Trees With Red Flowers

Spring is a time for color, and few sights are as breathtaking as trees with red flowers. These vibrant springtime blossoms can turn any garden into a spectacular show. If you’re looking to add some fiery drama to your landscape, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you choose, plant, and care for the best red-flowering trees for your space.

This category includes a wonderful range of species, from small ornamental trees to larger shade providers. Their red blooms can vary from deep crimson and scarlet to bright cherry and vermilion. Each tree has its own character and growing needs, so let’s look at some top choices.

Top Picks for Your Garden

Here are some of the most reliable and stunning trees with red flowers. Consider your climate and garden size when making your selection.

Eastern Redbud (Forest Pines)

While known for its lavender forms, the ‘Forest Pines’ cultivar has remarkable deep rose-red flowers. It’s a small, native tree perfect for understory planting. Its heart-shaped leaves appear after the spring bloom, giving it multi-season interest.

Size: 20-30 feet tall and wide.
Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring.
Best For: Zones 5-9. Great for wildlife gardens.

Flowering Crabapple

Varieties like ‘Royal Raindrops’ or ‘Prairifire’ offer stunning red-pink blossoms. They also provide colorful fall foliage and persistent small fruits that birds love. They are tough and adaptable trees for many landscapes.

Size: 15-25 feet tall, with a similar spread.
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring.
Best For: Zones 4-8. Choose disease-resistant cultivars.

Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

This is a fantastic small tree or large shrub with upright clusters of brilliant red tubular flowers. It’s a favorite of hummingbirds and does well in partly shaded areas. It’s leaves may drop early in hot, dry summers.

Size: 12-15 feet tall and wide.
Bloom Time: Mid-spring.
Best For: Zones 4-8. Prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Japanese Flowering Quince

Often grown as a spreading shrub, it can be trained as a small tree. Its vibrant red, orange, or pink flowers appear on bare branches in early spring. It’s incredibly tough and drought-tolerant once established.

Size: 6-10 feet tall and wide.
Bloom Time: Very early spring.
Best For: Zones 5-9. Excellent for borders.

How to Plant Your Red-Flowering Tree

Proper planting gives your tree the best start. Follow these steps for success. The best times to plant are early fall or early spring, when the weather is mild.

Choose the Right Spot: Check the tree’s mature size and sun requirements. Most flowering trees need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for the best blooms.
Dig the Hole: Make it two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. The flare where the roots meet the trunk should sit slightly above ground level.
Prepare the Tree: Gently remove the container. Loosen any circling roots with your fingers. If the tree is balled-and-burlapped, remove the wire basket and burlap after placing it in the hole.
Backfill: Use the native soil you dug out to fill the hole. Avoid amending it heavily, as this can discourage roots from expanding into the surrounding ground. Water gently as you fill to remove air pockets.
Mulch and Water: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch like wood chips in a wide ring around the tree. Keep the mulch away from the trunk. Give it a thorough, deep watering.

Caring for Your Blossoming Tree

Once established, these trees are relatively low-maintenance. But a little attention goes a long way to ensure years of vibrant springtime blossoms.

Watering and Feeding

Consistent watering is crucial for the first two years. Water deeply once a week, more often during drought. After that, most trees will be fairly drought-tolerant. In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth and flowering. Always follow the product instructions to avoid over-feeding.

Pruning Tips

Pruning is mainly for shape, health, and removing dead wood. The golden rule is to prune right after the tree finishes flowering. This is because many trees set their flower buds for next year on the previous season’s growth. If you prune in late fall or winter, you might cut off next spring’s show.

Use clean, sharp tools.
Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches first.
Thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation.
Avoid heavy topping; it ruins the tree’s natural shape.

Common Pests and Problems

Keep an eye out for common issues. Aphids might appear on new growth but are often controlled by natural predators. Scale insects can be treated with horticultural oil in the dormant season. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew or fire blight can affect some species, like crabapples. Choosing disease-resistant varieties and ensuring good air flow are the best preventions.

Design Ideas for Your Landscape

Think about how your tree will fit into your overall garden design. A red-flowering tree makes a powerful focal point. Plant one where it can be seen from a window or patio. You can also use them to anchor a mixed border, providing height and structure. For a really stunning effect, pair a red tree with companions that have blue, purple, or white flowers. The contrast is exceptional.

Consider the tree’s other seasons, too. Many offer fall color, interesting bark, or winter form. This ensures your garden has beauty throughout the year, not just in spring. Don’t forget about underplanting. Shade-tolerant bulbs like daffodils or small perennials can extend the color show beneath your tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some small trees with red flowers?

Excellent small choices include the Eastern Redbud ‘Forest Pines’, Red Buckeye, Japanese Flowering Quince, and smaller Crabapple varieties like ‘Lollipop’.

Which red flowering tree blooms the longest?

The Crape Myrtle (with red varieties like ‘Dynamite’) offers a very long bloom period from summer into fall, though it’s not a spring bloomer. For spring, some Crabapples have a relatively long flowering window.

Are there any fast-growing red flower trees?

The Royal Poinciana is fast and spectacular, but it’s only for tropical zones (10-12). In temperate zones, the Tulip Poplar has tulip-shaped orange-red flowers and grows quickly, but it becomes a very large tree.

How do I get my tree to produce more red blossoms?

Ensure it gets enough sunlight, water properly during dry spells in the growing season, and use a phosphorus-rich fertilizer in early spring to promote flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage leaves at the expense of flowers.

Can I grow these trees in containers?

Yes, some smaller varieties can thrive in large pots for many years. Choose a dwarf cultivar, use high-quality potting mix, and ensure the container has excellent drainage. You’ll need to water and fertilize more frequently than trees in the ground.

Adding trees with red flowers to your garden is a rewarding project. Their vibrant springtime blossoms mark the beginning of the growing season with excitement and color. By selecting the right tree for your location, planting it carefully, and providing basic care, you’ll enjoy this spectacular display for many springs to come. Remember to check your hardiness zone and give your tree enough space to reach its full, beautiful size. Your garden will thank you for the splash of brilliant red.