Hi, we are looking for two ornamental trees to place in our front yard. We are pretty new to Houston, we LOVE the south, and want our home to look as if we do!
We have heard about a type of Lorapetulam that can be made into a tree----- does anybody know about this one? How big does it get?
We would like one tree to get large ; the second one should be smaller 10' -20'. They both will get full sun. We would like long blooming flowers or colorful foliage. Can anyone make any suggestions?
Thanks- tillymarie
ornamental trees in Houston
I would vote for magnolias - there are many of different sizes and/or what are called "orchid trees". I don't have a "real" name for them but they bloom in Mar-Apr and stay in bloom for a month or more. All these prefer acid soils. There are many, many different trees for the area that do well but pines are a pain and messy for the most part. A good arborist (tree expert) or good nursery can give you ideas and prices. If I were planting big trees I would opt for evergreens which I have named. Best of luck!
Ann
The longest blooming tree for our area is Crape Myrtle. They come in a lot of varities and sizes and bloom all summer. They are not prone to disease or insect problems as long as you get a variety that is resistant to powdery mildew. These are the most frequently seen flowering trees here. The magnolia,as Ann mentioned, is another great choice. There is the Standard Souther Magnolia, the Little Gem Magnolia which is a smaller dwarf form. Magnolias are evergreen. Vitex is another large shrub/small tree that is recommended by the Texas A&M Superstar program which lists trees, shrubs and plants that do well here with little care and moderate water. The Vitex has lovely sage green leaves that are fragrant when bruised. It blooms repeatedly throughout the summer with purple blooms that look similar to lilacs. Excellent plant, no pest or disease problems and drought tolerant once established. It is dormant in winter. We have so many excellent ones to choose from. Decide if you want evergreen or decidious first and work from there. I have loripetalum, but they are pruned as large background foundation plantings with my flowers in front of them. I'm not aware of the one you're referring to as tree form, but a lot of shrubs can be trained as standards, or upright, with the proper prining. Hope this has helped.
Crow