When you think of flowering trees that are able to dazzle you, then there’s no doubt that trees that feature white flowers are some of the most beautiful out there, often providing a unique softness and a gorgeous contrast between the green of the foliage, and the delicate blooming white flowers.
There are a number of trees that feature white flowers that you will likely already be familiar with, or at least be able to recognize.
However, we’re here today to talk more about the unique white flowering trees, the ones you might not have encountered, seen, or even heard of before!
Varying in size and shape, these trees all share one thing in common: They’re stunningly beautiful!
So, to discover some of the most beautiful trees out there with white flowers that you might not have seen, then check out this amazing list below.
1. Fringe Tree
The fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) is a tree native to the Southeastern United States, and is also commonly known as the Old Man’s Beard, or as Grancy Greybeard.
These trees are known to grow up to a height of anywhere between 12 to 20 feet tall, and are characterized by their distinct white flowering, which typically blossoms during the spring.
The beauty of this tree is not only as a result of the delicate white flowers, but also the way in which they hang, as they hang almost like tassels from the branches of the tree, helping to give it that stunning appearance.
These trees are often desired for gardens and demand well-drained yet moist soil, as well as partial shade in order for them to thrive.
The leaves of the tree change color during the Fall too, going from the rich green color you’ll see most of the year, into a lighter shade of yellow, which is also an especially beautiful sight!
2. Snowbell Tree
The snowbell tree (Styrax japonicus) is a tree native to Japan, and is a small deciduous tree that grows to somewhere between 20 and 30 feet high, and is often admired for the bell-shaped flowers it produces (which is where it gets its name from!)
These fragrant white flowers typically blossom during the spring and the summer, and grow in clusters from each branch, helping to provide that beautifully iconic appearance.
The blooming period of the flowers on the snowbell tree is relatively brief, with no group of flowers lasting longer than 2 weeks, but they’re beautiful while they last.
It’s a popular choice for those looking for a delicate yet gorgeous flowering tree to add to their garden, and requires well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight exposure in order to thrive and grow properly.
Interestingly, extracts and isolates from both the bark, leaves, and flowers have all displayed a variety of different properties, including antibacterial properties, which is why it has been used in traditional medicines for some time now!
3. Dove Tree
Native to China, the dove tree (Davidia involucrata) is known to be able to grow to heights of between 30 to 40 feet tall, with a broad conical shape when viewed from afar.
The flowers of this tree are especially stunning, and like many of the others on this list, bloom during the spring and summer months, revealing their beautiful white petals.
The flowers of the tree are in bloom for around 2 to 3 weeks during the warmer months of the year, but they’re stunning while they last.
The tree gets its name from the shape of the flowers themselves, which feature a white bract that is often likened to a dove in flight. The flowers can measure up to 6 inches in length and also have a green or yellow flower in the center of the white bract too.
The tree itself is fairly slow to grow, which means it requires a lot of care and attention when it comes to cultivating this tree in your own garden, but many people would argue that its gorgeous bloom is worth the wait!
4. Japanese Snowball Tree
The Japanese snowball tree (Viburnum plicatum) is a deciduous small tree (or shrub) that is native to Korea, China, and of course, Japan. These plants can grow up to 15 feet tall, and 15 feet wide too, which helps to give them a distinctive rounded appearance.
The thing that sets this plant apart from others is its large and flashy clusters of white flowers, which are often compared to snowballs – helping to give this tree its name!
These snowball-looking plants blossom during the springtime, and can grow to be around 6 inches in diameter. The flowers themselves also have a particularly nice fragrance to them, which is why they’re so popular in gardens.
When the flowers leave for the year, they’re replaced by a red berry, which is great for attracting wildlife.
Another reason why the Japanese snowball tree is such a popular addition to gardens is thanks to its foliage, which transforms from the glowing and rich green color seen in the warmer months, into a burgundy-red color during the fall.
If you’re thinking about joining the gardeners and horticulturists who have this gorgeous tree in your own backyard, then you’re going to want to make sure that it is planted in well-drained soil, and benefits from a small amount of shade too.
5. Silverbell Tree
The silverbell tree (Halesia carolina) is a small and deciduous tree which is native to the Southeast of the United States.
The tree itself features a somewhat pyramidal shape, and this comes as a result of its ability to grow up to 40 feet tall, and up to 25 feet tall.
The tree gets its name from the white flowers found lining its branches, which take on a bell shape, and bloom during the springtime, just before its leaves can emerge.
While these flowers are typically white, they can also be pale green, or even pink, and usually measure around 1 inch in length. The flowers are often clustered together, which helps to create their magical appearance.
The leaves of the tree are similarly beautiful, with their ovular shape, and their glossy appearance, the leaves will turn yellow along with the onset of fall, before falling off of the tree entirely.
One of the reasons why this tree is popular amongst gardeners is due to the fact it is so low maintenance.
This tree is able to withstand a wide range of soils, is fairly resistant to pests and disease, which makes it perfect for even novice gardeners to grow.
6. Sourwood Tree
The sourwood tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) is a fairly small to medium deciduous tree that is native and often found in the Eastern United States.
These trees can grow to be somewhere between 20 to 30 feet tall, and a width of around 20 feet at its maximum, giving it a pyramidal shape.
The name of this tree comes from the particularly acrid taste of its leaves, which is known to leave a sour aftertaste in the mouth.
The leaves are particularly gorgeous though, especially when they become the vibrant red color in the fall.
In the summer, the tree can be seen with showy, drooping leaves that cluster together, and are a distinctive white color that contrasts with the foliage perfectly.
While it does require some occasional pruning, the tree itself is fairly low maintenance, and is resistant to most pests too. If you’re thinking of adding this tree to your garden, then you’ll need some acidic soil, and some partial shade.
This tree is also particularly valued by woodworkers too, as its bark is strong and dense, making it great for making furniture and other projects!
7. Japanese Tree Lilac
Hailing from East Asia, the Japanese tree lilac (Syringa Reticulata) is a deciduous tree that is able to grow to around 30 feet high, and with a width of up to 25 feet.
This tree features a rich canopy of leaves, which remain a vivid green color for most of the year, but turn yellow as fall arrives.
The name of this tree is derived from the flowers that feature on its branches, these flowers are a creamy white color, and take the form of a large panicle that can grow up to 1 foot in length, these flowers have a distinctive fragrance, which is excellent at attracting pollinators to the garden.
This tree is another example of a low-maintenance option for your garden, with its preference for drained soil, and thriving in sunlight, this tree is also resistant to long periods of drought too, so it grows well in warm locations.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to 7 of the most beautiful types of trees with white flowers that you may not have seen, thank you for reading!
I love sharing my experiences with individuals in this community, and I enjoy sharing some of the best tips I have learned over the years caring for my own garden at home.
In my articles, you will find the best flowers, most fragrant flowers you can plant in your garden, how to care for your favorite plants, informative guides and how-tos so you can have the best backyard in town!
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