Suggestions for a flowering tree that would work in full sun?

[mskay]

Saying that I have no gardening sense whatsoever doesn't begin to tell you how clueless I am. That being said---DH and I would like to plant a tree. DD was born this year, and I think it will be neat to tell her that the tree was planted the year she was born. Maybe a cheesy idea but I really want to do it. I have no idea what to plant though. I thought y'all could make some suggestion. It's going to be in the backyard and full sun. I would like a flowering tree if at all possible. We had a dogwood when I was a child and I liked that. A friend told me that dogwoods don't do well in full sun, though. Since I am lacking in the green thumb department, I would like something with little maintainance--or at least not difficult maintainance. Thanks a bunch

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi, A pink flowering dogwood was my first thought. My sons gave me one for Mother's Day one year, long ago, it's in Pennsylvania, so I don't know how it's doing now, but it was fine when we left. I have white dogwoods all over our property, I bought 10 of them (they were just sticks, bundled 10 for $10)from the county extension service, some are at the north side of the house, but I have some in the back, and they do have sun for most of the day. Ask in the nursery, but I think you'll be OK with a pink flowering dogwood.

Best wishes, and let us know how things go.

Bobbi

 

[rockyroad]

I live in Memphis too.

Don't plant a dogwood in the sun.

If you were thinking of a dogwood, did you have a smallish tree in mind?

What about one of those pink flowering oriental magnolias? (My mom called them tulip trees, but they're not) They bloom very early in the spring and are glorious. They also grow slowly.

There are also varieties of "regular" magnolia that stay small. Or a crab apple, they are smallish and have pretty flowers.

If you want a shade tree that grows very tall, there is always the Tulip Popar(also the state tree). It has flowers right now, but you have to look up to see them.

 

[nocnurse]

Here' a link to a great tree that I wish I could grow in my climate. It looks good all year, and is not prone to disease.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/trees-new/stewartia_pseudocamellia.html

 

[mskay]

Thanks for all the great info! We'll have to get to the nursery to check these out!

 

[oldkicker]

We have a Lilac Tree that is doing quite well in direct sunlight....
http://www.susansgardenpatch.com/trees3.htm