Not only does the flowering time of spring blossom trees vary from one part of the country to another, but their display might not be as dramatic in some of the milder areas where they may still have some leaves or produce leaves simultaneously with the flowers.

Try these beauties

Japanese flowering cherries

Japanese flowering cherries (Prunus serrulata cultivars) bloom from the end of October into November when the frost is over, making them ideal for colder regions where they are at their best. (They are not suitable for hot dry regions and the subtropics.) Named cultivars vary in colour from the purest white to greenish white, white flushed with pink and varying shades of pink. They also have attractive bark and lovely autumn foliage. They grow to a height of 3-4m.

Other flowering fruit trees

The following members of the prunus family flower before their leaves appear, enjoy a cold spell and even frosty weather. They grow between 3-5m and require little pruning, but need regular watering.
The sprays of buds will open indoors when picked for the vase.

• The plump buds of the double flowering peaches (Prunuspersica) make the most impressive show in spring. They come in white, deep red and shades of pink.
• The flowering almond is one of the first trees to flower in late winter; the clean, fresh white blooms of the ‘Alba’ variety show up well against rain-washed blue skies. Even the almond trees
  (P. communis) which produce nuts are worth growing for their blossom, but as they are not self-fertile, you will need to plant more than one tree if you want them to bear fruit.
• The eye-catching ‘plum’ or purple-coloured foliage of the flowering plum (Prunus cerasifera) makes it a great addition to the garden. The flowers are single or semi-double, while leaves vary from the deep almost black of’Nigra’ to the reddish purple of Blireiana’. Some varieties also produce fruit.

Magnolia soulangeana

The upright chalice-like flowers of magnolias or Tulip Trees start opening from the end of winter into August. The blooms make good cut flowers and come in shades of blushed pink, rosy-mauve and purple, while the leaves are fairly large and leathery. They grow best in cooler moist areas and need deep moisture-retentive soils. As blooms may become frosted, plant trees in a sheltered position or if you live in one of the colder regions, select late-flowering cultivars. They grow to a height of 4-6m.

Malus spp. (Crab apples)

With their graceful spreading habit and froth of small flowers, crab apples are the darling of the spring-flowering trees. The most popular varieties are M. floribunda, whose rose-red buds open to white and M. purpurea which has wine-coloured blooms. The bunches of small apple-like fruits they bear may be a yellow, red or plum colour and make a delectable jelly. Growing to height of 3—5m with golden foliage in the autumn, these trees are perfect for small gardens in cooler, frosty, moist regions.

Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum)

Hardy and drought tolerant, the Judas Tree will take heat and frost. It grows to a height of 5-7m and has unusual lilac to mauve pea-like flowers which are packed along the bare branches in spring. In cold regions, its kidney-shaped leaves turn yellow in autumn. It’s believed to be named after Judas Iscariot.

Tree Wisteria (Van Wyk’s hout) (Bolusanthus speciosus)

A delightful tall but slim indigenous tree which carries its pea-like flowers in pendulous sprays either just before, or as the pale green leaves emerge. Although they are suitable for warmer regions they are tolerant of mild frost and can cope with dry periods once established. Slow growing to 6—8m, they also have attractive rough bark.

Text and photographs by Marianne Aexander. Article was taken from the September 2010 edition of Garden and home magazine.

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