Are you fed up with your uninteresting and dull yard that no one admires? Then consider the awe-inspiring beauty of red flowering trees! These trees are not just visually appealing but also have practical advantages.
As the saying goes, ‘You can judge a book by its cover,’ and the same goes for these red flowering trees.
While they may look stunning with their vibrant colors, they also provide practical benefits such as shade and increased curb appeal, something your neighbors will appreciate too!
I experienced the transformative power of red flowering trees in my own backyard. Once just a patch of grass, I decided to spruce up my backyard with a few cherry blossom trees.
Little did I know these trees would soon become the centerpiece of my outdoor space. They provided a beautiful focal point for my garden, and the shade they provided made my backyard a more enjoyable space to spend time during the hot summer months.
So if you are ready to take your outdoor space to the next level, consider planting one (or all) of these 10 red flowering trees. You won’t regret it!
Red Flowering Trees For Landscaping
1. Red Dogwood
These native North American deciduous trees are great for bird lovers; they attract a range of species of birds, offering them a home and food source from the tree’s red berries.
Scientifically known as Cornus florida, they are a popular choice for homeowners that are looking to add natural beauty to their yards.
Caring for the Red Dogwood couldn’t be easier; they are adaptable to a range of temperatures and thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. They require partial shade to full sun for optimal growth, so make sure you avoid planting them in direct sunlight, as this will scorch the leaves and flowers.
When it comes to watering these red beauties, they prefer well-drained soil, so it’s important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot which will stunt the growth of the tree. Aim to water the tree deeply once a week during dry periods.
Regular fertilization may be needed during the growing season (spring to summer) to keep the tree thriving, and you can apply a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 NPK. Follow the directions on the packet and give the tree a good soak after the application to help it absorb the nutrients.
Although Red dogwood is considered a small to medium tree, it can grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) tall. Typically they will stay around 20-30 feet tall (6-9 m), so be prepared for the space that they will take up.
The striking red blooms, adaptability to soil conditions, and wildlife benefits make the Red dogwood tree a top choice for homeowners and landscapers.
2. Cherry Blossom
Cherry Blossom trees are a beloved and iconic part of many landscapes, and the red variety is no exception. Prunus serulata, as it scientifically goes by, has a long history of cultural significance in Japan, where they are celebrated annually during the Cherry Blossom festival.
In landscaping, they are popular for their ornamental value as the dainty flowers contrasted on hardwood branches bring about an aesthetic appeal. That’s great if you have a Zen-themed garden!
Cherry Blossom trees can vary in size depending on the variety but typically grow between 20-40 feet (6-12 m) tall with a spread of 15-30 feet (4-9 m).
They are deciduous trees which means they will lose their leaves in the fall and regrow them in the spring.
To care for the Cherry Blossom trees, you will need to provide them with regular watering, especially during periods of drought.
Cherry Blossoms love well-draining soil that has a pH between 6.0-6.5, so make sure to test your soil before planting. You can do this by purchasing pH test strips from your local garden center.
When it comes to temperature, these trees can be a little fussy as they require a cold period to initiate blooming in the spring.
They do well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8, and by giving them a boost of balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season, you will ensure they are looking their absolute best!
3. Crab Apple Tree
The red flowering variety of the Crab Apple tree is especially stunning, and you can see why it has a long history of cultivation.
Scientifically known as Malus, these deciduous trees are native to the temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. They have been historically used for cooking, medicine, and landscaping.
Crab Apple trees are fantastic for attracting pollinators and can generally grow to a height of 10-30 feet (3-9 m)tall and 10-20 feet (3-6 m) wide. With regular watering and well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0, you will keep your crab apple flourishing.
As with most deciduous trees, the Crab Apple requires a cold period prior to blooming in spring. They can be grown successfully in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
It’s important to note that Crab Apple trees require regular pruning to maintain their shape and health. Dead or damaged branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Monitor them regularly to keep an eye out for any pests and diseases, as they are also susceptible and may require treatment.
