The Chattanooga area’s most common ornamental trees will be in bloom soon, but if you’re looking for a change from Bradford pears and weeping cherries, area nurseries are bringing in trees of a different nature.
“Chattanooga’s plant palate has expanded so much in recent years,” said Barn Nursery manager Sara Melton. “We have so many more trees and colors to choose from.”
Now is the time to plant. “Fall is also a good time,” Ms. Melton added. “Just don’t plant in summer.”
Here’s a look at five new trees that will add different colors, shapes and textures to your yard.
1. Japanese silverbell. Lovely deciduous tree with fragrant white flowers that hang from strongly horizontal side branches. Perfect for a small patio or near a pathway. Attractive dark green leaves turn red or yellow in the fall. Needs moist soil and partial shade. Grows 20-30 feet tall and wide. Blooms in late-April to May.
2. Stewartia. Its camellia-like blooms with white petals and orange centers are highlighted by fresh green leaves. Foliage turns bronzy-purple in fall. An all-season, deciduous performer. Mottled bark is attractive all season, especially on older trees. Blooms in midsummer.
3. Chinese fringe tree. A highly prized small tree with upright branches forming a dome shape. Soft green leaves back magnificent clusters of fragrant, fringelike blooms. A terrific accent for small yards. Deciduous. Best in partial to full sun. Grows 15 to 20 feet tall, 20 to 25 feet wide. Blooms in spring.
4. Native fringe tree. Similar to the Chinese type but not quite as showy in bloom. Both can be grown as a small tree or large shrub, like a crape myrtle. The native variety stays a little smaller.
5. Golden rain tree. A medium-size, open-branched, deciduous tree. The blue-green leaves turn yellow in fall. Long panicles of fragrant flowers are followed by attractive, papery, lanternlike seed pods. Very effective for landscaping. Flowers in June with seed pods lasting for several months. Grows 20-30 feet tall and wide. Prefers full sun to partial shade.