Early Spring Blossom at Easy Big Trees

A late Winter look at the best flowering trees for the season ahead

As Winter begins to ease, landscapes quietly shift. Buds swell, colour builds and the first hints of Spring start to show. Blossom trees are always the earliest sign – soft, ornamental and full of seasonal promise. This guide highlights five favourites across different flowering categories, chosen for beauty, colour and statement value.

Five Favourite Blossom Trees

CRATAEGUS laevigata ‘Pauls Scarlet’ – Scarlet Hawthorn

Crataegus Pauls Scarlett 80L - Nov 2023 (11)
CRATAEGUS laevigata ‘Pauls Scarlet’ – Scarlet Hawthorn (Shown in November)

A classic ornamental tree with rich scarlet blossom. ‘Pauls Scarlet’ produces dense clusters of deep red flowers in mid‑Spring, adding bold colour to rural entrances and cottage‑style gardens. Hardy, tidy and reliable, it brings strong contrast to softer pink blossoms and suits lifestyle blocks beautifully.

Crataegus Pauls Scarlett - Donovan - (2) Nov 2022
CRATAEGUS laevigata ‘Pauls Scarlet’ – Donovan Park (Shown in November)

MAGNOLIA ‘Iolanthe’ – Pink Flowering Magnolia

Magnolia iolanthe blooms - Oct 2024 (4)
MAGNOLIA ‘Iolanthe’ – Pink Flowering Magnolia (Shown in October)

Large, romantic blooms that open as Winter ends. ‘Iolanthe’ flowers from late Winter into early Spring, offering generous, cup shaped blooms in soft pink. It’s one of the most admired magnolias for early colour, perfect for entrances, lawns or anywhere you want a standout flowering feature before cherries and crabapples begin.

Magnolia iolanthe - Queenstown Gardens (3) Oct 2019
MAGNOLIA ‘Iolanthe’ – at Easy Big Trees (Shown in December)

MALUS ‘Flamingo’ – Upright Deep Pink Crabapple

Malus Flamingo 25-35lt Oct 2019 (6)
MALUS ‘Flamingo’ – Upright Deep Pink Crabapple (Shown in October)

Deep pink blossom with bird friendly fruit to follow. ‘Flamingo’ stands upright and elegant, producing vibrant pink Spring blossom that shows beautifully against green paddocks. Later in the season, small ornamental fruit attract birds, adding movement and seasonal interest. A pretty, feminine tree with real presence.

Malus flamingo - Matakauri Lodge - Nov 2025 (2)
MALUS ‘Flamingo’ – Matakauri Lodge (Shown in November)

PRUNUS yedoensis – Yoshino Cherry

Prunus yedoensis 2021
PRUNUS yedoensis – Yoshino Cherry (Shown in September)

Soft, cloud like blossom that signals true Spring. Yoshino Cherry forms a gentle dome of pale pink white petals, creating one of the most iconic Spring displays. It’s uplifting, emotional and ideal for entrances or feature planting where the blossom can be fully appreciated.

Prunus Yedoensis - Heritage Collection - (1) Northlake Sept 2022
PRUNUS yedoensis – Northlake, Wanaka (Shown in September)

PYRUS calleryana ‘Candelabra’ – Upright Ornamental Pear

Pyrus Candelabra - Remarkables
PYRUS calleryana ‘Candelabra’ – Upright Ornamental Pear (Shown in October)

A crisp, structured tree with brilliant white blossom. ‘Candelabra’ offers a tall, narrow silhouette suited to gateways, driveways and modern landscapes. Its bright white Spring blossom is clean and abundant, making it a striking vertical accent that works beautifully in both rural and contemporary settings.

Pyrus Candelabra - Remarkables Park - (2) Sept 2022
PYRUS calleryana ‘Candelabra’ – Remarkables Park (Shown in September)

Spring Blossoming Times Calendar

Plan your season with our full flowering guide, including: Malus Flamingo, Malus Plena, Prunus Accolade, Prunus Kanzan, Prunus Shinidsu Sakura, Prunus Shirotae, Prunus Tai Haku, Prunus Thundercloud and Prunus Yedoensis.
Explore the full calendar here: easybigtrees.co.nz/tree-guides
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