15 Trees with White Flowers and Fragrant Blossoms

Limelight Hydrangea Tree 

(Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ PP12874)

Tree Summary

Limelight hydrangeas grow to a compact 6’ tall, with a 7’ spread. Perfect for either patio, decks, and front entryways, or as a stunning privacy hedge, when planted in a row. 

Cold-hardy, these will thrive in zones 3-8, in a wind-protected location with full to partial sun, acidic soil, and sufficient drainage. 

Tree Appeal

Limelights are panicle hydrangeas that present an abundant display of 10-inch, conical blooms, each summer. Transitioning from pale green flowers to soft white, cream, and pink through fall. Cold-hardy and drought-tolerant, these are surprisingly low-maintenance.

Tree Care

Water every ten days for consistent moisture. Feed Limelights every spring before new growth emerges with an acid-loving plant’s slow-release fertilizer for hydrangeas. Then, prune back by 1/3rd to encourage new, healthy growth.

White Nerium Oleander Tree 

(Nerium oleander)

Tree Summary

The White Nerium can grow to 18’ tall with a 15’ canopy, in zones 9-11, at a rate of up to 2’ per year. This tree produces abundant blooms when planted in full sun. Yet, it is highly tolerant of drought and an array of soil types.

Tree Appeal

Year-round, Oleander trees produce glossy green, 8” long leaves. In summer, large clusters of white flowers hang from the ends of densely growing branches. 

The clear appeal of low maintenance, drought tolerance, and beautiful appearance cannot be beaten!

Tree Care

Water Oleander trees deeply each week, during the growing season, to support their profuse blooming patterns, especially in extended dry weather. If needed, fertilize with a slow release of 10-10-10 NPK. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring. 

Natchez Crape Myrtle Tree 

(Lagerstroemia x ‘Natchez’)

Tree Summary

The Natchez Myrtle is another compact option that can improve curb appeal when planted. When left unpruned, this crepe variety can grow to 30’ tall, gaining 2’ per year.  It will provide constant summer blooming and fall color when planted in full sun and well-draining soil with a 5.5-6.5 pH.

Tree Appeal

Branches display large, ruffled flowers, in a wreath pattern. Which extend out from lush, green foliage all summer. Smooth, cinnamon-brown bark separates, in small sheets, from the main trunk offering a very appealing appearance.

Tree Care

Water Crepe Myrtles twice weekly, after planting. Weekly, in dry weather. Established trees will benefit from a specific Crepe myrtle fertilizer that has a high nitrogen focus when applied in early spring. Since these bloom on new wood, prune in early spring, as well.

White Dogwood 

(Cornus florida)

Tree Summary

This gleaming dogwood variety can reach 25′, with an equal spread, in maturity. At 1-2’ per year, in zones 5-9. It will offer stunning color and form when planted in full/partial sun and moist well-draining soil with a 5.5 to 7.0 pH.

Tree Appeal

White dogwoods present tiered branches in an attractive conical shape. From the onset of spring until summer, peach-tipped blooms form with crowns of yellow stamens at their center. In autumn, the foliage turns a brilliant scarlet hue.

Tree Care

Dogwoods need an inch of water per week, even more in dry weather. One application of a tree and shrub fertilizer for Dogwood in spring will encourage healthy growth. Dogwoods only require pruning, to maintain their shape, starting in the second year of growth. 

Petite Snow Crape Myrtle Tree 

(Lagerstroemia indica ‘Monow’)

Tree Summary

In zones 7-9, this dwarf cultivar remains compact at only 3-4’ tall, in maturity. Flowering is most successful when planted in full sun and loamy, well-draining soil with a 6.0 – 6.5 pH.

Tree Appeal

Vibrant foliage releases delicately ruffled flowers from mid-summer to autumn. Which can stand up to the hottest of summers without wilting. The Petite Snow™ Crape Myrtle makes an excellent potted tree on patios and front porches, or as a garden accent.

Tree Care

Crepe Myrtles need deep and frequent watering for the first 3 months after planting. Then weekly, once established. They benefit from a nitrogen-focus fertilizer (ie. 12-4-8) in early spring, as well as hard pruning. As petite crepes bloom on new wood. 

