As winter turns to spring, we all become witnesses to one of nature’s true wonders – the
blooming of flowering trees. Every year, people travel from across the world just to
catch a glimpse of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms. Defined by bold floral colours and vibrant fruits, these trees can instantly elevate the look and feel of any outdoor
environment. However, behind every flowering tree, there is often more than meets the
eye. These jewels of springtime bring a wide array of benefits that go beyond their stunning visual quality.
If you are looking to add a flowering tree to your backyard, a holiday home or a
communal garden, this article will break down all the key features.
What Makes Flowering Trees Unique
In botany, a flowering tree may refer to a plant that blooms in the warmer months of
spring and summer, or varieties that maintain their colour all year round. Whether they bloom in season or annually, these plants not only produce eye-catching flowers with stunning colours and fragrances, but also natural fruits.
Visual Appeal
Plants and trees naturally enhance their surroundings, be it a communal space, a front garden or a public park. Flowering trees (in particular) have the unique ability to bloom and burst to life. Certain varieties blossom in Autumn and Winter, while others thrive in Spring. When cultivated and maintained, flowering trees are a simple addition that can
add instant value to your home.
Compact and Adaptable
There are countless compact flowering trees on the market. From small Citrus trees to
Magnolias, Callistemons, Maples, Blueberry Ash and many more, there are an endless array of options at your disposal. Smaller flowering trees are an exception choice for anyone with limited space or an existing garden that is carefully curated. In addition,
the compact size results in easier maintenance for the owner.
Privacy and Shade
While this will depend on size, a flowering tree can provide an extra level of shade and
shelter from the sun. Unlike their non-flowering cousins, these plants offer shade whilst
simultaneously filling the area with vibrant colour and seasonal fruits.
Five Factors to Consider
Given the wide selection of flowering trees available, the most important factor is fit. Fit will relate to your individual needs, stylistic preference and current landscap arrangement.
1. Suitability:
Before you invest in a brand-new plant, suitability must be determined
for a wide variety of different factors. For example, a tree native to warmer weather is
likely to struggle in cool and frigid conditions. This can be determined by looking into
the origin of the tree.
Barriers are another key factor worthy of your consideration. For instance, does your
outdoor space have any obstacles that may impede the tree’s growth. Common barriers include building foundations, wiring, pipes and footpaths.
2. Vibrant or Subtle Colours:
Flowering trees have an incredible spectrum of colours
that range from bright and vibrant to subtle and subdued. When selecting a new
addition for the garden, you will not only need to consider personal colour preference,
but also a plant that complements the existing aesthetic and blends seamlessly with the
environment as a whole.
3. Size:
Before you rush to purchase and plant a brand-new tree, remember to analyse
your spatial requirements and capacity. It is important that you not only assess the
plant’s initial size, but also examine its place in your garden with a long-term mindset.
4. Seasonal Fruits:
Fruits are one of the added bonuses of a seasonal flowering tree.From plums to peaches, cherries, lemons, apples, pears and more, this is your chance to grow your very own in the backyard. As those with fruit trees can attest to, there is nothing like the flavour of homegrown fruit, particularly when the trees are cultivated
and grow under the right conditions.
5. Pollination:
Certain types of flowering trees will naturally attract birds, bees and other insects. As a result, this is an important factor to consider during the selection phase. If this is of particular importance, you can always discuss this with a florist or plant store.
Native Australian Flowering Trees
Australia is home to an incredibly diverse range of native plants, with over 24,000
species of flora identified to date. If you are looking to plant a native Australian species,
one of the most important factors to consider is climate. For example, some species will thrive in the cooler conditions of Melbourne, while others require the warm and
tropical climate of Queensland.
Let’s explore a few of common Australian species
Wattle
The wattle is one of Australia’s most iconic native flowering trees, so much so that the
golden wattle is the nation’s official floral emblem. Across the board, wattles are
incredibly robust and able to thrive in almost all regions of Australia.
Bottlebrush Callistemon
Characterised by their cylindrical and brush like flowers, the bottlebrush is a staple of Australia’s natural environment. Bottlebrush plants both produce flowers with vibrant shades of colour, but they also attract native wildlife.
Blueberry Ash
A subset of the Elaeocarpus reticulatus plant, a Blueberry Ash is a slow growing tree
that produces bright and seasonal drooping flowers. As their name suggests, some
blueberry ash trees offer the additional benefit of small dark blue fruits.
Discuss Your Needs with a Professional or Order Online
Whether you already have a preference, or you’re open to anything, there are generally
two avenues available. The first is a traditional visit to the local florist, hardware or
plant store. Here, you can view their range up close and talk it over with a staff member.
On the other hand, ordering online is ideal for anyone with limited time and a busy
schedule. Many online plant stores now offer a wide range of options, as well as quick
delivery straight to your door. The store may also have staff on hand to answer any
phone or email enquiries.
Regardless of the path you take, purchasing a brand-new flowering tree is an exciting
process that offers ongoing benefits for years to come.
