Water-Conserving Flowering Trees for Drought-Tolerant Landscapes
In the realm of horticulture, there are few joys greater than the sight of a blooming tree. Today, we shall delve into the captivating world of four trees that grace our gardens with their beauty. From the east to the west of the United States, these trees offer a kaleidoscope of colours, textures, and scents to delight the senses.
First, let us introduce the Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas), a small tree valued for its early spring blooms of bright yellow flowers. Reaching a height of approximately 25 feet (7.5 m) and boasting a slightly smaller spread, this tree is a delightful addition to any garden. After the blooms, the leaves emerge in dense, showy, rounded clusters, each surrounded by small, yellowish, petaloid bracts. In mid-summer, the fruits of the Cornelian cherry ripen to cherry red, adding another layer of beauty to this versatile tree.
Moving eastward, we encounter the Green Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis), a drought-resistant flowering tree native to the US, growing to 35 feet (10.5 m) tall. Unlike some hawthorns, Green Hawthorns are generally thornless and thrive in USDA zones 4-8. The flowers appear in clusters in May and have a strong fragrance, making them a popular choice for gardeners. In autumn, the tree is adorned with small red berry-like fruits that are enjoyed by birds all winter long.
As we journey south, we find the Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis), a drought-tolerant deciduous tree that is the most drought-tolerant of the redbuds. In spring, the tree blooms with showy magenta flowers, transforming into purple seed pods in winter. The leaves provide dark green summer foliage that turns gold in autumn, adding a splash of colour to the garden even after the flowers have faded.
Lastly, we travel to the far east to explore the Japanese Pagoda Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), a big tree reaching heights of up to 75 feet (23 m). This tree, with its tremendous ornamental value, requires no supplemental water after the first year. In summer, it blooms with creamy white flowers, and in winter, its bark takes on a lovely red-brown peeling appearance. The Japanese Pagoda Tree thrives in USDA zones 4 through 8.
Another tree worthy of mention is the Japanese Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia fauriei), a broadleaf evergreen native to Japan. Growing to 30 feet tall with arching branches, this tree offers minimal water requirements once its root system is developed. It blooms with showy flowers in late summer, and its bark takes on a red-brown peeling appearance in winter. The Japanese Crepe Myrtle is hardy to USDA zone 6 and only offers white flowers.
In conclusion, these four trees are a testament to the diversity and beauty that nature has to offer. Each tree, with its unique characteristics, adds a touch of magic to any garden, providing a symphony of colours, textures, and scents throughout the seasons. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these trees are a fantastic addition to any garden, offering a lifetime of enjoyment and inspiration.
