There are lots of fantastic flowering trees that grow exceptionally well in Kentucky.
In fact, numerous flowering trees are native to KY, and many more happily grow in the humid, temperate climate with those rich and fertile KY soils.
Since the soils are great and the summers are not excessively dry, most require no maintenance or irrigation once established.
No matter which Kentucky growing zone you are in, you will find many white, pink, yellow, and purple-flowered trees that you can grow in your yard.
Let’s take a look at some of the stunning flowering trees that grow in Kentucky!
18 Stunning Flowering Trees For Growing in Kentucky
1. Flowering Dogwood – Cornus florida
Flowering Dogwood is a gorgeous Kentucky native tree growing throughout Kentucky in the abundant rich soils in forest edges.
These trees are known for their prolific, big, beautiful, white ‘flowers.’ Interestingly, they are actually compound flowers where the four white ‘petals’ are showy bracts (modified leaves), and the real flowers are the small greenish-yellow flowers in the center.
Flowering Dogwood also has interesting blocky bark and rich, glossy green leaves that make nice shade trees. In the fall, they turn beautiful shades of red, orange-red, or burgundy.
These trees grow best in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil high in organic matter. KY soils are already pretty nice, but adding a thick layer of organic mulch yearly will help add organic matter and retain moisture so its shallow roots won’t risk drying out.
You can also learn how to identify Flowering Dogwood.
Other Common Names: White Flowering Dogwood, American Dogwood, Florida Dogwood, Indian Arrowwood, White Dogwood, False Boxwood
USDA Growing Zones: 5 – 9
Average Size at Maturity: 20 – 35 ft (to 66 ft) tall, 20 – 35 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Showy flowers emerge mid-March to mid-May for 2 – 4 weeks; inedible berry-like red drupes mature from September to October and persist to December
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
2. Cherokee Brave Dogwood – Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Brave’
Cherokee Brave Dogwood is a cultivar derived from the Flowering Dogwood above, so it too has big, beautiful ‘flowers,’ but their showy ‘petals’ are dark pink to nearly red and fade to a whiter base.
These incredibly pretty flowering trees also have darker pink or red vein lines running down the bracts to create a gorgeous contrasting color pattern that may be subtle or very striking.
The leaves also emerge reddish in the spring, turn rich green by summer, and then rusty red to maroon for some fall color.
Cherokee Brave Dogwood is best grown in partial shade or full sun in areas that do not get too hot since full sun in hot summers could cause the colors to bleach somewhat.
Otherwise, these trees are easy to grow in any moist, rich soil and are pest, disease, and drought-resistant.
You can also learn how to identify Cherokee Brave Dogwood.
Other Common Names: None
USDA Growing Zones: 5 – 9
Average Size at Maturity: 20 – 30 ft tall, 20 – 30 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Showy flowers bloom mid-March to mid-May; inedible berry-like red drupes mature from September to October
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
3. Eastern Redbud – Cercis canadensis
Eastern Redbud is another gorgeous flowering tree also native throughout the state of Kentucky, thriving as a small understorey tree in forest edges or full sun in any moist, well-drained soil.
This tree has prolific pea-like rose-pink blossoms that cover the bare branches before the leaves, or anything else, emerge from their winter slumber.
Their beautiful green heart-shaped leaves make for a nice small shade tree in summer. By fall, their purplish-green legumes (seed pods) hang from the trees, lasting into winter for some additional interest.
Eastern Redbud is a popular landscaping tree widely planted in city streets, parks, and residential areas for its compact size and showy spring blossoms.
These trees will easily grow anywhere in KY in full sun to partial shade in any well-drained soil to prevent soggy roots, with no maintenance once established.
You can also learn to identify the Eastern Redbud in its natural habitat.
Other Common Names: American Redbud, Redbud
USDA Growing Zones: 4 – 9
Average Size at Maturity: 20 – 30 ft tall, 15 – 35 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Flowers bloom before the leaves emerge between March and April; legumes mature from late summer to early fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
4. Southern Magnolia – Magnolia grandiflora
Southern Magnolia is a rare native tree in Kentucky, where it is growing at the northern limits of its USDA Zone tolerance. It grows naturally in well-drained, moist bottomlands and riparian areas.
These broad-leaved evergreen trees have luxurious, leathery, glossy green leaves and the most massive white flowers that can easily be over a foot wide.
