10 trees with white flowers include the following:
- Magnolia trees
- Elder trees
- Rowan trees
- Japanese snowbell trees
- Apple trees
- Fringe trees
- Catalpa trees
- Silverbell trees
- White oleander trees
- White crape myrtle trees
Each has its own care requirements and considerations.
Trees With White Flowers
A white flowering tree in bloom is nearly celestial in its appearance.
Regardless of who you are, or what kind of interest you possess in plants, a tree like this grabs your attention and entices you to immediately stop to take in its beauty.
If you’re anything like me, over the years, your memory becomes peppered with all kinds of plants and contexts:
- The first sighting of a fully bloomed magnolia.
- The – 60 year old ornamental apple tree in the yard of my first house that for one day a year was the most beautiful thing around.
- A late spring orchard walk at a local cidery through some blooming pears.
- A trip downtown to the park where the cherry blossoms have appeared, for years.
- The Japanese lilac on the north side of my house that always blooms a week longer than the rest.
- The bunched sprays of blossoms of rowan in the mid-state or elder; the buzzing sunshine with bees stunning us now and, picturing the fruit at a time that is yet to come; the form of a future.
You’re likely familiar with and may have experienced this nostalgic feeling yourself.
We mentally record these plants, where they grow in our neighborhoods and villages, and build relationships with them.
They serve as markers throughout the year, allowing us to check in and trace our time within the seasons. They serve as something to anticipate in the winter months and during its long duration when everything feels drab.
We continually return to these plants, we intend to walk by them or stop and steal a moment beneath their canopies each year, sometimes considering the right timing, in hopes to observe them at their most resplendent (which can often be very brief), just because it’s that astonishingly gorgeous of a sight!
If you recognize this type of experience you either find it appealing in your own garden or you haven’t considered anything about how stunning white flowers can be in general. With that in mind, here are 10 of my highest recommended trees with white flowers.
A Note On Hardiness Zones
Use hardiness zone suggestions as a guideline. If gardeners only follow hardiness zone suggestions, many of the gardens that exist and thrive would not.
If you are set on growing a particular tree/plant that hardiness zone suggestions do not recommend for your area, consider pushing it. Or find someone that has.
If you’ve looked for locally adapted versions and can find none, consider making one yourself.
The only caveat is these need to be reasonable adaptations. You may be able to push a hardiness zone suggestion beyond a zone or two, but it may not be reasonable to push beyond that.
A Note On Common Plant Names
Plant names are not universally accepted names and often vary from place to place.
I call a mountain ash tree a mountain ash tree, and elsewhere it may be called a rowan tree (Sorbus spp.). It is also worth mentioning that mountain ash trees are not part of the ash tree family (Fraxinus spp.).
What I call a gooseberry is the very thorny fruit of a woody shrub (Ribes uva-crispa). The person who knows gooseberry as the fruit of an herbaceous plant (Physalis peruviana) that is covered in a papery husk would also be correct.
The one and only pure way to accurately communicate a specific plant with an individual (who may not share the same understanding and experience about plants), is its scientific name (commonly known as its latin name).
1. Magnolia
Popular varieties:
- Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) (USDA zones 4-9)
- Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata) (USDA zones 4-8)
- Sweet Bay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) (USDA zones 5-9)
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) (USDA zones 6-10)
Optimal Growth Conditions: Magnolias prefer full sun with well drained soil that is neutral to acidic. Additionally, plant it somewhere sheltered from strong winds and cold pockets.
Growth Rate: Most Magnolias are considered slow-growing.
Size (at full maturity): Magnolias reach an overall large tree size. However, there are a wide range of sizes and varieties, such as 20 feet (6.09 meters) tall to 80 feet (24.38m) tall, and can range in widths too.
You should select your variety based on what you like aesthetically, and whether you have the space to accommodate the size of the variety.
If you choose a larger tree, you should also consider distance away from the house to avoid complications with roots; or to allow for greater growth.
Difficulty: Magnolias are easy to grow if they are planted in the appropriate place (see growing condition requirements above).
Reasons for Planting: The Magnolia tree is one of the oldest known species of tree, and is quite spectacular to witness in full bloom. Many of the varieties of Magnolia flowers are also fragrant.
Tips/Special Considerations/Uses: Magnolia roots are shallow and quite delicate. Be extra cautious of damaging the roots during the planting process. When finished planting, the top of the root ball should be level with the soil.
Keep the Magnolia well watered, and do not let it dry out while it establishes itself. Mulching lightly with wood chips (or finished compost) at the base of the tree will help retain water and maintain soil pH and nutrient levels.
It may take 2 years for the tree to bloom, and you should prune your tree not at all, and very sparingly.
