Growing flowering trees is an excellent way to add color and variety to the typical landscape of Indiana. Trees can help shade your property during warmer months and provide shelter from harsh winds. In addition, a flowering tree can be a beautiful sight year-round, adding gorgeous blossoms or colorful leaves to your outdoor space without requiring much maintenance. Let’s look at beautiful flowering trees in Indiana.
Flowering trees Indiana
Indiana USDA zone and climate information for the state suggests that a range of trees are suitable for planting. The state is situated within USDA zone 5 to 7. In zone 5, winter temperatures can fall below freezing, so you’ll need to plant cold hardy trees.
If you’re interested in adding flowering trees to your property, it’s important to choose wisely. Cherry and maple trees thrive in Indiana’s colder climate, while dogwood and crabapple trees do well in warmer parts of the state. Different trees require different levels of sunlight, water, and fertilizer, so you’ll need to consider these factors when making your selection.
While many flowering trees can be planted in Indiana, the following are some of the most common varieties that thrive in this climate:
Crabapple
The crab apple tree has the botanical name Malus sylvestris and is one of the best options for warmer areas in Indiana. These trees are part of the Rosaceae family and native to the UK and Europe, so they can cope with colder weather.
Crabapples can grow up to 20 feet tall and produce stunning pink or white blossoms every spring. They have glossy dark green foliage year-round and grow relatively quickly.
Crabapples should be planted in alkaline soil with a pH range of between 6.0 to 8.0. They grow best in clay-like, loam, or sandy soils. The soil should be well-draining, and you should plant your tree in an area with plenty of sun.
Crape Myrtle
The crape myrtle can be grown in warmer parts of Indiana and will do well in USDA zones 6 and 7. The tree has red and pink blossoms during spring, making it a gorgeous addition to your landscape. It also has attractive, dark green leaves that remain on the tree for most of the year and peeling gray or brown bark.
These trees don’t require much maintenance and are tolerant of poor soil conditions. You should plant your crape myrtle in full sunlight and provide it with ample water.
Japanese Maples
The Japanese maple is an artistic tree popular among homeowners who want to add some visual flair to their outdoor space. These trees have striking red or orange leaves with five to seven lobes.
While these trees are generally hardy enough to survive in the typical Indiana climate, they do require a fair amount of maintenance and care so that they can thrive. There are also many dwarf varieties of Japanese maple, which are perfect for smaller spaces.
Cherry trees
Cherry trees do well in Indiana as they are cold hardy. These trees prefer full sunlight and well-draining soil.
Lilac
The lilac tree is one of the best options if you’re looking for year-round interest in your garden. These trees produce beautiful purple or white blossoms during spring and summer, which have a lovely fragrance. In addition, they have stunning green leaves that remain on the tree for most of the year and can be pruned and shaped to fit the style of your outdoor space.
Cleveland Pear Tree
The Cleveland Pear tree is also a great option as it blooms white flowers in the spring, which are followed by bluish-green fruit in summer. These trees can tolerate wetness and drought equally well and grow up to 40 feet high.
Plant them in full sun with well-drained soil that has good fertility. As for pruning, make sure to do so in the winter or early spring to keep their height under control.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different flowering trees that can thrive in the state of Indiana. If you’re interested in adding color and variety to your property, consider planting one of these beautiful trees.
You may also be interested in the best fruit trees for Indiana.