Best Trees for Mid-Atlantic Gardens

Regional Gardening, Best Trees, Mid-Atlantic Gardening

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Hardy and exquisite-looking trees are important elements in Mid-Atlantic gardens. They are the most permanent and dominant elements in the landscape. There is a tremendous amount of possibilities in terms of trees to pick for your yard: evergreen or deciduous trees, spring or summer blooms, fall color interest, leaf shape, exfoliating bark, growth habit, etc.

Selecting the right tree variety might be daunting for Mid-Atlantic gardeners. If you are looking for beautiful, low-maintenance, and hardy plants that thrive in the Mid-Atlantic region, you may want to consider these top-performing shrubs, which all won the Gold Medal Award of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. The goal of this program is to promote outstanding plants for Mid-Atlantic gardens. The program was originally conceived by nurseryman Dr. J. Franklin Styer, who realized gardeners needed to learn about superior plants for their landscapes. It identifies superior ornamental landscape plants that meet the growing conditions of the region and have proven their performance. When gardeners acquire a Gold Medal winner, they can be assured the plant will exhibit standards of excellence for pest and disease resistance, ease of growing, and beauty through many seasons, whether it be foliage, flower, form, or bark.

Below is the list of some of the prestigious tree winners. As you will note, some have also received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society!

Guide Information

Hardiness	5 - 7
Heat Zones	3 - 6
Plant Type	Trees
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Maintenance	Low, Average
Water Needs	Low, Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics	Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts	Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Best Trees for Mid-Atlantic Gardens

Abies koreana (Korean Fir)

Abies koreana, commonly known as Korean fir, is a compact and pyramidal evergreen conifer that is native to the mountainous regions of South Korea. It’s admired for its dense arrangement of glossy, dark green needles, which reveal striking silver undersides. Most notable are its striking, violet-blue cones that contrast beautifully with the foliage, making it an exceptional ornamental tree in landscapes and gardens.

Hardiness	5 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m)
Spread	6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple)

Renowned for its stunning exfoliating bark and vibrant autumn foliage, Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) is a prized deciduous tree. Its chestnut-brown bark peels into thin curls, exposing a cinnamon-red inner layer. Even young branches contribute to this appealing effect. The three-lobed leaves are dark green with a frosty blue-green underside in spring and summer, turning brilliant red and orange in fall before winter dormancy.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread	15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m)

Acer triflorum (Three-Flowered Maple)

Renowned for its captivating peeling bark and vibrant autumn foliage, Acer triflorum (Three-Flowered Maple) is a cherished small deciduous tree. Its pale copper-brown wood is revealed as the light ash-brown bark exfoliates in vertical strips. The trifoliate leaves, green above and gray-green underneath, transform into stunning hues of red and orange in fall. With a dense, upright habit, this slow-growing maple is a remarkable choice for year-round beauty.

Hardiness	5 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m)
Spread	25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m)

Betula nigra Heritage (River Birch)

Heritage River Birch (Betula nigra ‘Heritage’) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree prized for its striking exfoliating bark, resilience, and adaptability. It thrives in wet soils, offers superior disease resistance, and provides year-round interest. Its golden-yellow fall foliage and wildlife-friendly features make it a popular landscape choice.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	40' - 70' (12.2m - 21.3m)
Spread	40' - 60' (12.2m - 18.3m)

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ (Witch Hazel)

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ is a highly regarded Witch Hazel known for its profuse blooms, exceptional foliage, and stunning autumn colors. This hardy, medium to large shrub boasts dense clusters of intensely fragrant, bright sulfur-yellow flowers in late winter. The distinct flowers feature 4 curled, strap-shaped petals and red-purple calyces. The ascending branches are adorned with broad oval green leaves that transform into striking shades of yellow during fall.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Fall, Winter
Height	9' - 12' (270cm - 3.7m)
Spread	9' - 12' (270cm - 3.7m)

Heptacodium miconioides (Seven Son Flower)

Native to China, Heptacodium miconioides (Seven Son Flower) is a captivating deciduous shrub with year-round interest. It features clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers in late summer to early fall, followed by showy purplish-red fruits. The large, heart-shaped leaves and peeling bark add to its charm. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Disease-resistant.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Magnolia ‘Daybreak’

Magnolia ‘Daybreak’ is a fragrant and acclaimed deciduous tree. It showcases abundant rose-pink flowers in mid to late spring, with large blooms spanning up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. The elliptic, medium-green foliage complements the vibrant flowers. ‘Daybreak’ is resilient to pollution, making it an ideal choice as a specimen or urban tree.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m)
Spread	13' - 15' (4m - 4.6m)

Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’

Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’ is a captivating deciduous tree with showstopping primrose yellow flowers that illuminate the landscape in early to mid-spring. Its large cup-shaped blooms last up to 4 weeks, gradually fading to cream. With glossy green leaves turning golden-yellow in fall, it offers year-round beauty and adds interest to any garden.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid)
Height	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread	12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m)

Magnolia ‘Galaxy’

Magnolia ‘Galaxy’ is a striking deciduous tree that stands out with its abundance of dark pink flowers in mid-spring. The large, fragrant blooms open from deep red-purple buds and feature 12 tepals with a beautiful pinkish-purple exterior and paler rose interior. With its upright form and oval canopy of dark green leaves, ‘Galaxy’ is a captivating addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid)
Height	30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m)
Spread	20' - 25' (6.1m - 7.6m)

Magnolia stellata ‘Centennial’ (Star Magnolia)

Magnolia stellata ‘Centennial’ is an award-winning deciduous shrub or small tree that captivates with its stunning beauty. In late winter or early spring, it produces masses of fragrant, waterlily-shaped flowers with pure white petals. Each flower is packed with 28-33 tepals, creating a starburst-like effect. The medium green foliage adds to its charm, turning yellow and brown in the fall.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Malus ‘Adirondack’ (Crabapple)

Malus ‘Adirondack’ is a superior crabapple tree that offers a long season of interest. Fragrant, waxy, white blossoms emerge from deep carmine buds in late spring, complementing the fresh green foliage. It is one of the most profusely flowered crabapple cultivars. The tree also produces abundant clusters of cherry-like, glossy, bronze-red fruits that persist into winter. With disease resistance and stunning beauty throughout the seasons, ‘Adirondack’ shines year-round.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	12' - 18' (3.7m - 5.5m)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

Malus ‘Donald Wyman’ (Crabapple)

Malus ‘Donald Wyman’ is an outstanding flowering crabapple tree with a long season of interest. Fragrant, single, white blossoms emerge from pink buds in mid-spring, followed by abundant clusters of glossy, red fruits that persist into winter. The tree’s toothed, dark green leaves turn golden in fall. Highly disease resistant and attractive to birds, ‘Donald Wyman’ shines in every season.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’ (Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’ is an exceptional four-season small tree. Its upright, columnar form showcases arching branches and a canopy of lustrous oval leaves that transition from bronze to burgundy to dark green, culminating in a stunning fall display of bronze, crimson, orange, and gold. The tree’s flaky gray bark adds winter interest, while spidery red flowers in late winter and early spring provide additional charm.

Hardiness	4 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 40' (4.6m - 12.2m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.