Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs

by Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, University of Missouri Extension- Jackson County


I frequently look at other people’s yards and gardens and admire their flowers, trees, and shrubs. If I see a plant that is new to me, I try to figure out what it is, if it will grow in my yard, and where I can buy one!

This spring, take some time to enjoy the flowering trees and shrubs in your neighborhood, parks, and green spaces around you. If you see some you like, now is a great time to figure out what they are and if they will grow in your yard. Spring is also a good time to plant new flowering trees and shrubs. They provide enjoyment for years to come. Here are several spring-flowering trees and shrubs that grow well  in our part of Missouri:

Serviceberry- (Amelanchier arborea)
Serviceberry, native to Missouri, is an attractive small tree with smooth gray bark. It grows on wooded slopes. The snowy white flowers appear in early spring before anything else in the woods has leafed out. Tasty berries appear in June and leaves turn pink and orange in the fall. Unfortunately, invasive, non-native Callery Pears (Bradford Pear being one type) are blanketing open areas.  Do not mistake the white flowers of Callery Pears for Serviceberry!

Flowering dogwood- (Cornus florida) 
White flowering dogwood is a popular native flowering tree. Johnson County, Missouri is the nearest natural occurrence of this tree in our region. It will grow in our region, if it is put in a protected, part- shade location. Growth is fairly slow. Their branches are open and horizontal, with a rounded mature shape. They can get up to 30 feet tall. Their spectacular white bracts appear before leaves. Small, red fruit persist in fall and attract songbirds. It has lustrous, scarlet foliage in fall.

They can be used as specimens, in masses or naturalized under larger trees, preferring moist, humus rich, slightly acidic soils. Avoid planting in hot, dry places. Use an organic mulch under the tree. Dogwoods need water during drought. Old or injured specimens are subject to insect borer damage.

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Redbuds can get up to 30 feet tall. The clusters of purplish pink small flowers appear before leaves emerge. Heart-shaped leaves turn yellow in fall. Plant redbuds as specimens, in masses, or naturalized at the edge of woods. They are hardy in sun or part shade and tolerate a wide range of soils.

Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)  
Lilac is one of the best known and most widely planted of all the introduced, flowering shrubs. Lilacs are worth having in your yard or garden for their once-a-year display of incredibly fragrant flowers. For the classic lilac fragrance, plant Common Lilac or one of its hybrids. Lilacs get up to 9 feet tall.

Lilacs perform best in well-drained soils in full sun. Plants should receive at least six hours of direct sun each day for maximum bloom.

Proper pruning is necessary to keep lilacs attractive and to promote flower production. After the plant becomes established, about one-third of the old stems should be removed each year. Older lilac stems may be attacked by borer insects.

Flowering Magnolias (Magnolia soulangiana)
These magnolias look like beautiful pink clouds in the spring. The only drawback is that the flowers can be damaged by spring freezes. You might enjoy the scented flowers so much that you are willing to take the risk of flowers turning brown after a spring freeze. There are cultivars that bloom later in the spring with pink, purple, or yellow flowers. Some magnolias can get to 30 feet tall. Plant in protected parts of your yard away from southern exposures.

These are only some of the many trees and shrubs, native and introduced, that offer beautiful spring color. Contact Extension Master Gardener Hotline for more information:816-833-TREE (8733) – 24-hour voicemail
[email protected]

Flowering or Saucer Magnolias provides spectacular color in the spring.
From Pixabay by Ceeline