Ornamental Wonders

When it comes to trees, bigger isn’t always better. This year growers introduced a variety of smaller ornamental trees that make a big bang in the landscape. Check out some of the popular selections below.

1. Jack flowering pear
Pyrus calleryana ‘Jaczam’
Jack is versatile and disease-resistant. White flowers appear before the leaves emerge. Jack’s golden fall color has possible red infusions. It’s ideal for urban applications and produces half-inch yellow-green fruit. USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8. www.monrovia.com
 

2. Angel’s Blush flowering cherry
Prunus serrulata ‘Taizo’
Angel’s Blush is an ideal small-statured tree for urban or patio gardens. Pink buds open to snow-white double flowers in dense clusters that obscure branches from view. Foliage is bright green. USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. www.monrovia.com
 

3. Ruby Tears crabapple
Malus ‘Bailears’
Ruby Tears is a petite crabapple that makes a great ornamental tree for any yard. Its naturally weeping branches are loaded with pink blossoms in the spring. The burgundy foliage provides interesting color all season long. USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7. www.baileynurseries.com
 

4. ‘Ryusen’ Japanese maple
Acer palmatum ‘Ryusen’
‘Ryusen’ is a weeping form with a rapid growth rate that shoots straight up and cascades over. It’s excellent for narrow spaces, and reaches 10-12 feet at maturity. Bright yellow and orange fall color contributes to its beauty. USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8. www.novalis.com
 

5. Spring Wonder Sargent cherry
Prunus sargentii ‘Hokkaido Normandale’
This flowering cherry has delicate, single pink flowers in the spring that mature into small, reddish-black fruit. Its new leaves start out purple, turning shiny, dark green in the summer. The tree’s upright, vase-shaped form and polished, red-brown bark add to its three-season appeal. USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8. www.baileynurseries.com
 

6. Emperor I Japanese maple
Acer palmatum ‘Wolff’
Emperor I is a small deciduous tree averaging a height of 18-20 feet. It has a vigorous upright habit. The red leaves hold their color well over the summer before turning to a bright scarlet red. Emperor I prefers afternoon sun. USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. www.hineshorticulture.com