Southern Magnolia requires consistently moist, well-drained soil. The soil can be almost any type as long as it contains sufficient organic matter, so topdress annually with compost to retain moisture and add nutrients.
These trees can be grown in full sun or partial shade and are pest, disease, and deer-resistant. They also tolerate urban pollution and road salts and make great city trees. But remember, these large trees need room to grow, so don’t plant them right next to sidewalks or foundations.
You can also learn how to identify Southern Magnolia.
Other Common Names: Evergreen Magnolia, Magnolia, Bull Bay, Big Laurel, Large Flower Magnolia
USDA Growing Zones: 6 – 10
Average Size at Maturity: 60 – 80 ft tall, 30 – 50 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Showy flowers usually bloom from May to June; cone-like aggregate fruits mature in summer
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
5. Saucer Magnolia – Magnolia x soulangeana
Saucer Magnolia is a gorgeous hybrid magnolia tree bred from two Asian species in France back during the time of Napoleon’s rule.
These multi-trunked shrubs are the most commonly grown deciduous magnolia for their profuse, fragrant pink and white blossoms that appear in early spring.
Saucer Magnolias grow best in rich, acidic, moist, well-drained organic loams in full sun to part shade. They do not like very wet or dry soils and should be protected from strong winds.
Since they are such early bloomers, they could suffer from late spring frosts. If you live in an area with frequent late spring frosts, be sure to plant it in a protected location.
You can also learn how to identify Saucer Magnolia.
Other Common Names: Chinese Magnolia
USDA Growing Zones: 5 – 9
Average Size at Maturity: 20 – 30 ft tall, 20 – 30 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Showy pink and white flowers bloom in early to mid-spring on bare branches and may bloom again in summer; cone-like fruits mature in late summer
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
6. Kentucky Yellowwood – Cladrastis kentukea
Kentucky Yellowwood is a rare native eastern North American tree, found mostly on limestone cliffs, slopes, ridges, and riparian areas in Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina. It is native to parts of central and southern KY.
This tree produces abundant, fragrant white, pea-like flowers in long, drooping racemes every 2nd or 3rd year, with fewer flowers in the other years. They also produce long, slender, leguminous seed pods.
Kentucky Yellowwood is a medium-sized, often multi-trunked tree with deep roots and makes a perfect shade tree for lawns.
These trees are often grown ornamentally for the lovely flowers, their urban tolerance, and their wildlife values. Several beautiful pink-colored cultivars are also available.
Kentucky Yellowwod thrives in full sunlight in any well-drained soil, including acidic and highly alkaline. It would grow well in any home garden anywhere in the state of KY.
Other Common Names: American Yellowwood, Virgilia, Gopher Wood, Yellow Ash, and the Latin names Cladrastis lutea, Cladrastis tinctoria
USDA Growing Zones: 4 – 8
Average Size at Maturity: 30 – 50 ft tall, 40 – 55 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Flowers bloom in June; fruit pods mature later in summer
Available at: Nature Hills
7. Tulip Tree – Liriodendron tulipifera
The Tulip Tree is the state tree of KY and is found in every county in the state, making up a significant and important component of the forests.
This gorgeously pretty flowering tree is closely related to magnolias and has uniquely lobed large leaves that make fantastic shade, plus big, beautiful, unique yellow tulip-like flowers.
Tulip Trees are fast-growing, easily growing 2 – 3 ft per year while they are young, and since they can live 300 years, they eventually grow to become the tallest of all the American hardwood trees.
Since they are already so widespread in Kentucky, it will be easy for homeowners to grow Tulip Trees. Even if you think you have ‘brown thumbs,’ this tree will grow for you, and it will be stunningly beautiful.
Tulip Trees grow best in full sun in acidic, moist, loamy, sandy, or well-drained clay soils, but they also tolerate alkaline soils.
Other Common Names: American Tulip Tree, Tulipwood, Tuliptree, Tulip Poplar, Whitewood, Fiddletree, Hickory Poplar, Yellow Poplar
USDA Growing Zones: 4 – 9
Average Size at Maturity: 60 – 100 ft (to 150 ft) tall, 30 – 50 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Showy flowers bloom in May and June; dry cone-like fruits mature in fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
8. Downy Serviceberry – Amelanchier arborea
Downy Serviceberry is yet another beautiful eastern North American flowering tree native throughout most of Kentucky, growing in moist forest edges and riparian areas but also dry hillsides, rocky woodlands, and mountain slopes.
