Ways to use low height flowering trees in your landscape:

 

• as a focal point near the entry
• at the corner of the house as a large accent
• to anchor a garden bed that needs some height
• several grouped close together as a small “stand” of trees on one side of the yard to balance a larger landscape element (such as a large shade tree) on the opposite side
• as an “understory” planting around or between tall pines or palms to soften the vertical effect of the tall trunks. Pines and palms let plenty of sunlight shine through and the flowering trees will draw the eye down toward the house and yard.
• lining a long driveway
• flanking a walkway to create a natural arbor and create a space for a focal point (your front door) seen under their canopies

 

Generally, anything that flowers shouldn’t be used to “hide” something. Colorful blossoms draw attention to the spot you’re trying to camouflage. An all green plant is a better choice.

Many flowering trees of Florida have more benefits than just beautiful color…some attract butterflies and make a perfect specimen to anchor a butterfly garden. Others like Little Gem magnolia have sweet-scented flowers – a single blossom can send its perfume throughout your home.

What color flowers should I choose?

 

Use a color to complement or contrast with other colors in your landscaping. Avoid blooms the same color as your home’s paint color so they don’t “wash out” against a similar backdrop. Here is a list of other popular small trees:

1. Bottlebrush

2. Bougainvillea

3. Cassia Trees – Desert, Surattensis and Fistula

4. Crepe Jasmine

5. Crape Myrtle

6. Geiger

7. Golden Dewdrop

8. Jatropha

9. Magnolia – Little Gem

10. Oleander

11. Tibouchina Granulosa

12. Poinciana – Dwarf