7 Captivating Trees That Bloom in Fall to Brighten Your Landscape

While spring gets all the glory for flowering trees, there are a number of stunning species that bloom in autumn as well. Extending the floral display into fall, these trees provide a final hurrah of color before the bleakness of winter sets in. Ranging from delicate blossoms to vibrant foliage, they bring joy and sustenance for pollinators during the cooler months.

If you want to enhance your landscape with trees that bloom in fall here are 7 top picks

Chinese Lacebark Elm

With its graceful, vase-shaped form peeling bark and clusters of fragrant flowers, the Chinese lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is a visual delight in fall. The bark sheds in patches, revealing unique mottled patterns in grey, green, brown and orange. The small green leaves turn yellow in autumn. Clusters of tiny scented flowers appear in September, attracting pollinators before they give way to winged fruit. Hardy, resistant to Dutch elm disease, and adaptable, this elm thrives with minimal care across diverse climates.

Coral Bark Maple

The coral bark maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’) reveals its beauty as its leaves fade in fall. As the green summer foliage drops, it unveils a spectacle of color. Bright red stems shine against the bare branches in winter. The tree explodes in pink, yellow, and cream blossoms in late fall to early spring, offering a welcome source of nectar for bees. Though technically a shrub, it can be trained into a small delicate tree. Its vibrant color makes it a perfect focal point specimen.

Crape Myrtle

Known for its vibrant summer blooms, the crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) continues the display into fall in mild climates. Panicles of ruffled flowers in shades of pink, red, purple and white persist into the cooler months, finally dropping as the tree goes dormant. The peeling multicolored bark also adds winter interest. Many varieties of this classic southern tree offer fall blooms. For the longest flowering period, choose reblooming selections like ‘Natchez’ or ‘Tuscarora.’

European Beech

In fall, the spreading canopy of the European beech (Fagus sylvatica) tree transforms into a cloud of coppery gold leaves. Smooth silver bark provides additional interest after the leaves drop. While not a true floral display, the beechnuts emerge from early to late fall in prickly cases. These nutritious nuts attract birds and squirrels. Though large at maturity, beech trees are slow growing, making them ideal for smaller residential landscapes. They thrive in full sun to part shade with minimal maintenance.

Japanese Stewartia

The Japanese stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) bursts into bloom as the foliage transforms in fall. Cup-shaped white flowers with bright yellow stamens scatter along the bare branches from September to October. In spring, new leaves emerge in hues of purple, green and bronze, eventually turning a rich green. The bark exfoliates in patches, revealing a unique mosaic of cream, amber and reddish-brown shades. Though slow growing, this small ornamental tree makes a statement in any woodland garden.

Paperbark Maple

Just as its name suggests, the paperbark maple (Acer griseum) boasts a photogenic peeling reddish-brown bark that provides year-round interest. In early fall, small clusters of petite reddish flowers appear, followed by winged samaras. The trifoliate leaves turn brilliant crimson red in autumn. Slow growing and low branched, it’s an excellent small accent tree even for smaller yards. The cinnamon-colored bark is particularly striking against a snowy backdrop in winter.

Serviceberry

Serviceberry (Amelanchier species) bursts into white floral beauty in early fall, just as its foliage transitions to vibrant reds and oranges. The delicate, 5-petaled blossoms emerge first, followed by sweet, berry-like purple fruits that attract birds. Varieties range from multi-stemmed shrubs to small trees up to 30 feet tall. Some have bronzy peeling bark for additional seasonal interest. Adaptable and low maintenance, serviceberries thrive in full sun or part shade across diverse soil types, including clay.

Final Thoughts

Extending floral color and interest into autumn, these remarkable trees blossom as summer wanes, providing a final hurrah before frosty weather sets in. Their unique beauty, adaptability, and appeal to pollinators make them excellent additions to any landscape. Embrace the fall flowering season by incorporating one of these captivating selections into your own garden.