Who doesn’t want a flowering tree on their property? They provide gorgeous seasonal color, texture, and visual interest.
A thriving tree in bloom can breathe life into an otherwise dull landscape, and gardeners in USDA hardiness zone 7 will be pleased to know that they have many options to choose from.
From the famously stunning (and high maintenance) Yoshino weeping cherry to the easy, interesting native fringe tree, here is a varied selection of full-sized and small ornamental flowering trees for zone 7.
20 Flowering Trees For USDA Zone 7
1. Golden Chain (Laburnum x watereri)
A drought-resistant species that thrives in mild climates, the golden chain is a suitably beautiful and adaptable flowering tree for zone 7. In spring it will breathe life and color into your landscape, with its long, pendulous racemes made up of tiny, bright yellow flowers. The flowers look very similar to wisteria, though the tree has a more conventional growth habit.
These trees are adaptable to most soil types and pH levels. You only need to ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter and very well-draining – standing water will cause root rot and kill the tree.
The golden chain is sometimes mistaken for the invasive golden rain tree, but don’t worry, it is perfectly safe to plant on your property. However, this tree does pose a few issues: leaves, seeds, and flowers can cause a mess, it can be affected by twig blight, canker, and leaf spot, and it has a short life span of just 25-40 years.
Other Common Names: Bean Tree, Waterer Laburnum
Growing Zones: 5-7
Average Size at Maturity: 15-25 feet tall, with a 9-12 foot spread
Flowering Season: Spring
2. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
If you’ve ever seen a southern magnolia in late spring, you’ll understand why it’s on this list. With its large, waxy cup-shaped white blossoms, this flowering tree is stunning and fills your garden with a delicate floral fragrance while in bloom. But what is almost equally appealing is the tree’s dark evergreen leaves which keep it looking bright and beautiful in every season.
With its imposing size and ornamental features, the Southern Magnolia is best used as a flowering specimen, focal point, or shade tree. This native tree also provides food and shelter for birds and small mammals.
When planted in ideal conditions this tree is easy to care for and maintain, with a tolerance to drought, salt spray, and most pests and diseases. Scale can occasionally be an issue. Plant in deep, rich, well-draining soil with an acidic to neutral pH, in a location with full sun for optimal flower production.
Other Common Names: Bull Bay, Large Tree Magnolia, Evergreen Magnolia, Loblolly Magnolia, Big Laurel, Great Laurel Magnolia
Growing Zones: 6-10
Average Size at Maturity: 60-80 feet tall, with a 35-40 foot spread
Flowering Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
3. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
It may not be the typical choice for a flowering tree, but the sassafras offers so many appealing landscaping features that it can’t be left out!
A unique native, it stuns homeowners with its clusters of yellow flowers in early spring, unusual lobed leaves that turn multi-colored shades in fall, and tiny blue fruits that provide further seasonal interest and food for local wildlife.
It is also notable for the spicy, citrusy aroma its leaves emit when crushed. These leaves can be used as a distinctive food seasoning. Historically, root oil extract of the sassafras was also used to produce root beer but has since been prohibited by the FDA according to the University of Kentucky Extension.
Plant your sassafras in loamy, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH in full sun or light shade. Be aware that the tree has a tendency to sucker, and some maintenance will be needed to keep it from forming a thicket.
Other Common Names: White Sassafras, Red Sassafras, Silky Sassafras, Ague Tree, Mitten Tree, Root Beer Tree
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 30-60 feet tall, with a 25-40 foot spread
Flowering Season: Mid to Late Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
4. Thundercloud Plum (Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’)
A gorgeous accent and specimen tree, the Thundercloud plum will add a delicate, otherworldly presence to your garden in spring and summer. The show begins at the end of winter when the tree comes to life with profuse clusters of pale pink blossoms.
Its flowers are followed by an even more striking display – red leaves emerge and slowly turn a deep purple in summer. From spring to fall, it will remain one of the most visually exciting elements on your property.
The Thundercloud does produce small, edible fruits that are sometimes used in baking and preserves but more often than not they are left to local birds and mammals. This tree is best used as a specimen, accent, at the back of a border planting, or even as a colorful deciduous hedge or privacy screen.
Plant the Thundercloud in moist, fertile, well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. Some pruning is recommended to maintain its shape.
Other Common Names: Thundercloud Cherry Plum, Thundercloud Myrobalan Plum, Cherry Plum
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 15-20 feet tall, with a similar spread
Flowering Season: Early Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
5. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)
Image by Wendy Cutler via Flickr
Another appealing flowering native is the sourwood, native to parts of the Eastern and Southern United States. Not only does it add beauty to the landscape in every season, but it is easy to grow and easy to care for. In spring it produces bright green leaves and in summer long racemes are decorated with delicate, fragrant white flowers. Its fall color is stunning, with shades of red and purple, and its elegant branching habit and textured, blocky bark add extra winter interest.
The sourwood can take a little extra time to grow and develop, and will not flower until its fifth year. However its slow growth rate contributes to its low-maintenance nature – it requires minimal pruning, only needs water during dry spells, and fertilizer if the soil is lacking in nutrients.
These trees are mostly used as shade and accent trees, but can be used to produce a delicious and highly sought-after gourmet honey product.
Other Common Names: Sorrel Tree, Lily of the Valley Tree, Honey Tree
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 20-30 feet tall, with a 10-15 foot spread
Flowering Season: Summer
Available at: Nature Hills
6. Yoshino Weeping Cherry Tree (Prunus x yedoensis pendula)
The Yoshino weeping cherry is a gorgeous medium-sized cherry tree known for its spectacular clouds of pale pink spring cherry blossoms, as well as its graceful, architectural weeping habit.
Its branches grow up and outward in a vase shape, before sweeping down toward the ground. Perfect as a living sculpture, the Yoshino will be the gem of your landscape in spring and will add beauty to it in every other part of the year.
Native to Japan and cultivated throughout East Asia, the Yoshino weeping cherry is an eastern symbol of artistic inspiration. While it is certainly one of the prettiest ornamental trees available in zone 7, it comes at a price: it is high maintenance, needing constant sunlight, diligent watering, and careful monitoring for signs of pests and disease. Leaf spot and leaf curl are the most common culprits.
If you have time and patience, the Yoshino Weeping Cherry will be an invaluable addition to your garden.
Other Common Names: Tokyo Cherry, Potomac Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry
Growing Zones: 5-8
Average Size at Maturity: 15-20 feet tall, with a similar spread
Flowering Season: Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
7. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
A classic of the eastern North American landscape, the Eastern redbud is a lovely, vibrant US native that can be found growing in the wild amongst woodlands, thickets, and streams. It offers four seasons of interest with vivid purplish-pink flowers in spring, heart-shaped summer leaves that turn a pleasant yellow shade in fall, and striking, sculptural bare branches in winter.
Overall the redbud is a no-brainer for zone 7 gardeners who want a showy but easygoing flowering tree. They can be used as single specimen trees, planted in loose groupings as a woodland grove, as a street tree or border plant, and even to accentuate a nearby water feature or evergreen planting.
As long as the soil on your property drains well and is relatively moist, you’ll find that the redbud is not picky about soil types or 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
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
8. Royal Purple Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’)
Wow your neighbors with this unique landscape shrub! The Royal Purple Smokebush is a truly startling specimen, named for the visual effect of its wirey, downy blossoms that float outward and above the tree’s rounded dark purple foliage.
When viewed from a distance, these summer panicles create the illusion of a cloud of smoke. And with leaves that turn almost red in full sunlight, it’s safe to say this smokebush variety is one-of-a-kind.
Naturally, the Royal Purple Smokebush works especially well in landscape gardening as a single specimen, particularly as a focal point or foundation planting. It can also be added to a backdrop, or planted en masse as a screen or along a property line.
This tree will work best planted in full sunlight – not only for optimal growth and flower production but also because its foliage looks most stunning in the full glare of the sun.