Your Magnolia tree route system is quite shallow, as it is a deciduous tree. Most Magnolias are also deer resistant!
All blooms from a Magnolia tree are edible, as well.
2. Elder (Sometimes Called Elderberry)
Popular varieties:
- American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) (USDA zones 3-9)
- European Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) (USDA zones 3-9)
- Blue Elderberry (Sambucus cerulea) (USDA zones 4-9
The majority of cultivars result from hybridization between Sambucus canadensis and Sambucus nigra.
- Growing conditions: Elder is not particularly finicky and grows well in a range of conditions, as long as soil quality is reasonable, sun is plentiful, and the plant has adequate moisture.
- Growth speed: Fast/quick
- Size (mature): 5 to 12 feet (1.5 to 3.65 meters) high, 10 feet (3.04) wide.
- Level of difficulty for gardener: Easy/easier.
- Why one would grow it: Elder grows easily, is pretty and attractive, and produces edible berries.
- Tips, other considerations and uses: Elder can be trained to be a small tree or a sprawling shrub, depending on the maturation of the plant and how strong of a pruning you apply to it.
Elder plants usually produce berries after three growing seasons, and more berries will develop if planted within 60 feet (18.28 meters) from another elder with a different variety.
Berries do form on new wood, therefore, if pruning is desired, winter dormancy is the best time. Because canes that are at least three years old tend not to produce many berries, it is best to prune them off.
While the elder flowers and berries can be eaten, they should only be eaten when fully picked and then often cooked.
They can be used to make less sugary cordials, syrups, jams, and jellies. There are medicinal uses for elder as well, specifically, as elder is thought to improve one’s immunity from infections.
3. Rowan (Also Called Mountain Ash)
Popular varieties:
- Showy Mountain Ash (Sorbus decora) (USDA zones 3-7)
- European Rowan (Sorbus acuparia) (USDA zones 3-7)
- American Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana) (USDA zones 3-9)
Growing conditions: Rowan is best planted in rich, well-drained soil with full sun. Rowan will not tolerate drought conditions, nor excessive rainfall.
Rate of growth: Medium
Size: 15-30 feet (4.57-9.14 meters) tall and 15-20 feet (4.57-6.09 meters) wide at full maturity.
Difficulty: Easy. For the first year gardener should pay careful attention to allowing sufficient water for the tree.
Why grow it: Rowan trees provide food for pollinators and birds. Rowan trees can be seasonal interest all year because of their visual value.
Tips, special considerations and uses: While similar to ash trees, they are not related. The name mountain ash tree is more a reflection of their ability to grow at elevation (6,600 feet (2,011.68 meters) above sea level).
4. Japanese Snowbell
Popular varieties:
- Styrax japonicus ‘Carillon’ (USDA zones 6-8)
- Styrax japonicus ‘Crystal’ (USDA zones 5-8)
- Styrax ‘japonicus’ Issai’ (USDA zones 6-8)
Growing Conditions Needed: The Japanese Snowbell will thrive in a wide variety of soils as long as it is not poorly drained. It will tolerate dry conditions and some dryness, but not wet conditions.
Rate of Growth: Slow
Mature Size: 20-30 feet (6.09-9.14 meters) tall by 15-25 feet (4.57-7.62 meters) wide
Growers Skill Level: Easy
Reason to Grow: The Japanese Snowbell is a small tree for many urban situations. It is a generous bloomer, featuring beautiful blooms that are attractive to pollinators.
The Japanese Snowbell is easy to grow and is low-maintenance. It typically will live from 50 to 100 years.
Advice/Special Considerations/Uses: The Japanese Snowbell doesn’t get very large, but the wood is extremely hard. Historically the wood was used in umbrella ribbing and toys. The seeds were utilized for insecticide. The seed skins feature a soap-like compound and were, at one time, used as a clothing detergent.
5. Apple
Popular varieties:
- Malus pumila ‘Honeycrisp’ (USDA zones 3-7)
- Malus domestica ‘Gala’ (USDA zones 4-8)
- Malus domestica ‘Ambrosia’ (USDA zones 4-8)
Growing conditions: Apple trees require full sun, at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. They are cross-pollinators, so you will need two trees (different is best) to assure they are able to produce fruit.
Rich, well-draining soil is best for planting.
Apples will grow within the USDA hardiness zones of 3-9, but not every apple is suited to every area. It is a good idea to research which apple trees are best to plant in your area before you plant.
Growth rate: Fast
Mature size: 18-30 feet (5.48-9.14 meters) tall
Gardening difficulty: Easy
Why grow it? If your a fan of apples, you can pick and grow your favorite varieties right at home. Apple trees grow fast and are beautiful trees. You might even find some apple tree varieties not in your local grocery store, so growing apples is a great option for gardeners feeling adventurous.
