Ornamental Trees: Nature's Masterpieces in Landscaping

Adding Beauty and Character to Landscapes

Ornamental trees are a captivating and essential component of landscaping, transforming outdoor spaces into picturesque havens with aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. With diverse species available, each possessing unique characteristics and attributes, these trees contribute to the beauty of parks, gardens, streets, and private yards. Among the numerous options, the Cistena Plum Tree, Okame Cherry Tree, Sourwood Tree, and Crepe Myrtle Tree stand out as prime examples, each celebrated for their features and contributions to ornamental landscapes.

Cistena Plum Tree: A Marvel of Contrasting Colors

The Cistena Plum Tree (Prunus cerasifera 'Cistena') is a deciduous ornamental tree cherished for its striking visual appeal. Originating from the Prunus genus, this tree is a member of the Rosaceae family, including cherries, apricots, and almonds. What sets the Cistena Plum Tree apart is its remarkable foliage, which transitions through a spectrum of colors as the seasons unfold. In the spring, the tree graces the landscape with its delicate pale pink blossoms, adding a touch of elegance to the surroundings. As summer arrives, the foliage deepens into a rich burgundy-purple hue, creating a vivid contrast against the vibrant green of other plants. This dramatic color transformation makes the Cistena Plum Tree an eye-catching centerpiece in any garden or yard. In addition to its aesthetic charm, the tree often attracts pollinators with its blossoms, contributing to the local ecosystem's health.

Okame Cherry Tree: A Blossom-Filled Delight

The Okame Cherry Tree (Prunus okame) is renowned for its early and vibrant blooms, signifying the arrival of spring in a spectacular fashion. As a hybrid between two cherry species, Prunus incisa and Prunus campanulata, the Okame Cherry Tree embodies the best traits of both parents. It boasts a compact and rounded form, making it an excellent choice for more miniature landscapes. One of the most captivating features of the Okame Cherry Tree is its profusion of pink blooms, which burst forth even before its leaves fully unfurl. This unique trait creates a breathtaking display of color that stands as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. The tree's ability to thrive in various soil types and its relative resistance to pests and diseases further enhance its desirability for landscape design.

Sourwood Tree: Nature's Work of Art

The Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a native American tree with elegance and charm. Found primarily in the eastern United States, this deciduous tree has a distinctive appearance, with its delicate, drooping clusters of white flowers resembling lily-of-the-valley blossoms. These blooms grace the tree in late spring to early summer, attracting bees that produce unique and prized sourwood honey. As autumn approaches, the Sourwood Tree transforms again, with its glossy green leaves adopting brilliant shades of red, orange, and burgundy. This spectacular fall foliage and its striking summer blooms position the Sourwood Tree as a focal point in gardens and landscapes year-round.

Crepe Myrtle Tree: A Tapestry of Color and Texture

The Crepe Myrtle Tree (Lagerstroemia indica) is a beloved ornamental tree celebrated for its show-stopping floral displays and distinctive bark. Native to Asia, this tree has found its way into landscapes worldwide, captivating hearts with its versatility and beauty. One of the tree's most remarkable features is its blossoms, which appear in large clusters during the summer months, presenting a stunning array of colors that range from white and pink to deep purple. Equally captivating is the Crepe Myrtle's exfoliating bark, which peels away to reveal a mosaic of colors underneath. This textured bark adds visual interest even in the tree's dormant winter months. With sizes ranging from dwarf varieties suitable for small spaces to more extensive options for street planting, the Crepe Myrtle Tree offers choices for a wide range of landscapes.

Ornamental trees, such as the Cistena Plum Tree, Okame Cherry Tree, Sourwood Tree, and Crepe Myrtle Tree, exemplify nature's splendor in landscape design. These trees contribute to the visual appeal of outdoor spaces while also providing ecological benefits and seasonal interest. Whether it's the Cistena Plum Tree's vibrant foliage, the Okame Cherry Tree's early blossoms, the Sourwood Tree's transformational beauty, or the Crepe Myrtle Tree's tapestry of color and texture, each species adds its unique charm to the canvas of ornamental landscapes. As they grace parks, gardens, streets, and yards, these trees stand as living testaments to the artistry of nature and the creativity of landscape design.