Overall, they are stunning trees to have in your garden and can even provide you with a sweet-tart fruit to pick each season.
4. Red Bud Trees
These deciduous trees have a rich history in American folklore and were often used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. Today, they are prized for their striking spring flowers and their attractive heart-shaped leaves.
Red Bud trees have an excellent ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies while providing shade and shelter for wildlife.
Scientifically known as Cercis canadensis, these trees are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate drought conditions once established. They are hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and require full or partial sun to thrive.
Regular fertilizing is generally not necessary for redbud trees, but they may benefit from occasional application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the spring. Pruning may be necessary to maintain the tree’s shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
One great feature of these trees is they are generally disease resistant but have been known to encounter some minor fungal diseases, which are easily treated with fungicides.
When it comes to maturity size, the redbud tree can grow up to 30 feet (9 m) tall, and the heart-shaped leaves will turn yellow in the fall months.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance red flowering tree, these will make a dramatic focal point in your garden or landscape.
5. Tulip Trees
Tulip trees are large deciduous trees native to eastern North America and are known for their distinctive tulip-shaped flowers that bloom in the late spring.
Liriodendron tulipifera, as they are scientifically called, provides shade and shelter to local wildlife while their vibrant blooms add color to landscapes.
Early settlers of North America often use their valuable wood in furniture and cabinetry.
Tulip trees require a good watering regime and regular fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer to keep them thriving. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun whilst being tolerant to USDA hardiness zones 4-9.
Some pests you may encounter with tulip trees are aphids and scale insects, and they are generally disease resistant, provided they are maintained with pruning to remove any damaged or dead branches.
When they reach full maturity, they can be very tall and reach a staggering 60-90 feet or more. In optimal growing conditions, some tulip trees have been known to grow up to 150 feet tall.
Additionally, they have a spread of 30-50 feet (9-15 m), and the trunk can reach 4 feet (1.2 m) in diameter, so they require plenty of space to grow.
Tulip trees are popular for their large-sized attractive flowers and striking foliage. They can be used as standalone trees to create a feature or planted in groups to create a dramatic border.
6. Magnolia
These popular ornamental tree species are known for their fancy fragrant flowers and alluring foliage. There are many different types of Magnolia, but the red flowering variety goes by the scientific name of Magnolia liliflora.
Commonly known as the Lily Magnolia or Mulan Magnolia, it’s a compact deciduous tree or large shrub and grows to be 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) tall with a spread of 8-12 feet (2-3.5 m).
Magnolias have a rich history in Asia and the Americas, where they have been used for their medicinal properties as well as for ornamental and cultural purposes.
Not only do they add great color and scent to landscapes, but their vibrant flowers also attract useful pollinators to the garden, such as bees and butterflies. What’s not to love about them?
When it comes to taking care of the Magnolia tree, as long as you give it well-draining soil and moderate amounts of water, you will keep it looking fresh. They are very hardy trees and are best planted in zones 5-9.
They can tolerate a minimum winter temperature of -20 to 20°F (-29 to -7°C). Light maintenance is required for the Magnolia liliflora and typically involves pruning to maintain their shape and remove any dead or infected branches.
Overall, these trees are a great compact option if you want to add some flowering charm to your garden without taking up too much space.
7. Japanese Maple
This graceful red flowering tree is native to Japan, Korea, China, and other parts of East Asia and grows anywhere from 6 to 25 feet tall with a spread of 6 to 20 feet wide.
The Japanese maple trees are known for their distinct foliage, which can range from red to orange, yellow, green, or purple. The leaves are usually deep-lobed and have a delicate lacy appearance.
Some cultivars of Japanese Maple also have interesting bark with patterns and colors that add to their beauty.
Scientifically named Alcer palmatum, these trees are deciduous, so they will lose their leaves in the fall. They thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
They require regular watering, especially during the dry periods. Aim to plant the tree in a location that provides them with partial shade, as too much sun can scorch the delicate leaves.
You can prune the Japanese maple to maintain the desired shape and apply fertilizer during the spring to encourage new healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Often, these trees are used as bonsai, and you can see why they are highly ornamental looking, whichever size you desire. They make a versatile addition to the garden whilst providing a great shady spot for wildlife or even humans to relax under.
8. Flowering Plum
The red flowering plum tree is commonly known as the Cherry plum or myrobalan plum and is a deciduous tree native to Asia and parts of Europe.
It is scientifically known as Prunus cerasifera and has been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence of its use in ancient Roman and Chinese writings.
Nowadays, the Flowering Plum is grown as an ornamental tree due to its beautiful display of red flowers in spring. This tree also functions as a windbreak or is used for erosion control and even as a source for making jams and jellies!
Typically, the Flowering Plum tree grows to a height of 20-25 feet (6-7.5 m) and spreads to a width of 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m). It has a rounded canopy with dark purple leaves that turn bronze in the fall.
The tree blooms in early spring with clusters of showy pinkish-red flowers that cover the entire tree.
The red flowering plum tree requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and prefers a moderate amount of water. Little maintenance is required other than a light prune to shape its canopy and remove any dead or diseased branches.
One of the great aspects of this tree is it doesn’t require heavy fertilization, and a single dose at the beginning of spring is enough to carry it through the growing season.
9. Scarlet Oak
The Scarlet Oak or Quercus coccinea is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America that is valued for its vibrant red foliage and ability to provide wildlife habitat. It’s commonly found in forests ranging from Maine to Georgia and as far west as Missouri.
This stunning tree can grow up to a whopping 80 feet (24 m) tall and 50 feet (15 m) wide. Its leaves are deeply lobed with sharp pointed tips and turn a brilliant scarlet red in the fall. The tree produces acorns which are an important food source for many wildlife species.
To keep this luscious tree happy, you will need to plant it in full sun and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
It is tolerant of a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. The trees prefer moderate watering and can tolerate average humidity levels. It is hardy in zones 4 -8 and can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F (-34°C).
The Scarlet Oak does not require fertilizers but can benefit from occasional applications to keep it going through the growing season.
What’s great about this tree is it requires minimal maintenance when matured. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to remove any old damaged branches.
In addition to its ornamental value, the Scarlet Oak provides wildlife habitat and erosion control, making it a stand-out addition to your garden.
10. Firethorn
Pyracantha coccinea, also known as Firethorn, is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub that is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It was introduced to England in the 16th century and has been a popular ornamental plant since then.
It is commonly used in landscaping as a hedge or a wall climbing shrub due to its thorny branches that provide additional interest and protection from animals and intruders. The firethorn can grow up to 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) tall and wide.
Firethorn leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped. While its flowers are small and white, its fruits are bright red or orange berries that ripen in the fall and persist into winter. This thorny shrub requires full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
The Firethorn requires regular watering during the growing season and is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
It can withstand temperatures as low as -10°F (-23°C). The shrub’s bright red berries provide a dramatic contrast against its glossy leaves and can be used in floral arrangements or holiday decorations.
Not only does this hardy shrub provide its striking red berries, but they serve as a wildlife habitat by attracting local birds to snack on them.
Its ornamental aesthetics, in combination with its functional value, make it a popular choice for hedges, walls, and gardens.
Turn Your Garden Into Paradise With These Red Flowering Trees
From the striking Scarlet Oak to the magnificently compact Magnolia, all these trees have their own unique characteristics that can complement your backyard.
When deciding on the best tree for your garden, it’s best to consider the size it will take up along with its function. Do you want to use it for shade? will it stand alone? Do you want it to provide fruit? These are all essential points to take into account when choosing a red flowering tree.
Personally, one of my favorites has always been the Flowering plum, simply because the contrasting foliage is a deep purple color that stands out from the rest of my garden, and the flowers are a real talking point at the start of spring.
No matter which red flowering tree you decide on, you will be sure to reap the aesthetic and practical rewards that come with it! Happy planting!
