I would like to buy a flowering tree for Mothers Day to plant in a very large back yard with partial sun and partial shade. I know absolutely nothing about horticulture and wouldn't know where to begin researching. Luckily my mom would know what to do with the tree if I bought her one. I'm looking for something pretty like a cherry or dogwood tree to fill a place where a cherry tree used to be. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Jacklyns
The greatest variety can be found in flowering crabapples. Disease-resistant kinds also tougher than many other types. Kousa dogwoods are popular but like a moist summer.
I would recommend a Paulownia tomentosa... magnificent flowers, and foliage, and winter interest from the fall buds... downside is dense shade under it...
...and abundant litter, coarse texture, winter dieback when young... not of similar character to dogwoods or flowering cherries at all. I have three species of Paulownia in my garden, so it's not that I don't also find some appeal in them myself. The most arresting feature is the flowering effect, best viewed from above as the flowers disappear against the sky.