Best Sellers

Kwanzan Cherry Tree 3' - 1 Gallon 50% Off

Kwanzan Cherry Tree 3' - 1 Gallon 50% Off

The Kwanzan Cherry tree (Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'), also known as the Japanese flowering cherry, is famous for its stunning beauty and vibrant spring blooms. This ornamental tree is renowned for gardens, parks, and streetscapes because of its magnificent floral display and graceful form.  Kwanzan Cherry Tree (Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan') Key Features: Blooms: The Kwanzan Cherry tree is famous for its stunning double blossoms, a vibrant, deep pink color. Every flower has 20-30 petals, giving it a whole appearance. These beautiful blooms usually appear in mid to late spring and typically last 2-3 weeks. Size and Shape:This medium-sized tree usually grows to a height of 15-25 feet with a similar spread. Its upright, vase-shaped growth habit becomes more rounded as it matures, creating a stunning silhouette in the landscape. Foliage: The tree's new leaves emerge as bronzy-red in spring, mature to a glossy green in summer, and turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and bronze in the fall, adding seasonal interest. Hardiness: The Kwanzan Cherry suits USDA hardiness zones 5-9. It can adapt to various soil types but thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with total sun exposure. Care: This tree needs regular watering to establish a robust root system, especially during dry periods. It should be pruned in late winter to early spring to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged branches. Uses: The Kwanzan Cherry tree is perfect as a specimen tree, for group plantings, or as an allele. It creates a dramatic display in any landscape and is a favorite for lining driveways and walkways or as a centerpiece in garden beds. Kwanzan Cherry Trees Have Double Blooming Clusters of Pink Blossoms The Kwanzan Cherry tree is excellent for adding vibrant spring color and year-round interest to your garden. Its stunning blossoms, appealing foliage, and graceful form make it a standout addition to any landscape. What is the best fertilizer for a Kwanzan Cherry Tree  Kwanzan cherry trees grow well using slow-release fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at a ratio of 10:10:10 and put on the ground in early spring. It is also helpful to add organic compost into the surrounding soil to promote healthy growth and flowering as well.  How often should I water a Kwanzan Cherry Tree  Water the Kwanzan cherry trees thoroughly once a week, more often if it is very dry. Small trees need to be watered frequently; established trees can withstand short spells of drought, but it is good to water them regularly.  Can I grow a Kwanzan Cherry Tree indoors  Things such as the size and the necessity to have access to sunlight make Kwanzan cherry trees unsuitable for indoor cultivation. It's better to locate them outdoors, in an area that gets plenty of sun, so that they will develop properly and show off the flowers.  How long does the Kwanzan Cherry Tree live for?  The Kwanzan cherry tree has an expected longevity of 15-25 years. It does not have the longevity of many other types of trees, but its spectacular blooms in the spring make it ideal for use in planting ornamental trees.  Where do Kwanzan Cherry Trees grow best  Kwanzan cherry trees require well-draine soil that is fertile and full sun as well. This species is found in temperate environments and grows best where they are sheltered from the wind.