Royal Star Magnolia Tree 

(Magnolia stellata ‘Royal Star’)

Tree Summary

This unique dwarf magnolia only reaches a max height of 15’, when left unpruned, at a rate of 1-2’ per year. White blooms abound on this when planted in full/partial sun and loamy soil with a 5.0 – 6.5 pH.

Tree Appeal

Just as charming as larger varieties, the Star Magnolia presents a multi-stemmed, deciduous form. Which releases hundreds of pale pink buds that open to star-shaped white flowers. Even before the appearance of leaves, in spring. 

Tree Care

Water these deeply, 2-3 times per week, for the first three months. Once established, Royal Magnolias only require weekly watering. A low-nitrogen fertilizer for Magnolias will encourage healthy growth. Pruning is only required to maintain a tree shape (vs a shrub). 

White Weeping Cherry Tree 

(Prunus subhirtella var. pendula)

Tree Summary

This weeping cherry variety is small enough to plant near your home but large enough to be a spectacular statement piece, in zones 5-8. Full sun, sufficient air circulation, and well-draining soil will result in a dazzling spring show.

Tree Appeal

Bright white blooms (with a faint hint of pink), on long weeping branches, create the illusion of a floral fountain, in spring. Followed by lush green foliage that fades to copper and gold hues in fall. When blooms become fruit that wildlife love.

Tree Care

The weeping cherry should be watered well, in the first year. Fertilizer is only needed once per year, prior to new growth appearing. Pruning is only necessary to keep weeping branches at least 6” off the ground. 

Lollipop Crabapple Tree 

(Malus ‘Lollizam’)

Tree Summary

This sweet Crabapple grows just 10’ feet tall and wide, at a rate of 2’ per year, making it perfect to plant near your house or other structure. It is hardy in zones 4 – 8 and prefers full sun. Yet, it has been cultivated to thrive in most soil types that are nutrient-rich and well-draining.

Tree Appeal

Displaying a soft, wispy cloud of white blooms in spring, this small-statured crabapple continues into summer with densely growing foliage that shifts to shades of golden yellow, in autumn. Highlighted by glossy, red fruit.

Tree Care

The Lollipop Crabapple requires regular watering for the first season, and then as needed, once established. A well-balanced fruit tree fertilizer can be applied in early spring. Followed by light pruning to maintain the desired shape. 

Cleveland Pear Tree 

(Pyrus calleryana ‘Cleveland Select’)

Tree Summary

This ornamental pear can grow to a grand height of 40’, with a 20’ canopy, at a rate of 2’ per year. Cold-hardy in zones 5-9, this pear variety thrives in full sun and loamy, well-draining soil with a 6.0 – 6.5pH.

Tree Appeal

Spring brings soft and rounded clusters of white blooms that last throughout the season. In summer, shiny green leaves take center stage. Welcoming autumn with stunning shades of burgundy, copper, and plum.

Tree Care

Consistent moisture will provide proper hydration for flowers and foliage, especially through periods of hot, dry weather. Fruiting tree fertilizer can be applied in fall to increase cold weather tolerance and robust spring growth. Followed by pruning to remove any spent or damaged branches. 

Royal White Redbud Tree 

(Cercis canadensis ‘Royal White’)

Tree Summary

It’s easy to see why this is a “Royal” Redbud. Growing to a potential 25’, it will open its out-stretched arms to the same width, at a rate of 12” per year, in zones 5-8. White Redbuds thrive in equal parts sun and shade. As well as moist, well-draining soil. 

Tree Appeal

In spring, the royal redbed releases thousands of pea-sized buds that open to small, bright, jasmine-shaped blooms. This spectacular show continues with dark green, summer foliage that turns a soft, buttery yellow in autumn.

Tree Care

Just after planting, these need to be watered well. Once established, natural rainfall is sufficient. A phosphorus-focused fertilizer (ie. 5-10-5) can be applied in early spring. Pruning should be done in summer once blooming has been completed. 

