A popular proverb says “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” There is huge amount of wisdom in these lines. The following are some of my favorite trees that do well here in the Pacific Northwest. Consider adding one or more them to your landscape today!
European Beech (Fagus sylvatica is available in a variety of columnar and weeping forms and colors including purple, golden, and tricolor foliage (shown) that combine to make it a remarkable focal point in the landscape. The bright foliage in spring and interesting form are beautiful all year. It likes full sun to light shade. 30-50’
European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is a fine 40’ shade tree that tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Versatile upright and narrow form ‘Frans Fontaine’ makes a great hedge or provides excellent screening in tight spaces. Best in full sun, but tolerates light shade.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a durable and beautiful tree with unusual foliage and stunning golden fall color. It is very slow-growing, eventually reaching 50+ feet, although much smaller, choice varieties are available. It likes the sun.
Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus) has white flowers in May and June that hang down, making it especially lovely viewed from below. Yellow fall color. It likes sun to part-shade. 20-30’
Japanese Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillate) is an unusual evergreen conifer with a columnar shape that fits well in urban landscapes. It slowly grows to 30’, and likes sun.
Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) has heart-shaped leaves that emit a cotton-candy scent when they turn golden in fall. It likes the sun. They can reach 60-80’ but not as wide.
Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) is beautiful though the seasons. It is more resistant to anthracnose than other dogwoods. Its white or pink spring blooms are followed by raspberry-like fruit that attracts birds, and spectacular scarlet fall color. 20-30’
Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum) is an attractive tree with beautiful bark for winter interest and gorgeous red fall color. It is versatile and easy to grow. 20-30’
Parrotia (Parrotia persica) has showy crimson stamens in early spring that appear before the leaves, brilliant orange, red, and yellow fall color, and brown exfoliating bark. It likes sun. 20-30’
Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) offers four seasons of interest with white camellia-like flowers in summer, great fall color, and attractive multicolored bark in winter. It likes part-shade. 30-40’
If you would like more information, or advice about where to place one of these beauties in your landscape, contact Blessing Landscapes to meet one of our design professionals.