Other Common Names: Smoketree, Eurasian Smokebush
Growing Zones: 4-8
Average Size at Maturity: 12-15 feet tall, with a 10-12 foot spread
Flowering Season: Mid-Summer
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
9. Muskogee Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Muskogee’)
Crape myrtle trees are a classic choice of flowering tree, and the Muskogee is one of its flagship cultivars. It is a small tree with a neat, rounded shape and panicles of ruffled lavender-colored flowers.
Its fall foliage is impressive too, changing from green to red and purple. The Muskogee is hardy and easy to grow, making it a popular choice for landscape gardening, particularly in the southern US.
The Muskogee Crape Myrtle can be used as an accent planting, street tree, or specimen. Since it grows as both a small tree or large shrub, it can also work well as a privacy screen or hedge. It is also excellent in urban gardens and outdoor areas, according to the University of Florida Landscape Plant Extension.
Plant the Muskogee in loamy or clay soil that is moist and well-draining, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Full sun is recommended.
Growing Zones: 6-9
Average Size at Maturity: 15-20 feet tall, with a 15-foot spread
Flowering Season: Summer through Fall
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
10. Amethyst Falls Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’)
Few trees are associated with such romantic imagery as the elegant wisteria. For zone 7 gardeners who want one of these trees on their property without risking invasive spread, the non-invasive Amethyst Falls cultivar is a great option. Both vine and tree options are available, and both grow at a third of the rate of Asian wisteria varieties, making it much more manageable.
The Amethyst Falls will make a gorgeous centerpiece to any garden, with a central trunk that the foliage and spring-summer flowers appear to pour out of like a fountain. Its flowers are a lilac purple color and delightfully fragrant, and they bloom twice – once in late spring and again in mid-summer. They can also be planted in a container and used as a patio plant.
Plant the Amethyst Falls Wisteria in moist, fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH and full sun exposure.
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 5-15 feet tall, with a similar spread
Flowering Season: Late Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
11. Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana)
Another stunning magnolia cultivar is the Saucer magnolia, a hybrid between the lilytree and lily magnolia. Though both trees are Japanese natives, the Saucer was cultivated in France in the 1820s, quickly becoming one of the most popular flowering trees in Europe and the US.
Though it is a deciduous magnolia variety unlike the southern magnolia, it has plenty of appealing features. In spring it is decorated with large, eye-catching pink blooms that grow in the shape of saucers, hence the name. It also has smooth silver-grey bark and an upright, spreading growth habit that becomes quite rounded in maturity.
The Saucer magnolia naturally grows as a multi-stemmed shrub, but it can be pruned and trained to grow as a small single-trunk tree. Fertilizer is usually unnecessary, and this hardy tree faces few pest and disease issues. It should be planted in moist, loamy, well-draining soil with an acidic pH in full sun or partial shade.
Other Common Names: N/A
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 20 to 25 feet tall, with a similar spread
Flowering Season: Late Winter to Mid Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
12. White Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Flowering dogwood is a wide-growing ornamental tree native to parts of the Eastern United States. Their popularity is owed to their four-season appeal and low-maintenance nature. The white flowering dogwood is a gorgeous variety of this species, with pure white flower bracts that add brightness and freshness to the spring landscape. It is a welcome sight after a drab zone 7 winter.
The white flowering dogwood also has a neat, spreading growth habit with sculptural branches, and in fall its bright green flowers turn an attractive red hue. Its scarlet red berries add further color and will feed hordes of local birds through fall. Use it as a specimen, a small shade tree, or to accentuate a patio or large building.
Once established this dogwood has few requirements short of moist, well-draining soil. However, they will also grow best when provided with partial shade and loamy, slightly acidic soil.
Other Common Names: White Cornel, Florida Dogwood, False Boxwood, False Box, American Dogwood, Indian Arrowood, Cornelian Tree
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 15-30 feet tall, with a 15-20 foot spread
Flowering Season: Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
13. Limelight Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’)
Add some drama to your garden with the Limelight Panicle hydrangea, a patented cultivar known for its pale lime-colored blooms that have a dense, conical shape made up of tiny flowers. They sit on the top of long stems, and the shrub itself has an upright, spreading habit.