Sourwood Tree - TN Nursery

Sourwood Tree

The Sourwood Tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States. It is notable for its long panicles of fragrant, white, urn-shaped flowers and vibrant red fall foliage. Among garden trees, the Sourwood Tree fits the bill. It grows around 25 feet tall, and its branches generally spread to 10 feet. It will become a stalwart focal point in any garden. These plants are stately enough to please the eye yet small enough not to overpower any perennials planted around them. Another name for this plant is the sorrel. Sourwood Tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) Has Beautiful Blooms They say, "Good things come to those who wait." That is true of this plant. Beginning with its fifth season after being planted, it will sprout gorgeous white flowers throughout June and July every year. These bell-shaped flowers grow on panicles in a flowing, attractive fashion that has led them to be called "angel fingers." The flowers are also sweet-smelling, producing so much nectar during their blooming that it drips from the branches at the slightest shake. The Leaves of Sourwood Tree Are Rich and Colorful The leaves will turn brilliant colors in the fall, notably red and deep purple. The bark is reddish brown and is attractively furrowed, matching the hues of the changing leaves. The leaves are pleasantly aromatic, reminiscent of the smell of honey from the tree's nectar. The wonderful aroma is balanced between astringency, which gives the plant its name, and the sweetness of anise. The leaves are oblong and finely tapered, and the surface is glossy enough to reflect sunlight attractively. After the blooms fade at the beginning of August, pretty silvery capsules form along the branches. The color of these capsules meshes nicely with the changing leaves and the furrowed bark into winter. Because the sorrel is a slow-growing plant, its wood and bark are solid and sturdy, providing a beautiful sight in all four seasons. Attract Pollinators With Sourwood Tree Pollinators, especially bees, love the flowers of Sourwood Tree, the sweet-and-sour nectar that produces the world's most excellent honey. Birds will also fly among the branches for a snack as autumn turns to winter. As the sorrel is mainly unaffected by pests or disease, it will likely remain a pleasing focal point in any garden for many years. Where Do Sourwood Trees Grow The Best Sourwood trees prefer soil that is well drained, and is acidic in nature with the ability to grow in a full sun to part shade. It is a species of the southeastern United States but performs well in other climates similar to those of the southern part of the United States.  What are the characteristics of sourwood leaves?  Sourwood leaves are smooth, slightly glossy, dark green and are of lanceolate shape. In the late season, this plant becomes bright red, orange, and purple and gives a beautiful view in the whole season of autumn.  What Are The Benefits Of The Sourwood Tree  Its autumn foliage colors are splendid; it has a bunch of white flowers in summer and a smooth white or grayish-mottled bark in winter. They also collect excellent, tasty and highly sought after sourwood honey by beekeepers.  How do you identify sourwood tree bark?  The outer, thick, fully developed layer of a sourwood tree is gray to reddish-brown in color, with deep and well-spaced furrows with a crenelated surface. What Type Of Fertilizer Is Favorable For The Sourwood Trees  Sourwood trees should be fertilized using a slow-release fertilizer. Spray in the early spring to ensure the plants gain good growth and develop a strong stem.

Cistena Plum - TN Nursery

Cistena Plum 3-4'