Ivory Silk Japanese Lilac Tree 

(Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’)

Tree Summary

Luxurious flowers and foliage grow on a sturdy 20’ tall structure that is cold-hardy down to -30C, in zones 3-5. At a growth rate of 12-18” per year, Japanese Lilac trees thrive in full to partial sun and loamy, well-draining soil with a 6.5 – 7.0 pH.

Tree Appeal

Feathery panicles of creamy white florets rise from lush, green foliage from late spring to mid-summer. Spreading a heavenly fragrance through your garden. In winter, smooth, dark red bark creates an interesting architectural form, texture, and color against the contrasting snow. 

Tree Care

Water Japanese lilacs weekly. Fertilizing Lilac trees needs to be done prior to spring blooming, as this will encourage healthy growth and increased bud production. Lilacs rarely need pruning, aside from removing any winter-damaged branches. 

Double Blooming Gardenia Tree 

(Gardenia jasminoides)

Tree Summary

Maturing to a compact height of just 7×7 feet in just four years, the double-blooming gardenia thrives in loose, loamy soil with a 5.0 – 6.0 pH and full to partial sun. Perfect for small outdoor spaces in zones 8-11.

Tree Appeal

The refined silhouette of this tree makes it a natural focal point. The heavily perfumed white flowers that put on a great summer show are what make it a feature presentation. Dead-heading spent flowers means an even longer bloom time.

Tree Care

Weekly watering (rainfall or otherwise) is needed to support lush growth and budding. Double Blooming Gardenias need feeding every 3 to 4 weeks, with a gardenia fertilizer, and have specific NPK requirements. Prune just after the tree has bloomed to remove branches with spent flowers on them. 

Chinese Fringe Tree 

(Chionanthus Retusus)

Tree Summary

Gradually maturing to 20’ x 20’, this fringed tree will naturally develop with gardens, in zones 6-8. This tasseled tree is tolerant of most soil types. But performs best in fertile, loamy soil with a 4.5-6.5 pH and full or partial sun.

Tree Appeal

The Chinese Fringe offers snow-white, tasseled blooms that smell like lilacs, throughout spring. Contrasting against furrowed tree bark and large, leathery leaves, it’s a stunning centerpiece. Purple fruits ripen, as leaves fade to a soft yellow.

Tree Care

Consistent watering will keep your Fringe tree well-hydrated, in the first year. Once established, natural rainfall is enough. If needed, a tree and shrub fertilizer may be applied, in spring. Pruning is only necessary to remove broken or diseased branches. 

Japanese Snowbell Tree 

(Styrax japonicus)

Tree Summary

Hardy in cooler zones 5-8, the Japanese snowbell can grow to 30’ tall, in maturity, with a 25’ canopy. Yet, its slow-growing pattern allows for it to be pruned to a smaller size for patios, decks, and small garden spaces. This tree performs best when planted in moist, well-draining, acidic soil, and in full or partial shade. 

Tree Appeal

This deciduous tree presents clusters of white, sweetly-scented, bell-shaped flowers that hang from horizontal branches. Dark green, downy leaves round out the look and fade to golds and reds, in autumn.

Tree Care

Frequent watering, in the first year, will encourage robust root formation and healthy growth. Fertilizing with a 10-10-10 NPK and pruning should be done in late winter, while the tree is still dormant. 

Little Gem Magnolia Tree

(Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’)

Tree Summary

This final gem allows you the grandeur and elegance of a magnolia in smaller spaces. Growing to a relatively compact height of 20’x10′, in maturity. This tree releases large blooms with the scent of lemon blossoms when planted in full sun and loamy, well-draining soil.

Tree Appeal

Just like larger varieties, this “dwarf” magnolia displays the same dark green and copper foliage and large fragrant blooms from mid-spring through summer. Yet comes in a more compact size that’s ideal for pots and containers.

Tree Care

After planting your Little Gem Magnolia, water it once or twice weekly. Once established, drought tolerance will make watering necessary only in extreme heat Fertilize the Little Gem Magnolia with a 10-10-10 fertilizer in late winter or early spring.