In ranking flowering trees and shrubs, I have given highest rank to specimens that do the best job at performing the greatest variety of functions, as mentioned on Page 2. While Eastern redbud trees (Cercis canadensis) merit only an intermediate rank based on such criteria, they are nonetheless singularly impressive spring performers. Eastern redbud trees (sometimes misspelled as "red bud") bear bright pinkish-purple flowers all along their bare spring branches. Eastern redbud trees are among the few flowering trees that tolerate shade. Other trees and shrubs may match the color of its blooms, but redbud's chief asset is its gracefulness, as its flowers precede the arrival of obstructing foliage. As redbuds come into bloom, their limbs appear to grow "hair" -- a very colorful hair! Eastern redbud trees grow to be 20'-30' high and spread 20'-30'. The fall foliage of redbuds is an inconsistent yellow.
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) precedes saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana) by about a week in blooming. But with its large, cup-shaped flowers, the saucer is still considered an early bloomer and is well worth waiting for. Flowers are rose to purple outside, with a soft, white interior. This tree reaches 20'-30' in height, and its spread is also 20'-30'. For more, please consult my full article on magnolia trees.
'Sunrise' forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia 'Sunrise') is more compact and hardier than many forsythias. This early bloomer sports the vibrant yellow flowers that have become a fixture in our spring lives. It grows 4'-6' tall and spreads 3'-5'. This shrub is a favorite for vernalization.
'Tor' spirea (Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor') also makes my list of the Top 10 for Fall Landscapes. The shrub reaches a height of 2'-3' and spreads out 2'-3'. Its foliage is dark green in summer, but its fall color is red. In May the plant bears small, white flowers in showy clusters.
Variegated weigela is a compact, rounded shrub (height 3'-5', spread 3'-5') with green leaves bordered by creamy white. This shrub's pink blossoms are really a bonus: its foliage alone makes it worth growing.
The pussy willow (Salix discolor) is a native North American plant that is another early blooming favorite for vernalization. Since pussy willow is a wetland plant in the wild, it would obviously be an ideal occupant for any areas of your landscape that suffer from poor drainage. If you are lucky enough not to have any such areas on your landscape, then you'll have to provide your pussy willow shrubs with plenty of water. They do best in full sun, but pussy willows will tolerate shade. Propagation is very easy, as I explain in my article on Pussy Willows.
'Redspire' callery pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Redspire') is a tree with abundant white flowers, whose glossy green leaves turn wine-red in autumn. This early bloomer is resistant to fire blight. The branching pattern tends to remain symmetrical. The pea-sized pear fruits are not messy in the lawn or garden, further promoting low maintenance. However, callery pears, generally speaking, are not the most stable of trees, being prone to wind damage.
But don't confuse low maintenance with no maintenance! It's always a good idea to winterize flowering shrubs. And whether you decide to plant flowering dogwood trees, Eastern redbud trees or any of the other flowering trees mentioned, don't forget to winterize young trees to protect them, as well, from the rigors of winter.