The color of the flowers adds a freshness to the summer landscape, and they have an exceptionally long growing season, lasting for 2-3 months each year. And that’s not all – the leaves of this shrub turn a brilliant flush of red in fall. The Limelight Panicle can be planted in the ground or in a container and will look especially good on a patio or on either side of a property entrance.
Plant the Limelight Panicle hydrangea in rich, evenly moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. A light fertilizer and partial sun exposure will also benefit this shrub.
Other Common Names: Limelight Hydrangea
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 6-8 feet tall, with a similar spread
Flowering Season: Mid to Late Summer
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
14. Lilac Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
This singular small tree will make a statement in your garden or backyard, with its long, spiked racemes covered in bluish-purple summer flowers and aromatic silver-green foliage. This fast-growing specimen can grow as a large shrub or small, multi-trunked tree, and has an open and spreading growth habit.
The flowers of the chaste tree can come in shades of lilac, pink, and white, but the lilac variety is the most widely grown in landscape gardening. In the southern US in particular, it is planted to mimic more cold hardy lilac shrubs. The chaste tree can be weedy in some areas, particularly in dry, rocky areas and limestone outcrops. However, outside of this range, it should grow normally.
The lilac chaste tree is drought resistant and has no serious pest or disease issues. It should be planted in loose, moist, slightly dry soil.
Other Common Names: Chaste Tree, Texas Lilac, Monk’s Pepper, Chasteberry, Lilac Chastetree, Hemp Tree, Sage Tree, Indian Spice
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 15-25 feet tall, with a similar spread
Flowering Season: Summer
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
15. White Fringe Tree (Chionanthus Virginicus)
Native to the lowlands of the Southeastern US, the white fringe tree is both beautiful and visually interesting, but it is often overlooked by American gardeners in favor of more traditional flowering trees. But with its upright, domed growth habit and ribbon-like white flowers, it is well worth growing on any zone 7 property.
In late summer, the female fringe trees’ distinctive flowers give way to small blue-black fruits that local wildlife love. While both male and female trees are attractive, the male fringe tree tends to have larger, showier blooms. While it takes longer to flower and leaf out than most, it is a spectacular sight when it does.
The white fringe tree is highly adaptable to a wide range of soil types, able to grow in areas where many other trees can’t. Outside of annual fertilizing, it requires very little to no maintenance.
Other Common Names: American Fringetree, Fringetree, Old Man’s Beard, Granddaddy Greybeard, Grancy Greybeard
Growing Zones: 3-9
Average Size at Maturity: 10-30 feet tall, with a 10-20 foot spread
Flowering Season: Late Spring
Available at: Nature Hills
16. Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
An early spring wonder, the red buckeye is one of the first flowering trees to come to life after winter. This small native tree or shrub produces showy, tubular red flowers that stand out starkly against its glossy dark green leaves.
In landscape gardening, it is best used as an accent tree, background tree, or spring focal point. It goes dormant very early so does best next to trees that provide year-round interest, such as evergreens.
The red buckeye is a native of the southeastern US and is most commonly found growing wild along streams, in valleys and bluffs, and in low, rich woodlands, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
For a full canopy and lush foliage plant the red buckeye in a location with full sun exposure, in moist, acidic, well-draining soil. Otherwise, it can tolerate partial shade and a wide array of soil types.
Other Common Names: Firecracker Plant, Scarlet Buckeye
Growing Zones: 4-9
Average Size at Maturity: 10-20 feet tall, with a similar spread
Flowering Season: Early Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
17. American Holly (Ilex opaca)
A classic evergreen of US landscape gardening, the American holly is not traditionally chosen for its flowering display, which is sometimes overshadowed by its dark green spiny leaves and bright red fall and winter berries. Yet its tiny white spring flowers are a delicate accent to its bolder features and are excellent at attracting pollinators to your garden.
