10 Plants with Ornamental Seed Pods: A spread of lush grass in a gorgeous, vibrant green yard is guaranteed to draw attention. But if you want to truly make people gasp, think about adding some attractive trees to your yard to improve curb appeal and landscaping. You might want to select a tree whose requirements for water and sunlight correspond to your environment.
10 Plants with Ornamental Seed Pods
1. Royal Poinciana
This massive, rapidly expanding deciduous tree is among the most breathtakingly beautiful flowering trees in the tropics. Just make sure your yard has enough room for it, as its wide spread calls for enough of room. “The royal poinciana thrives in full sun, moderate moisture, and well-drained soil,” suggests Sandals Resort International regional landscape manager Stephen McFarlane.
2. Frangipani
This lovely tree, which is used to make lei in Hawaii, is highly scented. According to McFarlane, the attractive crimson blossoms are borne on branch tips from June to November and can withstand some drought and salt. This quality makes the tree ideal for usage as a specimen tree or as a component of a shrub border in coastal gardens. Trees with Frangipani prefer full sun.
3. Golden Trumpet Tree
This deciduous, small to medium-sized tree can reach a height of 40 feet. When the leaves fall in the spring, it produces an amazing mass of brilliant yellow flowers. According to McFarlane, “sporadic flowering can occur throughout the year—so be on the lookout.” “Once established, the golden trumpet tolerates drought well and needs full sun.”
4. Hong Kong Orchid Tree
This lovely plant, a tiny tree that reaches a height of thirty feet and a width of thirty feet, has gorgeous rose-pink flowers that resemble orchids (though they are not related). According to McFarlane, “this variety is sterile, meaning it doesn’t drop seed pods like other orchid trees.” “The Hong Kong orchid tree grows in well-drained soils and full sun to light shade.”
5. Milky Way Tree
A beautiful small tree related to the frangipani, the milky way tree can be rarer to find in nurseries. However, if you luck out and find one, you will be gifted with many tubular white fragrant flowers all year round. This tree forms interesting orange, double-horned seed pods when the blooms are spent and can grow to a height of 20 feet, McFarlane explains. “Milky Way Trees prefer partial shade in the hottest climates and well-drained soil,” he adds.
6. Japanese Maple
Japanese maples are revered for their stunning foliage, showcasing a vibrant array of colors throughout the year. “These trees offer a delicate, lace-like appearance and thrive in small yards due to their compact size,” Zahid Adnan, a gardener and founder of The Plant Bible, a plant how-to website, says. “Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and enhance their aesthetic appeal. Ensure well-drained soil and consistent moisture to keep them healthy.”
7. Dwarf Flowering Cherry
Showcasing beautiful pink or white blossoms, the dwarf flowering cherry provides a burst of color in spring and fall. “It’s petite size makes it ideal for small yards, and periodic pruning ensures a neat and manageable growth pattern” Adnan says. “Adequate sunlight and proper watering are essential for its well-being.”
8. Crabapple
Crabapples are remarkable for their charming spring blooms and decorative fruit, which persist into winter. “Compact cultivars are excellent for limited spaces, adding a touch of elegance,” Adnan says. “Regular pruning and pest management are essential for optimal growth, while well-drained soil and ample sunlight support healthy development.”
9. Dogwood
Dogwoods are well-known for their magnificent springtime flowers, which include striking pink or white bracts. They have an attractive branching structure and are a great choice for tiny yards, according to Adnan. Pruning carefully will preserve shape and promote ventilation. Soil that is both moist and well-drained is necessary for their health.
10. Serviceberry
Serviceberries are adaptable ornamental trees that provide beautiful white blossoms in the spring and vibrant foliage in the fall. Their petite stature and appeal throughout the year make them great for small yards. Adnan suggests that for healthy development and improved visual effect, regular pruning is essential, as is receiving enough water and sunlight.