These trees are also frequently grown ornamentally for their prolific, fragrant white flowers and their small, edible reddish-purple berries that ripen in late summer and can be eaten fresh off the bush, made into jams or pies, or simply left for the wildlife who will enjoy the feast.
Downy Serviceberry usually grows naturally as a multi-stemmed shrub from root suckers, but sometimes it will grow into a small tree. Commercial cultivars are typically trained to grow as small trees.
These trees grow best in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil. However, they are highly adaptable trees that tolerate any loamy, sandy, rocky, moderately alkaline, or occasionally dry or wet soils.
Other Common Names: Alabama Serviceberry, Juneberry, Shadbush, Service-tree, Sarvis-tree, Shadblow, Shadbush, also in Latin, the synonym Amelanchier canadensis.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 – 8
Average Size at Maturity: 15 – 25 ft (to 40 ft) tall, 10 – 20 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: White flowers emerge from March to April; edible reddish-purple berries mature from July to August
Available at: Nature Hills
9. Northern Catalpa – Catalpa speciosa
Northern Catalpa is another native flowering tree in Kentucky with scattered populations found throughout the state.
This tree grows naturally in full sun or partial shade in riparian areas, moist bottomlands, forest edges, shrublands, meadows, and drier upland forests. While they prefer moist, fertile loams, they are highly adaptable to wet, dry, clay, sand, acidic, and alkaline soils and also tolerate moderate drought and heat.
Northern Catalpa is a medium to large-sized tree with gorgeous trumpet-shaped flowers blooming in late spring, followed by long, thin, legume-like seed pods that mature in fall and persist all winter.
These gorgeous trees are popular landscaping trees in rural and urban environments. Be aware, however, that their wood is brittle, and they can suffer from wind and ice damage. So, if that is a concern in your area, plant them in a protected location and prune any damaged limbs if they occur.
Other Common Names: Hardy Catalpa, Western Catalpa, Cigar Tree, Catawba-Tree, Bois Chavanon
USDA Growing Zones: 4 – 8
Average Size at Maturity: 40 – 60 ft (to 90 ft) tall, 30 – 50 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Flowers bloom from late spring to early summer; long, slender seed pods mature in fall and remain all winter
Available at: Nature Hills
10. Big Leaf Magnolia – Magnolia macrophylla
Big Leaf Magnolia is not as well-known as other magnolias. This Kentucky native is uncommon in nature but can be found in rich forests in humid valleys in well-drained soils in parts of eastern and central KY.
The common name comes from having the largest simple leaves of any native North American tree, with lengths up to 43”. The leaves are deciduous in KY but may be evergreen further south.
Like Southern Magnolia, Big Leaf Magnolias also have exceptionally large flowers (to 20”) but differ in their white tepals that have purple spots near their base.
Big Leaf Magnolia is best grown in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained organic loams. They are intolerant of dry or wet soils, drought, urban pollution, and wind that can shred delicate leaves, so plant them in a protected location.
Also, learn to identify Big Leaf Magnolia in its natural habitat.
Other Common Names: Great-Leaved Macrophylla, Large Leaved Cucumber Tree, Umbrella Tree
USDA Growing Zones: 5 – 8
Average Size at Maturity: 30 – 40 ft (to 60 ft) tall, 20 – 25 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Showy flowers bloom from late spring to early summer; conelike fruits with red seeds mature in late summer
Available at: Nature Hills
11. Pagoda Dogwood – Cornus alternifolia
Pagoda Dogwoods are deciduous multi-stemmed shrubs or small trees with corky bark native to the eastern ⅔ of Kentucky growing in dry woods, rocky slopes, and rich woodlands in well-drained soil.
Their glossy green leaves are arranged alternately on the stem rather than opposite like other dogwood trees. In the fall, they turn a pleasing soft maroon.
Their flattened clusters of numerous small whitish flowers are extremely fragrant and are followed by attractive rounded blue berry-like drupes on red stalks that add additional interest. However, those fruits won’t last long when the countless birds flock to feast on them.
