White Flowering Trees: 9 Spectacular Varieties for Your Landscape

White-flowering trees bring unmatched elegance to landscapes. While choices are fewer than for annuals, these nine outstanding varieties offer options for every garden style and climate.

Top White Flowering Trees

1. Crape Myrtle 'Alba'

Lagerstroemia indica 'Alba' | Zones 5-11 | 20-30 ft
Striking near-white summer blooms through fall. Deciduous with red fall foliage and exfoliating bark for winter interest.

2. Japanese Crabapple

Malus floribunda (standard or weeping) | Zones 4-7
Pink buds open to white blooms in late spring. Yellow fall foliage; red/yellow ornamental fruits.

3. White Dogwood

Cornus spp. | Hardy, adaptable | 20-30 ft, 20+ ft spread
Beloved spring blossoms; drought-tolerant; crimson fall foliage. Multi-season beauty.

4. Weeping Yoshino Cherry

Prunus × yedoensis 'Shidare Yoshino' | Japan's favorite cherry
Heavy spring bloom (2 weeks), nearly white with pink tinge. 5-petaled flowers; yellow fall foliage.

5. White Flowering Peach

Prunus spp. (double-flowered) | Early spring spectacle
Exclusively ornamental—grown for flowers, not fruit. Spectacular massed. Requires timely pruning for heavy bloom.

6. Chinese Fringe Tree

Chionanthus retusus | 15-20 ft | Sun to partial shade
Fragrant, fringe-like flowers. Blooms early spring or late winter. Attractive fall foliage.

7. Star Magnolia

Magnolia stellata | Zones 4+ | 20+ ft
Most fragrant white flowering tree. Specimen or row planting. Warm climates, sun or shade.

8. Snowball Tree

Viburnum opulus | Zones 5-8 | 20 ft
Summer peak bloom in round clusters. Shrub or small tree. Long-lasting cut flowers.

9. Japanese Tree Lilac

Syringa reticulata | 20-30 ft
Single or double flowers in large summer panicles. Takes heavy pruning—shrub or tree form. Superior tea flavor.

Selection Tips

• Choose natives/adapted varieties for your area—easier maintenance
• Consider mature size, bloom time, and multi-season interest
• Follow basic care: proper planting, watering, mulching, pruning
• Enjoy peak blooms in their season!

Whether you seek fragrance, fall color, winter bark interest, or pure spring drama, there's a white-flowering tree perfectly suited to your landscape vision.