Stephanandra | Tree Leaf Flowers

Known for being deer-resistant, Stephanandra incisa yields showy white flowers, which bloom on coral stems among maple-like leaves on arching branches. In fall, leaves turn yellow and orange. It's a great choice in a rocky boulder area and it'll really hold a hillside for you, says Tegland.

Cercis Golden Falls, Flowers Trees

Cercis Golden Falls has lavender-pink flowers that bloom in spring, followed by large, orange-tipped leaves that age to a bright and colorfast golden yellow, says Funk. Its narrow and graceful weeping form and slow growth rate make it an ideal option for small spaces, or you can plant it in groupings.

Tulip Tree, Tulip Flowers

As you may have guessed, the tulip tree (Liriodendron) gets its name because it produces blossoms that closely resemble springtime tulips. These buds are aromatic and are a golden-green hue ringed with vibrant orange. "The tulip tree, a member of the magnolia family, is one of the largest native trees in North America," says Walz. "Tulip trees are also the host plant for tiger and spicebush swallowtail butterflies."

Tulip Flowers, Tulip Tree

Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a tall variety with bright green leaves and yellow-green tulip-like flowers, hence the name. "Fall foliage will be shades of golden yellow for this Eastern North American tree," says Mark Canney, urban forester at the Arbor Day Foundation. Avoid overwatering this variety and ensure it gets full sun for better blooming.

Bloodgood Japanese Maple, Beautiful Red Flowers Tree

Japanese maples have unparalleled curb appeal and one particularly eye-catching variety is 'Bloodgood.' "It’s a wider spreading Japanese maple and the branching is quite gnarly looking in winter," says Roethling. "New leaves emerge in mid-spring to a coppery red tone before turning burgundy red for the summer."  In fall, the palmate-shaped leaves turn a beautiful crimson color.

Red Lotus Tree and Flowers

Red lotus tree (Magnolia insignia) is an ideal plant to add as a centerpiece or focal point behind a mass of perennials. "In early summer, white, balloon-shaped buds will gradually open with reddish tones," says Roethling. "It’s a magnolia, therefore expect that soft perfume scent to permeate the afternoon air."

Fragrant Snowbell White Flowers

Fragrant snowbell (Styrax japonicus) is a small deciduous tree with extremely fragrant white spring flowers. "The flowers are little but cover every limb from head to toe," says Roethling. "It’ll make a wonderful statement as a stand-alone or in the back of a perennial bed." Its grey bark and gumdrop-like shape give the tree interest during winter months.

Crepe Myrtle Flowers

One of the best performers during hot, dry summers is crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.). "With so many to choose from, one can find the right color and size to best suit their garden," says Roethling. "It’s one of the last summer flowering trees to leaf out. In June, July, and August, large panicles burst—from white to many shades of red and purple." In fall, some leaves are orange, and the panicles go from flowers to small, rounded capsules. Crepe myrtle offers winter interest thanks to its cinnamon-brown bark that exfoliates and intensifies in color.

Chinese Snowball Viburnum Flowers

Often confused for a hydrangea, Chinese snowball viburnum (Viburnum macrocephalum) is a showstopper in the front yard. "In late spring, large white flowers cover the plants so long as they are not in too much shade," says Roethling. "Some re-flowering can occur in fall. The flowers come out green and, when fully open, brighten to a giant white, snowball-like inflorescence." This tree variety does well with pruning should it begin to outgrow its space.

Dogwood white flowers tree

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) boats beautiful white, yellow, or pink flowers in early spring. Native to eastern North America, the blooms on this understory tree will attract butterflies and bees to your yard, while songbirds come to snack on its red fruits, which appear from fall throughout winter. Commonly found in woodland margins, flowering dogwood can be challenging to grow in a landscape setting, but its beauty is well worth the extra effort.

Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 15 to 25 feet tall x 15 to 30 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil