Saucer Magnolia
Produces attractive pink and white flowers, appearing as saucers that are 5–10" in diameter. Blooms late February to April, with some blossoms reappearing throughout the summer months and possibly into winter. Color tends to fade with re-emerging flowers.Small, low-branched tree with large, saucer-shaped flowers. The fragrant, early-spring blossoms are white shaded with light to deep pink or purplish-pink. Big, broad leaves are dark green, and the smooth bark is silvery-gray. Medium- to fast-growing, good pollution tolerance. Likes moist, deep, acid soil and full sun. Grows to 20'–30'tall , 25' spread.
Saucer magnolias do require a bit of maintenance. They demand a sunny spot and frequent watering, especially during a dry spell. Prune the tree in late winter to ensure bountiful flowers the next spring.
Kiefer Pear
The Kiefer pear is a gorgeous tree that also produces edible fruit. Since it is a self-fertile pear variety, you will get fruit even if you only plant one tree, although fruit production will be higher with at least two. The Kiefer pear tree's white blossoms appear in springtime, and by mid-fall, the tree is laden with long, golden-yellow pears.American heirloom pears are extremely rare so the Kieffer pear tree is a special treat. In 1853, Peter Kieffer planted a small nursery in near Philadelphia where he grew imported Chinese Sand Pear seed. Kieffer also grew Bartlett pears. So one day he noticed a seedling with unusual foliage so he saved it. Kieffer is a high quality pear ideal for fresh eating, pear honey and preserves. The Kieffer pears are golden yellow skin blushed with crimson envelops crisp, juicy, coarse-textured white flesh with musky aroma. Hardy, vigorous tree bears young with dependable crops.
Newport Plum
Another stunning option is the Newport plum, which provides color from spring to fall. Its foliage has a unique purple tint, it bears pink flowers in the summer, and it turns golden-yellow in autumn. Although its fruits are technically edible, most people don't find them appealing.Newport plum trees are about 30 feet tall and almost as wide. They are very tolerant of almost any temperature or fluctuation in temperature, and they'll adapt to most soil types. They do require full sunlight, however.
Kwanzan Cherry
The largest tree on this list, the Kwanzan cherry grows to about 40 feet tall and is known for its bright pink flowers that appear each April. This tree is impossible to miss when it is flowering; it has twice as many blooms as other cherry varieties.A lovely specimen tree that puts on an incredible early season show with clusters of large, double deep pink blooms backed by bronze-red new growth. An upright, vase-shaped branching habit perfect for lining a road or driveway. A stunning lawn specimen. Deciduous.
Regardless of which tree variety you choose, proper maintenance is essential to keep it healthy in the sometimes harsh Sacramento climate. Flowering trees, especially, need to be properly pruned to prevent disease and enhance blooming.
