression. nine0003

Hawthorn, dear to the Russian heart, blossoms in May. The most common species in our country is the common or prickly hawthorn. Its flowers are white or pink. This plant has a magnificent decorative form ‘Paul Scarlet’ with double dark pink flowers that cover the branches profusely.

In cool forests, where at this time there is still snow in some places, flowering of shrubs is also observed. Here, for example, the well-known elderberry racemose. Its small yellowish flowers are collected in large inflorescences. In sunny places, ‘Plumosa Aurea’ looks good, it is a form of elderberry with bright yellow openwork dissected leaves, which are brighter the more sunlight the plant gets. nine0003

Blooming weigels make an absolutely fabulous impression. Unfortunately, we do not have such abundant flowering as in Europe, but shelter for the winter, which protects the flower buds, allows you to achieve a very good result.

White derain is a wonderful plant, without which almost no garden can do. In May, white flowers appear on its bushes in dense inflorescences. In addition to the "wild" form, white-and-white and yellow-and-white varieties are used in landscaping.

Honeysuckle blossoms in the last month of spring. Their flowers, in addition to their delicate beauty, have a delicate pleasant aroma, and some species are also honey plants. nine0003

Viburnum pride blooms at the end of spring with its white flowers collected in corymbose inflorescences.

Lustrous cotoneaster is an excellent plant for hedges, including clipped ones. But in May, it also manifests itself as a flowering shrub. Its branches are covered with delicate pink flowers, which try modestly to hide behind shiny leaves.

It blooms in May, and then continues to delight us with its flowering until the very autumn Potentilla shrub. It is also called five leaf and Kuril tea. These small shrubs can brighten up any garden and add charm to it. Now the market offers many varieties that differ mainly in the color of the flowers, which are white, pink, orange, red, and the main color of Kuril tea is yellow. nine0003

I would like to tell you more about holly mahonia. This is an unusual plant for our places, because it is evergreen. Magonia does not shed its leathery hard leaves for the winter, they only turn brown and remain on the plant until next year. In May, compact mahonia bushes are densely covered with yellow inflorescences that smell like chocolate. Then, in place of the flowers, blue fruits will appear that can be eaten, they have an original astringent taste.

May is the time of blooming of an extraordinary luxurious, truly royal plant. This is a tree peony. This plant has been known since ancient China. It delighted the great emperors with its appearance and aroma, inspired poets and artists. In the climate of the Moscow region, the peony requires shelter for the winter, but it is worth taking care of such a plant, because your labors will be rewarded in the spring, when you will see a tree-like peony blooming like nothing else. Nowadays, you can choose varieties with simple or double flowers, their color can be different. nine0003

Another capricious but very beautiful plant is rhododendron. Now there are many varieties and hybrids obtained with the help of several relatively winter-hardy species. The flowering of rhododendrons is so majestic and luxurious that few people refuse to have at least a few of these plants in their garden, despite the fact that they, like tree peonies, require special care.

Very beautiful and fragrant blooming lilac. This plant is loved by gardeners around the world. Breeders have received a large number of varieties with white, pink, lilac, red, beard and even yellow flowers, which are both simple and double. You can extend the flowering of lilacs in the garden by planting several of its species: common lilac, Hungarian lilac and Amur lilac. Each of them blooms two weeks later than the previous species. nine0003

One cannot ignore spirea. Among them, a group of so-called spring-flowering ones is distinguished. It includes Van Gutt's spirea, gray, Nippon, arguta, plum-leaved, Thunberg and others. They bloom in May-June.

In May, another plant blooms, loved by all, the coronal mock orange plant. He is loved for the beauty of his delicate creamy white flowers and for their exquisite aroma, reminiscent of jasmine.

To complete the story about flowering woody plants, I would like to say about a small plant, a shrub, which is called Erica herbaceous. It is a relative of rhododendrons and heathers. It starts blooming very early. In warmer countries, even from January-February, flowers appear right from under the snow. The height of these plants is from 15 to 40 cm, they grow more in width than in height. Erica, along with heathers, is used to create heather gardens. Planted side by side, these plants prolong the decorative effect of the whole composition, as they bloom at different times. Erica has garden forms with different colors of flowers: from white to red, and even forms with yellow leaves. nine0003

All spring-flowering plants have flower buds since the previous autumn, while those that bloom in summer have flowers on the current year's shoots. In this regard, one must be very careful with pruning early-flowering trees and shrubs; you should not do this in late autumn or early spring.


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