Pagoda Dogwoods prefer moist, acidic, well-drained soil and require cool, moist root zones, so mulch your trees and grow them in partial shade. Full sun will work if your summer is not too hot or dry.
You can also learn how to identify the Pagoda Dogwood.
Other Common Names: Alternate-Leaved Dogwood, Green Osier Dogwood, Green Osi, Golden Shadows
USDA Growing Zones: 3 – 8
Average Size at Maturity: 12 – 20 ft (to 40 ft) tall, 10 – 20 ft (to 32 ft) spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Fragrant white flowers bloom from May to June; showy blackish berries on red stalks mature from August to September
Available at: Nature Hills
12. Crape Myrtle – Lagerstroemia indica
Crape Myrtles are highly popular in the landscape industry, with numerous colors and variations available to choose from.
Be careful which varieties you choose, however, as many are only hardy in USDA Zones 7 – 10. Those in southwestern Kentucky could grow them, but those in the rest of KY must choose from hardier varieties such as Tuscarora, Endless Summer, Pocomoke, Hope, or some of the Black Diamond cultivars.
Crape Myrtles grow best in full sun in any moist, well-drained soil from slightly alkaline to acidic. While they do best in moist sites, they have some drought tolerance once established.
This Asian and Indian tree has been introduced to Kentucky, but they are not considered highly invasive. If you grow these in your garden, just keep an eye on it to ensure it does not escape cultivation.
Other Common Names: Crape Myrtle, Common Crepe Myrtle, Crepe-Myrtle, and numerous cultivar names
USDA Growing Zones: 7* – 10 *some varieties do well in 6 – 10
Average Size at Maturity: 15 – 25 ft tall, 6 – 15 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Showy flowers bloom from June to September; berry-like fruits mature in fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
13. Flowering Crabapples – Malus spp
Crabapples are cold-hardy trees that love temperate climates, so growing them in Kentucky is easy. You will be rewarded with spectacular spring blossoms and often spectacular fall colors.
These highly adaptable trees tolerate almost any soil if it’s well-drained. They also tolerate urban pollution, mild drought, and wind.
Here are a few varieties I would recommend for KY to get you started.
Spring Snow Crabapple has gorgeous, prolific white blossoms that cover the bare branches in spring. They are a fruitless variety, making them suitable as no-mess street trees.
Indian Magic Crabapple is one of my favorites for its deep-pink to nearly violet, very fragrant blossoms, beautiful red fall color, and gorgeous small red fruits that feed birds into winter.
If you are looking for edible fruits, try the Centennial Crabapple. It has pink floral buds, showy white flowers, and edible 2” fruits.
Other Common Names: Crabapple, Centennial Flowering Crabapple, Indian Magic Ornamental Crabapple
USDA Growing Zones: 4(3) – 8
Average Size at Maturity: 15 – 20 ft tall, 15 – 20 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Showy flowers emerge in spring; pomes (apples) mature in late summer or early fall, depending on the variety
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
14. Black Locust – Robinia pseudoacacia
Black Locust is a fast-growing native deciduous tree found throughout most of Kentucky, thriving in the temperate climate in moist forests and wooded slopes.
However, it can also be found growing in disturbed areas, roadsides, and abandoned fields, which is causing it to become somewhat invasive outside its natural habitat. Fortunately, it only invades disturbed areas since they don’t compete well and will not displace established native vegetation. Since it is already native to KY, this is not a concern here.
Black Locusts grow best in full sun in any moist, well-drained soil. They will tolerate drier soils and some drought but not wet soils, shade, or competition.
These trees are popular for their beautiful white pea-like flowers that hang in clusters from the branches in late spring and their ease of growing. In KY, they should grow anywhere in the state with no maintenance once established.
Other Common Names: Common Locust, False Acacia, Green Locust, Pea Flower Locust, White Locust, Yellow Locust
USDA Growing Zones: 3 – 8
Average Size at Maturity: 30 – 50 ft (to 80 ft) tall, 20 – 35 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Showy flowers bloom from late April to early June; legume seed pods mature from September to October and persist into winter
Available at: Nature Hills
15. Black Cherry – Prunus serotina
Black Cherry is a native Kentucky cherry tree found throughout most of the state, growing in moist or dry open woods, thickets, and riparian habitats.
These trees are often planted ornamentally for their fast growth (2 – 4 ft per year), abundant fragrant small white flowers that grow in large clusters, and edible fruits that can be eaten raw or made into fruit preserves. Alternatively, you can leave the fruits on the tree, and the wildlife will take care of them for you.
Black Cherry can easily grow in full sun or partial shade in any moist, well-drained soil, but they prefer mildly acidic soils.
These trees also prefer mild summers, so if you want to plant them in full sun, I recommend a thick layer of organic mulch around the tree to keep the roots cool and moist.
You can also learn how to identify Black Cherry.
Other Common Names: Wild Black Cherry, Rum Cherry, Mountain Black Cherry
USDA Growing Zones: 4 – 9
Average Size at Maturity: 40 – 80 ft tall, 30 – 50 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: White flowers bloom in April or May; fruits ripen in August or early September
Available at: Nature Hills
16. Japanese Tree Lilac – Syringa reticulata
Japanese Tree Lilacs are beautiful trees with creamy white flowers in large panicles up to one foot long with that classic lilac scent we all know and love.
Apart from the color, what differs from these lilacs is that they are small trees rather than shrubs, usually growing from 20 – 25 ft tall.
You often see Japanese Tree Lilacs planted in cities as street trees since they are highly tolerant of urban pollution and road salts. They are also popular for in residential yards as a border or accent tree.
Japanese Tree Lilacs are best grown in full sun in any average well-drained soil with medium moisture. I would recommend mulching the root zone with organic matter to help retain moisture if your summer is dry. Otherwise, they can grow anywhere in Kentucky without any maintenance.
For more information, learn how to identify the Japanese Tree Lilac.
Other Common Names: Japanese Lilac Tree
USDA Growing Zones: 3 – 7
Average Size at Maturity: 20 – 25 ft tall, 15 – 25 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Flowers emerge in late spring to early summer; capsular fruits mature in fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
17. Kentucky Coffeetree – Gymnocladus dioicus
The Kentucky Coffeetree is an uncommon eastern North American native found throughout most of Kentucky but mostly in the northeastern Bluegrass region.
These trees prefer rich, moist soils in riparian areas, ravines, and low mountain slopes but will tolerate a variety of habitats as well as urban pollution, drought, and occasional flooding.
Kentucky Coffeetree’s native range is severely fragmented, and its population is declining due to over-harvesting. As a result, it’s listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN’s Red List of endangered species.
These beautiful trees are popular in the landscape industry grown for their gorgeous compound leaves that turn a brilliant yellow in fall, very fragrant (but not showy) flowers, and their leguminous seed pods.
The common name is from the brown seeds that were roasted into a coffee-like drink by early settlers. Caution: the seeds are toxic before roasting, so they should never be consumed raw.
Other Common Names: Kentucky Coffee Tree, American Coffee Berry, Kentucky Mahogany, Nicker Tree, Stump Tree
USDA Growing Zones: 3 – 8
Average Size at Maturity: 60 – 75 ft (to 100 ft) tall, 40 – 50 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Small flowers bloom in late spring; legume fruits mature in fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
18. Fringe Tree – Chionanthus virginicus
Fringe Tree is an eastern North American native found in the eastern ⅔ of Kentucky, where they like to grow in moist woods, swamp edges, rocky bluffs, riparian areas, savannas, and bottomlands.
They are beautiful small trees with unique, delicate flowers with long, thin, white fringe-like petals, giving them their common name.
Fringe Trees prefer moist, acidic soils and will tolerate wet soils and urban pollution but not road salts.
These trees grow quite slowly, but you can increase their growth rate by planting them in rich soil with lots of organic matter and mulch.
If grown in full sun, they will bloom the best, but their foliage performs best in partial shade.
This tree is sometimes confused with the Chinese Fringe Tree more often sold in nurseries. Why grow an Asian look-alike when you can grow a no-maintenance native one with all its biodiversity and wildlife values?
