King Alfred Daffodils

(Question)

Can anyone recommend a spring blooming tree that blooms at the same time as King Alfred daffodils?

(Answer)

 

There are several trees to choose from which should syncronize with your King Alfreds; which here in Toronto should typically bloom between April 20 – May 20th. This may vary based on your own miro-climate, soil conditions, how deep you plant your bulbs, and of course the springtime  weather patterns. This year everything is at least a week + behind schedule, but with this warm spell bulbs catch up fast!

Please find here a selection of trees that fits the critieria to generally overlap with your daffodil bloom times.

  • Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) or  check out the Forest pansy cultivar
  • Magnolia types  (cultivars include: Star  Magnolias or   Saucer Magnolias, see link below from more details)
  • Cherry Trees   Some cherry varieties are quite early bloomers (see reference below for details on varieties)
  • Dogwoods (cultivars include; Cornelian Cherry, flowering dogwood, etc.)
  • ServiceBerry  (cultivars include; Autumn blaze, apple, Canadian, etc)
  • Witchazels – There is a number different varieties and cultivars that bloom in a wide range of times, some as early as February, while other bloom in early spring, and others that even bloom in the fall.                                                                                                                                                                                                                           If you ask your local nursery professionals, they can direct you to to a cultivar that best  fits your interest and fits your environment.

Having listed the aforementioned selection, there are many other factors you will want to conider, including:

– environmental factors ( such light exposure, wind exposure, soil type and moisture levels, salt tolerance,etc)

– characteristics (size at maturity, growth rate, fruit display and persistence, leaf and flower colour, bark interest,  form, disease resistance, texture, maintenance requirements, etc)

I hope this helps, and you enjoy your coupling of blooms in your garden!!

references:

https://www.magnoliasociety.org/MagnoliaResources

https://www.fruit-trees.org/pages/cherry-trees.php