Your guide to 11 flowering trees in Texas

TEXAS REBUD

(Cercis canadensis var. texensis), a deciduous native, is a magnificent early flowering tree. Clusters of magenta flowers hug the bare branches in February or early March, before the heart-shaped leaves emerge. Useful as a small specimen in sun or part sun and well-drained soil, this fast-growing redbud reaches 10 to 20 feet in height. It is the host plant for Henry’s elf moth.

Saucer magnolia

(Magnolia soulangeana) has soft pink flowers on bare branches. Also known as the Japanese or Tulip Magnolia, the deciduous ornamental tree likes an acidic, well-drained loam and shelter from the hot afternoon sun. In longer dry periods it needs water. Mature height is about 20 feet. It prefers morning sun with afternoon shade in summer or filtered light all day. When exposed to the intense afternoon rays of summer, the foliage of this tree scorches.

DOGWOOD

(Cornus florida), will grow in some gardens around Houston but not others. This ornamental tree needs organically enriched sandy soil on the acidic side. The tree likes moisture but requires good drainage. Dogwoods will scorch in summer droughts, so they are best used as undergrowth trees where they receive light shade or morning sun and afternoon shade. Plant so that the dogwood enjoys the filtered light benefits of a large tree’s canopy, but not too close; it needs space to expand its own canopy. Dogwoods often thrive under pine trees. Organic soil and a good mulch layer will usually provide the nutrients you need. ‘Cloud Nine’ is touted as a good bloomer that is more heat tolerant.

MEXICAN PLUM

(Prunus mexicana) usually blooms for several days in March. The tree will get more blooms as it ages and grows. This rewarding, low-maintenance tree generally requires little maintenance other than well-drained soil. No pruning is required except to remove a damaged branch. Vigorous trees do not require fertilizer. Apply an organic product if you want to increase vitality. Make sure a young tree’s roots get adequate water, especially during an extended hot dry spell. Wildlife loves the small green fruits that follow the flowers, which can be harvested to make jelly.

TEXAS PERSIMMON

(Diospyros texana), a small, slow-growing native tree, deserves a spot in a sunny, well-draining spot. The white, urn-shaped spring flowers are followed by small edible fruits that ripen black on female trees. The bark is beautifully smooth, slate gray that complements its leathery leaves. Mature height is 35 feet.

VITEX

Also known as chaste tree, has aromatic, grey-green foliage and purple flowers in summer. White and pink varieties are also available. This is an easy, rewarding little tree. It can grow up to 8 to 10 feet tall with a spread of 5 to 8 feet, so give it space.

ANACACHO ORCHID TREE

(Bauhinia congesta) reaches a height of 15 feet, but don’t underestimate its beauty in the landscape. The spring/summer flowers are white and resemble orchids; The divided foliage is an added attraction. Give this tree excellent drainage and a break from the summer afternoon sun.

TWO-WINGED SILVERBELL

(Halesia diptera) is a wonderful spring flowering tree with white, bell-shaped flowers. The name comes from the seed pod. Acid soil is best.

GRANCY GRAYBEARD OR FRINGE TREE

(Chionanthus virginicus), is a native, oval-shaped deciduous tree reaching a height of 20 feet or more. The fragrant white flowers appear in pendulous racemes in spring; Female trees bear blue berries in autumn. Chinese fringe tree (C. retusus) is smaller and more delicately textured, but because it blooms profusely, it’s more showy. The white flowers are in upright panicles.

JERUSALEM THORNS

(Parkinsonia aculeata) is a graceful little tree with light green branches and delicate, airy foliage. This maintenance-free member of the legume family produces yellow flowers in summer and is drought tolerant.

parsley hawthorn

(Crataegus marshallii) offers year-round interest: white spring flowers, parsley-shaped light green foliage, and fall coloration. Give it some sun and it will even grow in gumbo. This is good for the Houston garden.

What: Proceeds from the Azalea Trail benefit education, conservation and urban beautification projects in the Houston area.

When: 11am-5pm 4th-6th March.

Where from: Bayou Bend Gardens, Rienzi Gardens, the Forum of Civics building and four residential gardens

Tickets: Admission for the six sites, $25. Single seat admission, $10. Tickets are available at the tour locations as well as many garden shops and nurseries in the area including Bering’s, Beuchanan’s and Cornelius.

Information: riveroaksgardenclub.org

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Melissa Aguilar is the features editor and Kathy Huber is the Chronicle’s former garden editor.