Other Common Names: American Fringetree, American Fringe Tree, White Fringetree, Fringetree, Grancy Greybeard, Old Man’s Beard, Sweetheart Tree
USDA Growing Zones: 3 – 9
Average Size at Maturity: 10 – 20 ft tall, 10 – 15 ft spread
Flowering / Fruiting Season: Flowers appear in drooping clusters from May to June; berry-like drupes ripen in late summer
Available at: Nature Hills
Table Comparing Flowering Trees in Kentucky
Here is a detailed table comparing all the Kentucky flowering trees mentioned above, including their average size, flowering time and USDA growing zones.
| Tree Variety | Description | USDA Growing Zones | Average Size at Maturity | Flowering / Fruiting Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) | Native to KY, known for white ‘flowers’. Great for shade and fall colors. | 5 – 9 | 20 – 35 ft tall, 20 – 35 ft spread | Showy flowers in spring; red drupes in fall |
| Cherokee Brave Dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Brave’) | Pink to red ‘petals’, dark pink/red vein lines. | 5 – 9 | 20 – 30 ft tall, 20 – 30 ft spread | Showy flowers in spring; red drupes in fall |
| Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) | Native tree with rose-pink blossoms and heart-shaped leaves. | 4 – 9 | 20 – 30 ft tall, 15 – 35 ft spread | Flowers in spring; legumes in late summer/fall |
| Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) | Rare native with large white flowers, evergreen broad leaves. | 6 – 10 | 60 – 80 ft tall, 30 – 50 ft spread | Flowers in late spring/early summer; fruits in summer |
| Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) | Hybrid magnolia with pink and white blossoms. | 5 – 9 | 20 – 30 ft tall, 20 – 30 ft spread | Early to mid-spring flowers |
| Kentucky Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) | Rare native with fragrant white flowers in racemes. | 4 – 8 | 30 – 50 ft tall, 40 – 55 ft spread | Flowers in June; fruit pods in summer |
| Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) | State tree of KY, unique yellow tulip-like flowers. | 4 – 9 | 60 – 100 ft tall, 30 – 50 ft spread | Flowers in late spring; fruits in fall |
| Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) | Native tree with white flowers and edible berries. | 5 – 8 | 15 – 25 ft tall, 10 – 20 ft spread | Flowers in spring; berries in summer |
| Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) | Native tree with trumpet-shaped flowers and legume seed pods. | 4 – 8 | 40 – 60 ft tall, 30 – 50 ft spread | Late spring flowers; seed pods in fall |
| Big Leaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) | Large leaves, large white flowers with purple base. | 5 – 8 | 30 – 40 ft tall, 20 – 25 ft spread | Late spring to early summer flowers |
| Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) | Native multi-stemmed tree with white flowers and blackish berries. | 3 – 8 | 12 – 20 ft tall, 10 – 20 ft spread | Fragrant flowers in spring; berries in late summer |
| Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) | Various colors, hardy varieties for KY, drought-resistant. | 7* – 10 | 15 – 25 ft tall, 6 – 15 ft spread | Flowers in summer |
| Flowering Crabapples (Malus spp) | Spectacular spring blossoms, adaptable to various soils. | 4(3) – 8 | 15 – 20 ft tall, 15 – 20 ft spread | Spring flowers; fruits in late summer/fall |
| Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) | Fast-growing native, fragrant white flowers, and legume pods. | 3 – 8 | 30 – 50 ft tall, 20 – 35 ft spread | Late spring flowers; seed pods in fall |
| Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) | Native tree with white flowers and edible fruits. | 4 – 9 | 40 – 80 ft tall, 30 – 50 ft spread | Spring flowers; fruits in late summer |
| Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata) | Creamy white flowers, small tree form, fragrant. | 3 – 7 | 20 – 25 ft tall, 15 – 25 ft spread | Late spring to early summer flowers |
| Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) | Native tree with fragrant flowers and leguminous pods. | 3 – 8 | 60 – 75 ft tall, 40 – 50 ft spread | Late spring flowers; legume fruits in fall |
| Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) | Native tree with unique white fringe-like flowers. | 3 – 9 | 10 – 20 ft tall, 10 – 15 ft spread | Flowers in spring; berry-like drupes in late summer |
Stunning Flowering Trees That Grow and Thrive in Kentucky
If you live in Kentucky, you are fortunate to have the perfect temperate climate and the best soils for growing a huge variety of stunning flowering trees.
Whether you have a big yard to fill or a small garden, as long as you choose the right tree for the right spot in your yard, you will be successfully growing flowering trees in no time!
I hope you have enjoyed learning more about some of the gorgeous flowering trees you can grow in your Kentucky yard. Enjoy!
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