Cistena Plum is an ornamental tree with dark purple foliage and pink blossoms in spring, adding a pop of color to the landscape. It is a purple-leaf cultivar known for its stunning reddish-purple foliage and small edible fruits. Cistena Plum (Prunus X Cistena) Cistena Plum, also called the purple leaf sand cherry, is a unique hybrid tree made by crossing several types of decorative cherry trees. This fascinating heritage results in a medium-sized tree with shockingly purple-hued leaves. The entire tree is covered in dense, dark-colored leaves. The leaves can range between deep maroon, dark burgundy, olive green, and ruby red. The unusually bright color makes them stand out from most other trees and shrubs. Ways to Incorporate Cistena Plum Into Your Landscape Purple-leaf sand cherry trees are medium-sized trees that can reach about 10 feet tall. Depending on how you choose to prune them, they can have a short, thick trunk with a wide canopy or a shrub-like appearance with several thin stalks. This versatility makes them popular with homeowners who want accent trees for their property. A few of them situated in a circular flowerbed can look quite dramatic. Bushier versions also work pretty well as a border or privacy hedge. Cistena Plum Has Gorgeous Blooms In Spring Sometime in spring, they bloom. This results in a thick coating of cherry blossoms along each stem and branch of the tree. The flowers are white with a purplish center that contains a spray of purplish stamens. Some variants can look pink due to the blend of purple, red, and white within each flower. The pale color provides an exciting contrast to the dark leaves of the rest of the tree. The petite flowers are usually just an inch or two in width. They drop a fine shower of small, rounded petals as they grow. Cistena Plum Trees Keep Vibrant Foliage All Summer Long  After providing delicate flowers in spring and colorful leaves in summer, they undergo another transformation in autumn. Cistena Plum begins to grow small, red berries that cluster along each branch. As the months progress, these berries grow into round, glossy fruits that add even more visual appeal to this tree. Leaves darken to a bronze shade in the fall, providing a charming backdrop for the bright reddish-purple fruit. Where do Cistena plums grow best Cistena plums favor moderately acidic to slightly alkaline soil types with reasonable drainage capability. These trees do well in a location where they will receive sunshine of between six to eight hours daily.  How to care for young Cistena plum trees?  The best thing that you will need to do for your Cistena plum plant is to ensure that it is watered during the right time of the year when it is growing. It should be a notch more than saturated but not waterlogged. Early spring is a good time to apply a balanced fertilizer rated at N-P-K 10-10-10, once in 6-8 weeks.  How to propagate Cistena plum trees?  The Cistena plum can be propagated through grafting or by budding. The process of grafting is expected to give better growth vigor.  Do Cistena plum trees self-pollinate It is noteworthy that Cistena plums do not independently pollinate or fertilize; thus, they require pollinators. More fruits are produced when two or more Cistena plum trees are planted to flower simultaneously.  How to maximize the yield and quality of Cistena plums Compost manure can be used to enhance the quality of the ground and hence enhance the number of fruits produced. However, it should be pointed out that maintenance is a critical factor in the continued operations of the plant.

Red  Crepe Myrtle

Red Crepe Myrtle

Red  Crepe Myrtle has clusters of rose flowers that provide a burst of shade to the landscape and draw pollinators such as butterflies and bees, promoting a healthy ecosystem. As the seasons change, the plant's foliage transitions from green to shades of orange and rose, adding further visual interest. This Crepe Myrtle is a distinctive, deciduous tree that is often easy to identify thanks to its individualized and captivating aesthetics. While they are available in a variety of flower colors, the crimson blooms stand apart with stunning flair. The tree thrives in areas ranging from the Arizona desert to the coastal Atlantic states from Florida to Massachusetts. Why should you consider planting this tree in your yard? Bring Pollinators In With The Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) It emits fragrant tree sap. This sap, as well as the blooms, draws bees and roughly 30 other insect species to your yard. These beneficial insects act as pollinators for the other plants in your garden. In addition, beautiful birds are drawn to both the tree and the insects that are attracted to it, making the tree a vital part of a healthy ecosystem on your property. While they attract insects, these are generally beneficial insects that feed on other pests. By drawing these useful insects to your yard, you can dramatically and naturally reduce the number of unwanted and harmful bugs that otherwise may thrive in the space.  Characteristics of Red Crepe Myrtle They are trees that generally have multiple trunks that fan outward. While there are different varieties of these trees that grow to different heights, they generally reach 10 to 20 feet tall with wide branch coverage that spans 15 feet. The trees grow up to three feet each year, making them well-suited for bolstering privacy. While the trees look lovely standing in the middle of a yard, many people choose to grow them along a fence line to take advantage of their foliage. The Unique Bark of The Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle Red Crepe Myrtle has smooth bark that is usually pinkish-gray. The green leaves are typically small and oval-shaped, and they turn gorgeous shades of orange and yellow in the fall before falling off for the winter. The petals have a crimped look that makes the flowers look full. The yellow centers stand beautifully apart from the crimson petals. Red Crepe Myrtles Are Great Shade Trees  

Article Tags for: Ornamental Trees: Nature's Masterpieces in Landscaping

Discover more insightful reads and expert tips related to this topic. Dive into our curated selection of articles to expand your knowledge and get inspired. Whether you’re looking for gardening tips, plant care advice, or the latest trends in landscaping, we’ve got you covered!