Flowering trees can transform any landscape, best flowering trees 20 foot tall, adding vibrant colors and creating a stunning visual impact throughout the seasons. For homeowners and landscapers looking to elevate their gardens, choosing trees that reach around 20 feet in height provides a perfect balance of grandeur without overwhelming smaller spaces. Here, we explore the top 10 best flowering trees that grow to about 20 feet tall, ideal for adding both beauty and functionality to your outdoor space.
Benefits of Planting 20-Foot Tall Flowering Trees
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Flowering trees that reach 20 feet in height offer more than just a pretty view. Here are some reasons why they are a must-have in any landscape:
- Aesthetic Appeal: These trees provide an eye-catching focal point with their stunning blooms, enhancing the visual charm of any garden.
- Environmental Benefits: They offer shade, improve air quality, and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which contribute to a thriving ecosystem.
- Moderate Size Advantage: With a maximum height of around 20 feet, these trees fit well in residential gardens and smaller spaces without overshadowing other plants.
Top 10 Best Flowering Trees That Reach 20 Feet Tall
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Flower Characteristics: Large, colorful blooms in shades of pink, white, red, or purple from late spring to early fall.
Growth Requirements: Full sun; adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-draining soil.
Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; prune during late winter to promote new growth.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Flower Characteristics: Vibrant pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in early spring, creating a dramatic effect before the leaves appear.
Growth Requirements: Partial to full sun; well-drained soil.
Additional Notes: This tree’s heart-shaped leaves add charm even after the flowers have faded.
Magnolia ‘Jane’ (Magnolia liliiflora x Magnolia stellata)
Flower Characteristics: Beautiful, tulip-shaped purple-pink flowers with a subtle fragrance.
Growth Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil.
Maintenance Tips: Minimal pruning required, mainly to remove dead branches.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Flower Characteristics: Clusters of white or pink flowers in late spring, followed by small red fruits that attract birds.
Growth Requirements: Full sun; adaptable to most soil conditions, including poor soil.
Additional Notes: It’s a hardy tree that can withstand urban pollution and is great for wildlife gardens.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Flower Characteristics: Elegant white, pink, or red flowers in spring, complemented by attractive red berries in the fall.
Growth Requirements: Partial shade to full sun; rich, well-drained soil.
Maintenance Tips: Regular watering in the first few years; mulch to retain soil moisture.
Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)
Flower Characteristics: Delicate white flowers in spring followed by vibrant red and orange fall foliage.
Growth Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; tolerant of various soil types.
Additional Notes: Known for its multi-stemmed growth, making it perfect for hedges or privacy screens.
Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus)
Flower Characteristics: Dainty white, bell-shaped flowers that hang gracefully from the branches in late spring.
Growth Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade; acidic, well-drained soil.
Maintenance Tips: Prune to maintain shape and remove any suckers at the base.
Crabapple (Malus spp.)
Flower Characteristics: Showy pink or white blossoms in spring that attract pollinators, followed by small, colorful fruits in fall.
Growth Requirements: Full sun; well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Additional Notes: Some varieties offer good disease resistance and make excellent accent trees.
Lilac Tree (Syringa reticulata)
Flower Characteristics: Large, fragrant clusters of white flowers that bloom in early summer.
Growth Requirements: Full sun; well-drained, fertile soil.
Maintenance Tips: Prune right after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)
Flower Characteristics: Unique, wispy white flowers that resemble delicate fringe, appearing in late spring.
Growth Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil.
Additional Notes: Tolerates a variety of conditions and is deer-resistant.
Tips for Selecting and Caring for 20-Foot Flowering Trees
- Consider Your Climate: Ensure the tree you choose is suitable for your USDA hardiness zone.
- Check Sunlight Requirements: Most flowering trees need full sun to thrive, so pick a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering and Soil: Proper watering is crucial during the first few years of growth to establish deep roots. Mulching helps retain moisture and protect the tree from extreme temperatures.
- Regular Pruning: Pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape, remove dead branches, and promote healthier blooms.
Conclusion
Incorporating these best flowering trees that reach 20 feet tall into your landscape design can bring vibrant color, shade, and life to your garden. Each of these trees offers unique characteristics that can be tailored to suit different garden aesthetics and needs. For more tips on choosing and caring for your flowering trees, be sure to visit GardenLoom and explore our resources.
FAQs about best flowering trees 20 foot tall
- What are the best flowering trees that grow to 20 feet tall?
- Some of the best options include Crape Myrtle, Eastern Redbud, Magnolia ‘Jane,’ Flowering Dogwood, and Amur Maple. These trees provide stunning blooms and fit well in medium-sized landscapes.
- Which 20-foot flowering trees are low-maintenance?
- Crape Myrtle and Eastern Redbud are considered low-maintenance flowering trees. They require minimal pruning and adapt well to various soil types, making them great choices for busy gardeners.
- What flowering tree has the longest blooming period?
- The Crape Myrtle is known for its long blooming period, producing flowers from late spring through early fall, making it an excellent option for continuous color in your landscape.
- Are there any flowering trees suitable for cold climates?
- Yes, the Amur Maple and some varieties of Crabapple are hardy and can thrive in colder climates. Always check the USDA hardiness zone for each tree to ensure it matches your local conditions.
- What kind of soil is best for 20-foot flowering trees?
- While the soil requirements vary by tree, most flowering trees prefer well-drained soil. Some, like the Eastern Redbud and Dogwood, thrive in rich, slightly acidic soil, whereas Crape Myrtle can adapt to a range of soil types.
- Do 20-foot flowering trees attract wildlife?
- Yes, many of these trees attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies when in bloom. Trees like the Flowering Dogwood and Hawthorn also produce berries that attract birds.
- How much sunlight do 20-foot flowering trees need?
- Most of these trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, some, like the Fringe Tree, can tolerate partial shade.
- What are the best 20-foot flowering trees for a small garden?
- Eastern Redbud and Japanese Snowbell are great choices for small gardens due to their compact size and attractive blooms.
- How do I care for a 20-foot flowering tree?
- Basic care includes planting in the right location with appropriate sunlight, watering regularly during the first few years, mulching to retain moisture, and occasional pruning to maintain shape and health.
- Can these trees be grown in pots or containers?
- While it is challenging to grow 20-foot trees in containers long-term, smaller varieties of flowering trees like the Dwarf Crape Myrtle can be initially grown in large pots before transplanting into the ground as they mature.
