Summer is a beautiful time of year, with bright sunshine, warm temperatures, and the vibrant colors of blooming flowers. One thing I love about summer flowering trees: they attract pollinators and hummingbirds! But the beauty of summer is not limited to flowers—trees also bring a stunning array of colors and textures to the landscape. We will explore some of the trees that bloom in summer and discuss how to care for them.
Trees that bloom in summer
The following is a list of some of my favorite trees (and a few shrubs) that produce flowers during the summer months. As always, be sure to do your research before planting the trees on this list. Make sure that they can grow in your USDA hardiness zone and err on the side of planting trees and shrubs that are native to your region.
Smoke tree
Smoke trees are a seasonal wonder that brightens up the summer landscape. Their showy clusters of tiny, puffy flowers come in a range of colors including pink, purple, white, and yellow. These flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies and make a delightful addition to any garden. Additionally, smoke trees are easy to grow and require little maintenance, making them a great choice for novice gardeners. They can be planted alone or in a group for a stunning effect. As their foliage adds texture and interest to any outdoor area. Furthermore, these hardy trees can withstand heat and drought. Providing long-lasting beauty and color to your garden all summer long.
Oleander
Oleander is a shrub that can grow a bit like a tree and is known for its vibrant, showy blooms. These evergreen shrubs are native to the Mediterranean and are often seen in warmer climates. In the summer months, Oleanders come alive with their delicate pink, white, or yellow blossoms. There are over 30 varieties of Oleander, some of which are fragrant and some of which are not. Additionally, these trees are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of soils. They do, however, require full sun and regular watering to thrive and bloom in the summertime. Oleander trees are a beautiful addition to any garden and a great way to provide a pop of color to a summer landscape. A word of warning though, Oleander is extremely toxic. Consuming just a single leaf may kill an adult.
Mimosa Tree
Mimosa trees are a beautiful addition to any garden during the summer months. Their delicate, fern-like foliage makes them a perfect backdrop for a garden party or an outdoor gathering. They are easy to care for and their vibrant pink, yellow and white flowers are sure to provide a stunning backdrop to any summer day. The flowers of the Mimosa tree bloom in late spring, with some varieties blooming until July. They can also be found in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to perfectly fit any garden. During the summer months, Mimosa trees are a lovely sight and can be used to create a beautiful, inviting atmosphere for any outdoor occasion.
Japanese Pagoda Tree
The Japanese Pagoda Tree (Sophora japonica) is a magnificent sight to behold when it blooms in summer. The tree produces fragrant, white flowers that appear in large clusters, creating a spectacular display of beauty against its glossy green leaves. This hardy deciduous tree is fast-growing and easy to maintain, making it a popular choice for landscapes. The Japanese Pagoda Tree is also tolerant of a variety of soil types and prefers full sun. This makes it an ideal choice for yards that don’t offer much shade. Additionally, its drought-resistant nature makes it a great pick for areas with dry summers. With its long-lasting blooms and lush foliage, the Japanese Pagoda Tree is a stunning addition to any summer garden.
Franklin Trees
The Franklin Tree is a species of flowering tree native to the southeastern United States. It is best recognized for its showy white flowers that bloom in the summer months. The flowers are star-shaped and have five petals that range in color from white to pink. The blooms are quite fragrant and attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Additionally, the tree can grow to a height of 40 feet and has attractive green foliage that turns to yellow in the fall. Furthermore, the Franklin Tree is an excellent choice for landscaping and is an excellent addition to any garden.
Crape Myrtle Trees
Crape myrtle trees are popular summer-blooming trees that offer vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms. The trees are easy to care for and can be planted in many different climates. Additionally, they come in a variety of colors including pink, white, purple, and red, making them a great addition to any landscape. The flowers bloom throughout the summer and the trees can reach heights of up to 30 feet. Furthermore, crape myrtles are low-maintenance trees, making them an ideal choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time caring for their plants. The trees also provide shade and can provide a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities.
Chaste Trees
Chaste trees are unique and attractive deciduous shrubs that bloom in the summer months in many areas of the world. They are often planted in gardens and parks due to their attractive and fragrant flowers, as well as the fact that they can tolerate many different types of soil. Chaste trees bloom in clusters of white or lavender fragrant flowers that are held atop tall, slender stems. Additionally, the flowers are a favorite of bees and butterflies, and they make a beautiful addition to any garden. The grey-green foliage of the chaste tree provides a nice contrast to its bright blooms, and it can be trimmed to keep it compact and neat. Furthermore, chaste trees can be grown in full sun or part shade, and they require very little maintenance to thrive.
Apple Trees
Apple trees are one of the most beautiful sights of summertime, with their bright white and pink blossoms that make a stunning contrast against the bright blue sky. Additionally, apple trees come in a variety of sizes and shapes, making them an ideal choice for a variety of landscaping needs. Furthermore, apple trees are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance, as long as they are in the right location and given proper care. During late spring through summer, apple trees burst into bloom, bringing with them a sweet fragrance, plenty of nectar for bees and other pollinators, and the promise of a bountiful harvest of delicious apples in the fall.
American Basswood
American basswood trees (Tilia Americana) are a deciduous tree species native to North America, typically found in moist, deep soils in the eastern and central parts of the continent. These majestic trees are known for their wide, spreading crowns and thick foliage, making them a popular choice for urban landscaping. In the summer months, American basswood trees bloom with fragrant, creamy-white flowers, which are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The flowers are followed by edible, dark-brown fruits which can be used for making jellies and preserves. These trees are generally easy to grow and can thrive in a wide range of conditions.