Common Flowering Trees for Zone 9
Whether you’re looking for a quaint little ornamental tree or a large shade tree, there is a zone 9 flowering tree that can meet your needs. Another benefit of growing flowering trees in zone 9 is that with the warm climate you can select trees that bloom in any season. Some of the same trees that flower only for a short period in spring in northern climates can bloom throughout the winter and spring in zone 9. Magnolia trees have long been associated with the south and zone 9 is indeed a perfect region for them. Many varieties of magnolia trees grow very well in zone 9, as most are rated zone 5 to 10. Magnolias can range in size from 4 foot (1 m.) flowering shrubs to 80 foot (24 m.) shade trees. Popular varieties are:
Saucer Southern Sweetbay Star Alexander Little Gem Butterflies
Crepe myrtle is another warm-climate loving tree that has several varieties that grow very well in zone 9. Depending on variety, crepe myrtle can also be shrub size to large tree. Try these zone 9 varieties:
Muskogee Dynamite Pink Velour Sioux
Other ornamental trees that flower in zone 9 include: Smaller types (10-15 feet tall/3-5 meters)
Angel Trumpet – Blooms summer through winter. Chaste tree – Continuous blooms in zone 9. Pineapple Guava – Evergreen with edible fruit. Blooms winter and spring. Bottlebrush – Blooms all summer.
Medium to large zone 9 flowering trees (20-35 feet tall/6-11 meters)
Mimosa – Fast growing and attracts hummingbirds. Summer blooming. Royal Poinciana – Fast growing and drought tolerant. Blooms spring through summer. Jacaranda – Fast growing. Blue blooms in spring, excellent fall foliage. Desert Willow – Medium growth rate. Fire and drought resistant. Spring and summer blooming. Horse Chestnut –Spring blooms. Slow growing. Fire resistant. Goldenrain tree – Blooms in summer and fall. Chitalpa – Spring and summer blooms. Drought resistant.