And of course, the American holly is a highly useful tree. It is pitch-perfect for establishing hedges and evergreen privacy screens and also works well as an ornamental understory tree, an accent tree, and in a foundation planting. When its lower branches are pruned it can even be grown as a small specimen tree – a truly versatile species!
Plant the American holly in a location with well-draining, acidic soil, and full sun to partial shade. Acidity is important, so you should do a pH test and amend the soil if necessary.
Other Common Names: Common Holly, Yule Holly, White Holly, Christmas Holly
Growing Zones: 6-9
Average Size at Maturity: 15-30 feet tall, with a 10-20 foot spread
Flowering Season: Late Spring
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
18. Red Jewel Crabapple (Malus ‘Red Jewel’)
Crabapple trees are a go-to option for zone 7 gardeners looking for an easy, appealing flowering tree. And the Red Jewel, in particular, is a noteworthy variety, known for its prolific white flowers and tiny bright red fruits that look like glimmering jewels in the summer sun. These fruits grow in prolific clusters and will be a great attraction for hungry wildlife, particularly birds.
Its form is pleasing too – this petite tree has an upright, spreading growth habit and is small enough to fit into virtually any landscape. The Red Jewel is most often used as a simple focal point in smaller landscapes, as well as an anchor plant or accent tree. In groupings, it can even work as a privacy hedge, small grove, or planted in rows along a narrow street or driveway.
The Red Jewel grows best in moist, well-draining soil and full sunlight. Otherwise, it is adaptable to most soil types.
Growing Zones: 4-8
Average Size at Maturity: 12-15 feet tall, with an 8-10 foot spread
Flowering Season: Spring
Available at: Nature Hills
19. Summer Chocolate Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’)
Looking for something a little different to decorate your property? The Summer Chocolate Mimosa makes an excellent specimen and might be just what you’re looking for.
This exotic cultivar has two exceptionally interesting features: first, its pinnate leaves are green in spring, but fade into a deep burgundy hue that resembles the color of chocolate. And second, it produces the mimosa’s signature fluffy pink and white flower in spring. These two features combined with the tree’s elegant umbrella-shaped canopy will have a stunning effect on your landscape.
Fortunately, the Summer Chocolate Mimosa also produces fewer seeds than its other mimosa counterparts, so gardeners do not have to worry about invasive spread. They are also easy to care for, needing little watering or pruning once established. Plant the Summer Chocolate in moist, well-draining soil in a spot with full sun exposure.
Growing Zones: 7-10
Average Size at Maturity: 15-20 feet tall, with a similar spread
Flowering Season: Summer
Available at: Fast-Growing-Trees & Nature Hills
20. Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodthree’)
Blue is one of the rarest and most sought-after colors in landscape gardening, so it’s no surprise that gardeners flock to purchase and plant the Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon. This exciting cultivar grows as a small tree, and in spring it comes alive with incredible blue and purple frilled flowers that are guaranteed to be the treasure of your home landscape.
Naturally, the Blue Chiffon is best used as a specimen tree, but it can also work well as an ornamental hedge or privacy screen due to its rounded form and dense, lively foliage. Its flowers will attract bees and butterflies through spring, making it a decent addition to a pollinator garden.
Plant the Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon in rich, loamy, well-draining soil in a location with plenty of sunlight. It can tolerate poor-quality soil and pollution, so urban gardeners can enjoy its splendor too.
Growing Zones: 5-9
Average Size at Maturity: 8-12 feet tall, with a 4-6 foot spread
Flowering Season: Spring
Available at: Nature Hills
Color and Convenience With Flowering Ornamentals
If you have the space for them, it’s always worth adding a flowering ornamental tree to your zone 7 home landscape. And even if you don’t think you have enough space, you’ll find there are plenty of dwarf-sized trees that will grow in the most diminutive gaps on your property.
Flowering trees are some of the most satisfying species you can plant, so don’t miss out. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with the climate you live in, as landscapes can vary wildly even in the same zone. For more excellent trees that can thrive in full sun or shade, check out these popular zone 7 options.
Related Articles:
