Flowering trees are one aspect of the landscape that adds to its beauty, so it’s natural you may want to plant some flowering trees to brighten up your garden or backyard.
Before choosing any trees to plant on your property, you should carefully consider Maryland’s unique geography. Despite its small size Maryland contains a varied climate, due to its proximity to the ocean in the southeast and more mountainous areas in the north. The state enjoys hot, humid summers, and winters are long and chilly with plenty of snowfall.
Thus, MD is divided across USDA growing zones 5b to 8a. These zones will dictate which trees you can grow on your property, whether they are flowering trees, fruit trees, or evergreen trees that are appropriate for Maryland.
14 Stunning Flowering Trees To Grow In Maryland
1. Jane Magnolia (Magnoliaceae)
Known for its large tulip-shaped flowers, the Jane magnolia is an excellent choice of flowering tree for MD growers as it can be grown virtually anywhere in the state.
The Jane magnolia’s gorgeous flowers bloom in spring and start off as a deep burgundy purple, before fading to lighter pink as the flower opens. Its inner petals are pale white. Despite its delicate-looking blossoms, this type of magnolia is a robust tree that is both cold hardy, and relatively heat-resistant.
Jane magnolias can be grown in both full sun and partial shade and should be grown in rich, moist soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Fertilizer can be applied in spring every two or three years, and any pruning should be done after the tree has blossomed to avoid losing flowers.
According to the North Carolina State University Extension, the Jane magnolia can fall victim to scale, weevils, canker, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and other pests and diseases.
Other Common Names: Magnolia “Jane”
Growing Zones: 4-8
Average Size at Maturity: 10-15 feet tall, with an 8-12 foot spread
Flowering Season: Spring
2. Purple Robe Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
The purple robe locust is recognizable for its uneven oval shape, thin, bare trunk, and clusters of vibrant pink-purple flowers that look very similar to the drooping masses of wisteria flowers.
The purple robe locust is an excellent choice as both a shade tree, due to its tight-growing branches, and a specimen plant, as its eye-catching 8-inch flowers will stand out amidst any landscape. The flowers of the purple robe locust are also especially fragrant in summer, which adds another attractive element to an MD garden.
The purple robe locust is a very hardy tree, relatively drought, heat, and storm-resistant, and able to thrive even in very poor-quality and infertile soil. Its only significant soil requirement is a well-draining spot, and it has no pruning or mulching requirements.
These trees can be susceptible to locust borer and locust leaf miner, so you may want to consider an appropriate pesticide when growing the purple robe locust.
Other Common Names: Robinia ‘Purple Robe’
Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Size at Maturity: 30-50 feet tall, with a 25-35 foot spread
Flowering Season: Late Summer to Early Spring
3. Weeping Cherry (Prunus pendula)
One of the more impressive flowering species that can be grown in Maryland, the weeping cherry provides a spectacle of cascading pink-white blossoms that have a spell-binding effect on any garden or property. It also produces small sour fruits that aren’t very appetizing for humans but will attract local wildlife.
If you are planting a weeping cherry tree for its spring appeal, keep in mind that its flowers are relatively short-lived. In fact, the entire tree is short-lived, with the University of Maryland Extension positing that most Jane magnolia will only live for 20-25 years on average.
Weeping cherry trees love rich, loamy, well-draining soil with neutral pH levels, and they should be planted in a spot with full sun to encourage growth and discourage any fungal infections. These trees can be prone to pests and disease, including borers and powdery mildew disease, both of which can survive with enough care and attention.
Other Common Names: Weeping Higan Cherry Tree
Growing Zones: 5-8
Average Size at Maturity: 15-25 feet tall, with a similar spread
Flowering Season: Spring
4. Japanese Red Maple (Acer palmatum)
Another Japanese native that has come to thrive in the MD climate, the Japanese Red Maple is a gorgeous, ornamental tree that will make a statement in any garden. Though it is technically a flowering tree, sprouting clusters of red flowers in spring, this tree is grown more for its stunning red leaves.
This species of maple tree has brilliant foliage that provides plenty of appeal throughout the year. In spring and summer leaves begin to unfurl in darker shades before transitioning to green, and in fall, leaves return to their vivid reddish-purple hue. Even in winter, its elegant leafless form makes its mark on the landscape.
Japanese red maples prefer rich, loamy, well-draining soil with an acidic pH. Though it does have some drought resistance, it will benefit from consistently moist soil. Full sun and partial shade are acceptable, with at least four hours of direct sunlight per day.
Other Common Names: Japanese maple, Momiji
Growing Zones: 5-8
Average Size at Maturity: 15-25 feet tall, with a similar spread.
Flowering Season: Spring
5. Greenspire Linden (Tilia cordata)
This low-maintenance shade tree is an easy choice for MD gardeners who want a neat and attractive tree that can survive and thrive even in the most difficult places. Once mature the greenspire linden is tolerant to wind and drought and can be grown in both dry and moist soil. These trees can often be seen decorating sidewalks and streets, as their resilient nature allows them to tolerate the urban pollution of cities.
Though it generally is not grown for its flowers, the greenspire does bear clusters of yellow flowers that produce a distinctively spicy fragrance that attracts birds, bees, and other pollinators in spring.
Greenspire lindens are very adaptable, but they still require full sun to grow properly. These trees have a dense crown that grows quite dense and compact, so pruning is usually unnecessary.
Growing Zones: 3 to 7
Average Size at Maturity: 50-70 feet tall, with approximately 30 feet spread
Flowering Season: Early Spring
6. Bonfire Peach Tree (Prunus persica ‘Bonfire’)
What could be better than a tree that fills your garden with beautiful, fragrant flowers? Well, how about one that also yields delicious fruits too? That’s what MD gardeners will get from the bonfire peach tree, a veritable triple whammy for tree growers.
It’s an attractive prospect for gardeners due to its juicy peaches, thick clusters of pink and white blossoms, and its uniquely long, narrow leaves that range anywhere from deep red and purple to bright green.
For best results, the bonfire peach should be grown in moist, well-draining soil with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It should be fertilized thoroughly while it is producing fruit, and due to being monoecious, it does not require a second tree in order to fruit. However, extra fruit trees will produce a higher yield per tree.
Growing Zones: 5-8
Average Size at Maturity: 5-7 feet with a similar spread
Flowering Season: Early Spring
7. American Linden (Tilia americana)
Native to eastern North America, the American linden, also commonly known as American basswood, is usually found in mountainous regions. It is a useful shade tree prized for its timber, which is often used for furniture, musical instruments, and wood carving. It is also grown as an ornamental and as wind protection for younger trees.
In early summer these trees produce small, pale-yellow flowers, and while they may not be the most beautiful blossoms on any given property, they are extremely attractive to pollinators, and exceptional honey can be produced from its nectar. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, you can expect blossoms anywhere from late May to early July.
American lindens prefer full sun to partial shade and grow easily in a variety of soils including dry and clay soil. However, it is most partial to moist, fertile, well-draining soil. It is relatively low maintenance and is not susceptible to any serious pests or diseases.
Other Common Names: American Basswood, Bee Tree, Carolina Basswood, White Basswood, White Wood, Lime Tree, American Lime
Growing Zones: 3-8
Average Size at Maturity: 50-80 feet tall, with a 30-50 foot spread
Flowering Season: Early Summer
8. Lavender Chiffon Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
What a mouthful! You’ll be happy to know that this tree is easier to grow than its name is to say, and its gorgeous, delicate lavender-colored flowers are an impressive addition to any garden. They can be grown as a specimen plant or even as hedging, and once the lavender chiffon has been established it will grow and thrive with very little maintenance requirements.
Unlike some of the trees on this list, the lavender chiffon has a long flowering season, starting at the beginning of summer and continuing to bloom for as long as four months at a time!
Lavender Chiffon should be grown in full sun, though it can grow in partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil with medium moisture It is very tolerant to rain, and salt, and once it reaches maturity, it is even tolerant to drought. They can be pruned into trees or shrubs depending on your preference.
Other Common Names: Hibiscus Syriacus Lavender Chiffon, Althea Shrub
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 8-12 feet tall with 4-6 foot spread
Flowering Season: Mid-Summer
9. Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
The large, creamy white flowers of the sweetbay magnolia are particularly showy, making this beautiful tree an excellent specimen tree for your Maryland landscape. The growing properties of the sweetbay will vary depending on where it is grown – since MD is in the north, expect your trees to be deciduous and more shrubby in size/shape than they are in the south, where sweetbays are typically taller and evergreen.
Sweetbay magnolias do need some maintenance to grow and thrive, including annual fertilization, semi-regular pruning, and preventative measures against pests and diseases. Trees prefer very wet and even bog-like soil and should be grown in moist, rich, fertile soil with an acidic pH (leaves will begin to turn yellow if planted in alkaline soil). It can thrive in both full sunlight and partial shade.
Other Common Names: Swamp Magnolia, Sweet Bay Magnolia
Growing Zones: 4-10
Average Size at Maturity: 10-35 feet tall, with a 10-35 foot spread
Flowering Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
10. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
If you want a truly unique-looking flowering tree for your garden, look no further than the tulip poplar. In fact, this tree takes half of its name from the tulip flower, which looks fairly similar to its yellow, green, and orange spring blossoms. However, the tulip poplar is neither a tulip flower nor a poplar tree.
This tree is instead an especially tall member of the Magnolia family and has been a historically useful tree due to its sturdy wood, which was originally used for canoe-building, before becoming a staple in eastern North America for its use as railroad ties and fence posts.
The tulip poplar should be grown in an area with full sunlight and plenty of space, to accommodate the tree’s enormous height and considerable crown. It requires moist, rich, well-draining soil with a moderate to acidic pH. MD growers should also use horticultural oils and fungicides to prevent poplar weevils and cankers, both of which the tulip poplar is susceptible to.
Other Common Names: Tulip Tree, Yellow Poplar
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 70-130 feet tall, with a 30-60 foot spread
Flowering Season: Spring
11. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
The bright, cheery flowers of the flowering dogwood are sure to brighten up any landscape. For 2 to 4 weeks in Spring, these trees produce abundant clusters of blossoms which can range in color from stark white to light pink, to red.
They also have lovely green and reddish-purple foliage in summer and fall, before being followed by bright red fruits through winter. They are a truly lovely ornamental plant throughout the year.
Because they are understory trees, flowering dogwoods grow best in partial shade, so it’s important to consider where in your landscape you choose to plant these trees.
In terms of climate and soil type, these trees are very adaptable, but for best results, they should be grown in rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Once established they do not need to be fertilized, and pruning is only necessary to remove dead, injured, or infected branches.
Other Common Names: American Flowering Dogwood
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 20-35 feet tall, with a 25-30 foot spread
Flowering Season: Early Spring
12. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Few flowering trees in Maryland can compare to the incredible bloomage of the eastern redbud. These showy trees, part of the bean family, are native to the eastern United States and make a desirable ornamental tree due to the abundance of bright pink, purple, and red flowers that cover the entire tree in spring.
No surprise then that the profuse blossoms of the redbud trees attract plenty of pollinators. Its flowers will last for 2 to 3 weeks through spring before its heart-shaped leaves emerge to replace them.
The eastern redbud is best planted in spring, after the last frosts, or in fall. These trees prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and should be grown in moist, moderately fertile soil. They are adaptable to a wide variety of soil types and pH levels.
Other Common Names: Eastern Redbud, American Judas Tree, American Redbud
Growing Zones: 4-8
Average Size at Maturity: 20-30 feet tall, with a 30-35 foot spread
Flowering Season: Spring
13. Japanese Lilac (Syringa Reticulata)
Unlike most lilacs, the Japanese lilac is more of a tree than a shrub and grows in an attractive rounded shape that requires little pruning to maintain its neatness. It makes a lovely specimen tree due to the proliferation of small white flowers that grow in panicles in early summer.
This lilac tree can also be planted virtually anywhere in your garden, due to its shallow root system. It can be grown near patios, sidewalks, septic lines, and more without disrupting them.
The Japanese lilac prefers loose, moist, fertile soil, that is well-draining and with a neutral to acidic pH. For optimal flower production, the tree should be grown in full sunlight, otherwise, it will tolerate partial shade while producing fewer blossoms.
Other Common Names: Tree Lilac
Growing Zones: 3-7
Average Size at Maturity: 20-30 feet tall, with a 15-20 foot spread
Flowering Season: Early Summer
14. Flowering Crabapple (Malus spp.)
Flowering crabapples live up to their name, as they are largely grown for their fragrant spring blossoms, which can range from pure white to light pink, to a brighter, more vivid pink. The flowering crabapple has dozens of cultivars, so be sure to choose one that most closely suits your needs.
These trees require at least six hours of sun a day for optimal flower production, so look for a planting location with access to full sun. Some cultivars can thrive in partial shade, so keep this in mind when choosing your tree. Rich, well-draining soil is the best choice for all flowering crabapple varieties, with a slightly acidic pH.
It’s best to take preventative measures against pests and diseases, as crabapples tend to be susceptible to both. You’ll need to protect against blight, powdery mildew, apple scab, aphids, appletree borer, and more.
Other Common Names: Flowering Crab
Growing Zones: 4-8
Average Size at Maturity: 15-25 feet tall, with 12-20 foot spread
Flowering Season: Late Spring
Beautiful Pink, Purple, and White Flowers For MD Gardens
Growing any of these flowering trees in Maryland will beautify your garden and bring a unique ornamental appeal. However, they do offer varying qualities that are attractive for different reasons.
For example, if you are looking for showy, eye-catching specimen trees, the eastern redbud, weeping cherry, and lavender chiffon rose of Sharon are all good options. If you are looking for something more subtle, the American linden, Greenspire linden, and Japanese red maple will work wonders.
Despite the varying climate, no matter where you live in MD you’ll find a beautiful flowering tree that can suit your needs.
Related Articles:
- 9 Privacy Trees to Grow in Maryland (Includes Hedging Trees)
- 9 Fast-Growing Trees for Maryland (Including Shade Trees)
- 9 Evergreen Trees to Grow in Maryland for Year-Round Color
- 25 Common Types of Trees Native to Maryland (Grow or Admire)
- 12 Fruit Trees to Grow in Maryland (for Bountiful Harvests)
Fern discovered her love of gardening later in life but has not wasted any time catching up on missed years. She has contributed to the planting and care of over 100 different fruit, nut, native and ornamental trees over the past 5 years on her property.
Fern has a special interest in biodynamic farming, food production and closed loop agriculture.
When not in the garden or exercising her dogs, you will find her preserving the harvest or with her nose buried in a novel.