Tips / Special Considerations / Use: Pruning and thinning. It may take a couple of years before your apple trees produce fruit.
6. Fringe Tree
Popular varieties:
- Chionanthus virginicus (USDA zones 4-9)
- Chionanthus retusus ‘Carolina Moonlight’ (USDA zones 5-9)
- Chionanthus retusus ‘Snowdance’ (USDA zones 5-9)
Growing condition requirements: Fringe trees are quite simple to grow. They like full sun and some wind protection. If you want them to fruit, you’ll need to plant both a male and female.
Speed of growth: Slow
Size (at maturity): 12-20 feet (3.65-6.09 meters) tall, 12-20 feet (3.65-6.09 meters) wide
Difficulty for gardener: Easy
Why grow it: The fringe tree is simply an interesting beauty with interest every season. The berries produced aren’t edible for humans, but few birds and bat species are attracted to them.
Fringe trees are small, so they can fit in most garden plans when fully grown.
Tips, special considerations, and uses: Modern herbalists have used fringe tree bark to treat liver situations like jaundice and gallbladder issues.
7. Catalpa
Popular varieties:
- Catalpa speciosa (USDA zones 4-8)
- Catalpa ovata (USDA zones 4-8)
Requirements for Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade and adaptable soil needs.
Speed of Growth: Rapid growth.
Size (when mature): 40-70 ft (12.19-21.33 m).
Difficulty for Gardner: Easy.
Reason to Grow: Catalpa and its large, showy flowers, provides habitat and food for wildlife and pollinators in your yard. Given its size and rapid growth, they would be utilized for shade.
Special Considerations, Tips, and Uses: Because of its fast growth, catalpa can stabilize soil that could otherwise be vulnerable to landslides.
Catalpa is host to the catalpa sphinx moth, and the caterpillar is routinely harvested and used by anglers as bait from June throughout the growing season.
8. Silverbell
Popular varieties:
- Halesia tetraptera (USDA zones 4-9)
- Halesia carolina (USDA zones 4-8)
Conditions for Growth: Can handle full sun but prefers light shade. It can handle wetness. It is sensitive to heat and drought.
Growth Rate: Moderate
Size (at maturity): 30-40 feet (9.144-12.19 m) high and 20-35 feet (6.09-10.66) wide.
Ease of Garden: Easy
Experts’ Reasons to Grow: Silverbell trees are quite beautiful and are attractive to birds and pollinators into gardens where one has planted them.
Suggestions, special things to note, and uses: Silverbells have heavy flowering throughput the spring and summer, making them very attractive to pollinators, to the point where beekeepers incorporate them into their personal landscapes. The bonus extends to anyone who wants to promote and attract more pollinators into their gardens.
9. White Oleander
Popular varieties:
- Nerium oleander ‘Album Plenum’ (USDA zones 9-11)
- Nerium oleander ‘Hardy White’ (USDA zones 10-11)
Growing conditions needed: The white oleander of larger varieties grows best in full sun but tolerates various soil types. They can endure short periods of drought and wet conditions but won’t handle frost for a long period.
Rate of growth: Moderate to fast.
Mature size: 10-20 feet (3.04-6.09 meters) tall and 10-20 feet (3.04-6.09 meters) wide.
Level of gardener difficulty: Easy
Reasons to grow: The white oleander is an ornamental tree and an easy plant to grow under sometimes difficult conditions such as a seaside garden where it has exposure to salt from the ocean. It can tolerate drought while being very productive for pollinators and is a great landscape plant.
Tips suggestions and uses: All parts of oleander are considered toxic to humans if consumed.
10. White Crape Myrtle
Popular varieties:
- Lagerstroemia indica ‘Natchez White’ (USDA zones 7-9)
- Lagerstroemia indica ‘Fantasy’ (USDA zones 6-9)
- Lagerstroemia indica ‘Acoma’ (USDA zones 6-9)
Growing condition requirements: The white crape myrtle needs full sun and can be put in a wide variety of soil as long as the soil drains well. It likes moist conditions, but it can tolerate some drought.
Speed of growth: Fast
Size (at maturity): 20-40 feet (6.09-12.19 meters) tall and 18-25 feet (5.48-7.62 meters)
Difficulty for gardener: Moderate
Why grow it: Crape myrtles are beautiful trees that flower for a long time and provide habitat and food for wildlife and pollinators.
Combined with its flowers, beautiful bark, and attractive shape, it provides visual interest in the garden year-round.
Tips, special considerations, and uses: Crape myrtles (with the exception of any dwarf varieties) can get quite large quite quickly. They can be useful to get shade in gardens both residential and civic.