Tree that blooms in July?

Hi all I'm new on here and I didn't know who else to ask.

Our baby daughter is due in July and I like to plant a tree that will be I full bloom on her birthday each year. I'd prefer it if the bloom/blossom was pink but I know I'm asking a lot finding a tree that blooms in July

I live in the south west of the uk if it helps

Anyone got any ideas of what I can plant?

 

Hello and welcome. What a nice idea. I planted a willow tree when my son was born.

Sorry, I don't know of a suitable tree, but I bet someone here does and will no doubt be along shortly.

 

Thanks for your reply, hopefully someone will have some ideas

 

The only 2 I can think of are Magnolia Grandiflora and Eucryphia. The former has sort of creamy yellow flowers and the latter white I think. Can't grow either as believe both aren't hardy enough for up in Scotland so no experience re cultivation. The former are lovely as seen huge examples in Texas but they were VERY old. To my surprise Texas can get very cold in the winter so maybe they'd do ok with you. Sorry can't think of anything Barbie coloured! All the very best with the new addition to your family. Only other idea, a large growing pink Rose instead?

Update, just had a look at my gardening book and don't think my suggestions are any good unless your baby is very late! Both my suggestions flower August/September so about as much use as a chocolate teapot, sorry!

 

I can't think of a tree but shrubs such as Hydrangea and Lonicera (Honeysuckle) should be in flower then.

Hydrangeas come in both blue for a boy and pink for a girl so in your case it would be pink!

 

That's not a bad idea. When we bought this house (3 years ago) there was a wild rose that had been trained into a lollipop tree about 8ft tall. I've chopped it down because it was in the wrong place for my grand plan, but it did show that it could be done. Being a wild rose it didn't have a long flowering period, and if I remember right it was probably a bit early (May and early June I think), but there are so many different roses with longer flowering periods.

Oh, just as I was typing a thought occurred. What about a buddleja? Some of the cultivars will be in bloom by July. Mostly purple I think but there are crimson red ones and white ones, so I'd assume someone has bred a pink one by now.

 

I don't know about Eucryphia not being hardy enough for Scotland Silu the first time I ever saw examples of this plant is when visiting gardens up on the west coast of Scotland!

 

The west coast is a bit different. I'm told they have palm trees there. The north atlantic drift brings warm water right past the west coast of Scotland.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I've googled them all to find pictures. I recon I'm going to take the direction of the rose plant, the reason I wanted a tree was because I wanted it to live a long time, I'm guessing roses can last as long as you look after them as well yeah?

So I'm proper new to this sort of thing, I'm guessing there's different types of roses yeah? Is there an English one that flowers through July? Or do they generally flower for a few months, I'd prefer one that flowers just for July if possible but I guess I'm asking a lot

One good thing tho I proberly won't have much trouble finding a pink rose..!!

Any suggestions on names?

 

I just found this

http://rosesforenglishgardens.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/rose-umbrella-method-of-rose-training.html

It looks awesome and I don't agree with the article saying it too much work, I recon its worth it if you get results like that

Anyone done anything like this?

 

Never tried the above but you could maybe give it a go. Looks like a fair bit of pruning involved (not my favourite occupation!) For buying roses I'd have a look atDavid Austin Roses Limited . They are not the cheepest but quality is usually very good. As for how long Roses can live, well my Father had Roses which were well over 80 years old. I wish I knew the variety of some Roses I have in my garden (here when we moved) as would suggest them. I'm no Roses fan and they don't normally do very well here, however these shrub Roses do, they are a medium pink start flowering in July and are superb. No problems like Blackspot and never sick or sorry. Have old David Austin labels on them. Quite correct Aesculus! HOWEVER the climate in the West near the coast is completely different to the majority of Scotland unfortunately. Many years ago I visited Calley Gardens (South West Scotland)and was very impressed by all sorts of gorgeous shrubs. Promptly bought the same varieties for my garden...disaster! You live and learn the hard way lol. What will grow happily in say Exeter won't in Eyemouth!

 

I was going to suggest Albizzia julibrissin rosea for a tree, but if you are looking for a rose recommendation, Zephirine Drouhin is a thornless climber with lovely scent.

 

All of the Magnolias here are pink .. but sorry they bloom in March/April ... well, at least here ... sorry, these are old photos I am putting up ...

 

What a brilliant suggestion I've just googled and its perfect, it says the leaves actually close up at night as if the tree is sleeping

It does seem a little difficult to get it to grow in our English climate but if I find the right spot I should be ok

So now I've got a decision to make the rose or the tree, and honestly I recon I might do both just in case one doesn't work out

I've got time to decide so any more suggestions are welcome

 

Could be a bit risky if its not fully hardy in our climate. As you know, the good old British weather can change very quickly without warning. I've seen it go from above zero to minus 10'C within a few hours. Doesn't give you much time to get the fleece on.