For people trying to improve the aesthetic appeal of their properties, flowering trees are an ideal choice. However, with Sacramento county carrying a somewhat unique climate, finding the right ornamental trees tends to be a challenge.
Summers are hot and the winters are usually mild, but with an occasional bout of true cold that can easily harm certain plants. As such, the Sacramento region falls in the USDA growing zone 9.
We have done our research to find the best flowering trees in Sacramento. With the following trees, you should be able to transform your curb appeal.
Top-Rated Flowering Trees in Sacramento
1. Camellia
Best suited for garden beds and privacy hedges, Camellia is one of the smaller Sacramento flowering trees, generally growing to a height of between 8 and 20 feet. Depending on the variety, Camellias feature white, red, or pink flowers.
According to Sacramento tree experts, a good variety for zone 9 is the Camellia Sinensis, also known as the tea plant. It has small, pink-white blossoms that show up in the fall season.
Performing extremely well in partial shade and producing a lovely scent, Camellias are an ideal choice for planting along the sides of a building and walkways. The tree needs a good supply of water during its first year of growth but can tolerate bouts of drought after that.
2. Kiefer Pear
The Kiefer Pear is one of the few Sacramento flowering trees that carry multiple benefits. In addition to producing gorgeous flowers, the tree produces edible fruit.
Being a self-fertile pear variety, property owners get fruits even if they plant a single tree, although the fruit production is generally higher with at least two. The tree’s white blossoms appear in spring, and by mid-fall, your Kiefer pear will be laden with golden-yellow pears.
The standard Kiefer Pear will grow to about 20 feet, but the dwarf variety reaches a height of 12 to 15 feet when mature. Both the dwarf and standard trees prefer slightly acidic soil and full sunlight. The tree, however, is resistant to common fruit tree diseases.
3. Saucer Magnolia
If you are looking for a bold tree that reaches its mature height quickly, Saucer Magnolia should be an ideal choice. The tree grows to 25 feet in just a few years, and the pink and white flowers that show up every spring carry a size similar to that of your household saucers.
For maximum performance, Saucer Magnolias demand a sunny spot. They require frequent watering, especially during the dry spells. To ensure bountiful flowers the next spring, prune the trees in late winter.
4. Newport Plum
One of the most stunning Sacramento flowering trees, the Newport Plum provides color from spring to the fall season. Its foliage carries a unique purple tint, bearing pink flowers in summer, and turning golden-yellow in autumn. The tree produces edible fruits, though most people may not find them appealing.
In California, Newport Plums grow to an average height of 30 feet. Classified among the most resilient flowering trees in Sacramento, the tree can tolerate almost any temperature and can adapt to most types of soil. However, the tree performs optimally in full sunlight.
5. Kwanzan Cherry
One of the largest flowering trees in Sacramento, Kwanzan Cherry grows to approximately 40 feet. The tree is famous for its bright pink flowers that show up each April. Kwanzan Cherry is impossible to miss when it is flowering; it has twice as many blooms as other cherry tree varieties.
The Kwanzan cherry can tolerate almost any type of soil, generally doing well in full sunlight. One of the hardy Sacramento flowering trees, the cherry variety can withstand cold spells as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Chinese Fringe
A highly-prized, small tree, the Chinese Fringe has upright branches that form a dome shape. Its soft, green leaves back magnificent clusters of white, fragrant, and fringe-like blossoms that appear every spring.
A terrific accent for small yards, the tree needs regular watering – that is, weekly or more – often in extreme heat. The slow-growing tree reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet, with an average width of 20 to 25 feet. Wider than tall, Chinese Fridge works well as a filtered shade in outdoor living spaces.
7. California Buckeye
One of the most stupendously productive Sacramento flowering trees, the California Buckeye carries about 80 blooms on each flower cluster, and a single tree can produce thousands of blossoms. With proper care, the tree can provide white, fragrant flowers every spring for up to 150 years.
California Buckeye grows to a height of 10 to 25 feet, with a crown spread of about 20 to 30 feet. The tree can be extremely useful in low water settings, with most of its foliage dropping in mid-summer to conserve water in the summer heat.
Local Tree Experts Overview
Imparting a stunning look, flower trees help boost the value of both commercial and residential properties. For this reason, as a property owner, you should focus on finding flowering trees that can last for a long time.
In this article, we have outlined the best flowering trees in Sacramento. Suited to both the temperature and soil conditions, the trees outlined above should do well with minimum to average maintenance.
