20 Small Flowering Trees for Front Yards (Under 10 Feet) to Transform Your Curb Appeal

A splash of color out front can completely transform the look of your home. Small flowering trees are perfect for adding charm without overwhelming your space. Here are 20 beautiful options under 10 feet tall to boost your curb appeal.

20 Small Flowering Trees for Front Yards (Under 10 Feet)

These under-10-foot trees can really change the vibe of your front yard. Think color, structure, and a bit of that “look at me” effect, but without swallowing up your whole space.

Dwarf Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Pocomoke’, ‘Chickasaw’, or ‘Petite’ Varieties)

There’s something about crape myrtles—those summer flowers are so bright, and the shape stays tidy. Dwarf picks like ‘Pocomoke’, ‘Chickasaw’, or anything from the ‘Petite’ line usually max out at 5 to 10 feet. Expect pink, purple, or white blooms in mid to late summer that stick around a while.

The bark peels in a way that’s kind of interesting year-round. Dwarf types are easy near paths or foundations, and they don’t fuss about drought. You’ll only need to prune if you want to tidy up the shape or clear out dead wood.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum—dwarf Cultivars Like ‘Shaina’ or ‘Mikawa Yatsubusa’)

With the dwarf Japanese maples—‘Shaina’ and ‘Mikawa Yatsubusa’ come to mind—you get those finely cut leaves and some seriously good color. They tend to stop growing at about 6 to 8 feet. The foliage shifts shades as the seasons change, sometimes red, sometimes green.

They seem happiest in dappled shade, especially if you’ve got a sheltered spot. Their shape is delicate and brings a sort of quiet elegance. Try one near the front door or tucked under taller trees.

Dwarf Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Ace of Hearts’ or ‘Little Woody’)

Redbuds like ‘Ace of Hearts’ or ‘Little Woody’ won’t get much more than 8 to 10 feet. Early spring brings out clusters of pinkish-purple flowers right on the bare branches—always a bit of a surprise before the leaves show up.

The heart-shaped leaves make a dense canopy by summer. Dwarf redbud handles a lot of soil types and partial shade. It’s a solid option for squeezing along a path or drive.

Magnolia ‘Jane’ (Magnolia liliiflora x stellata ‘Jane’)

‘Jane’ is a compact magnolia with those almost tropical, tulip-shaped blooms—hard to ignore. It hangs around 8 to 10 feet and bursts with reddish-purple and white flowers in spring.

The blooms come out before the leaves, so you get that color front and center. ‘Jane’ likes sun or a bit of shade and well-drained soil. If you’ve got a small yard or bed, it’s a good fit.

Dwarf Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Little Poncho’ or ‘Summer Fun’)

‘Little Poncho’ and ‘Summer Fun’ are dogwoods known for their showy, creamy white bracts in late spring. They don’t stretch much past 8 feet.

The variegated leaves add some extra interest in summer, and you’ll get red berries after the flowers. They’re happy in part shade, but do need regular water, especially if it’s hot. Their slow pace makes them good for planting near the house.

Dwarf Korean Lilac Tree (Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ in Tree Form)

If you want fragrance, the tree form of Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ is a winner—usually 6 or 7 feet tall. Late spring and early summer bring big clusters of purple flowers that butterflies love.

It adapts to city conditions and isn’t picky about slightly alkaline soils. The rounded shape fits nicely by patios or entryways. Just prune after flowering if it gets a little wild.

Weeping Cherry (Prunus ‘Snow Fountain’—dwarf Form)

‘Snow Fountain’ weeping cherry grows slowly, topping out at 8 or 10 feet. In early spring, those long, arching branches are just covered in white flowers. Later, the narrow leaves turn gold for fall.

The weeping habit adds movement and a bit of drama to small gardens. They’re great as a focal point or even in a big container. Give them sun and moist, well-drained soil for best results.

Rose of Sharon Tree (Hibiscus syriacus in Tree Form—dwarf Cultivars)

Dwarf Rose of Sharon, trained into tree form, gives you huge, colorful blooms from midsummer through fall—think pink, blue, or white. Most stay under 8 or 9 feet.

They love hot, sunny spots and can handle drought or city life. Prune just enough to keep things looking tidy.

Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus—dwarf Cultivars)

Fringetree, especially dwarf types like ‘Spring Fleecing’, offers up clouds of fragrant, white flowers that look almost like lace in late spring or early summer. They usually stick under 10 feet.

They’re happiest in moist, well-drained soil and can handle sun or part shade. After the blooms, glossy leaves show up, turning yellow in fall. Birds seem to like them, too.

Dwarf Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana—dwarf Selections)

Saucer magnolia, in dwarf form, stays pretty compact—8 to 10 feet, give or take. Early in the year, you’ll get big, cup-shaped pinkish-purple flowers that smell amazing.

Blooms show up before the leaves do. Pick a sunny, fertile spot with good drainage. Their size makes them easy to fit into smaller beds or corners.

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis—dwarf Cultivars)

Desert willow, especially in dwarf versions like ‘Timeless Beauty’, hangs around 8 feet. You’ll get pink to purple, trumpet-shaped flowers from late spring through fall. The leaves are long and skinny, kind of like a willow.

It’s right at home in hot, dry areas and barely needs water once it’s settled in. The multi-stemmed look works well in xeriscapes or anywhere that gets a lot of sun.

Dwarf Crabapple (Malus ‘Coralburst’ or ‘Sargent Tina’)

Crabapples like ‘Coralburst’ or ‘Sargent Tina’ are compact, usually 6 to 8 feet. Spring brings loads of pink buds that open to white or coral-pink flowers, followed by little fruits birds can’t resist.

The shape is neat and rounded, and they’re tough—fine with wind, city air, or different soils. If you want spring flowers and fall color, they’re a solid bet.

Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus ‘Snowcone’—compact Form)

‘Snowcone’ is a compact Japanese snowbell, topping out at around 8 feet. Late spring brings out bell-shaped white flowers that dangle from the branches—best seen from underneath, honestly.

It likes moist, acidic soil and a bit of shade. The horizontal branches and tidy look are perfect for smaller spaces, and the shiny leaves keep things interesting all summer.

Dwarf Bottlebrush Tree (Callistemon citrinus ‘Little John’)

‘Little John’ bottlebrush barely reaches 3 to 5 feet, so it’s perfect for the tiniest yards. The foliage is narrow and bluish-green, and those red, brush-like flowers show up most of the year.

Hummingbirds love them, and they’re drought-tolerant after they’ve settled in. The compact, mounded shape works well near patios or driveways. Full sun brings out the best flowering.

Dwarf Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘Bonsai Blue’)

‘Bonsai Blue’ is a dwarf jacaranda with feathery leaves and vivid violet-blue flowers that bloom in clusters, usually from late spring into early summer. It’ll stay around 6 to 8 feet.

The lacy canopy gives nice dappled shade. It likes hot, sunny spots and well-drained soil. Just a little pruning keeps it in check.

Flowering Almond (Prunus glandulosa—tree Form)

Grown as a small standard, flowering almond can reach about 5 to 8 feet. Early spring brings double pink or white blossoms all over the branches before the leaves show up—really cheerful after winter.

It works as a single accent or along a border. After the flowers fade, a light trim helps keep its shape and encourages more blooms next year.

Dwarf Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum alpinum ‘Pendulum’—compact Variety)

Laburnum alpinum ‘Pendulum’ is a weeping golden chain tree that matures around 8 feet. In late spring, golden, pea-like flowers hang down from the branches, making a pretty dense, umbrella-like canopy.

It likes moist, well-drained soil and can handle sun or part shade. Best used as a showpiece where you can really see those flowers.

Dwarf Peach Tree (Prunus persica ‘Bonanza’ or ‘Pix Zee’)

‘Bonanza’ and ‘Pix Zee’ are peach trees that stay under 6 feet. Early spring is when you’ll see a burst of pink blossoms, then edible peaches by summer—pretty rewarding, honestly.

Their size makes them easy to keep in containers or near patios. They want full sun and moderate water for best fruit and flowers. Pruning keeps them compact and productive.

Dwarf Pomegranate (Punica granatum ‘Nana’)

‘Nana’ is a dwarf pomegranate, more shrub than tree, usually 3 to 4 feet. Late spring and summer bring bright orange-red flowers, and sometimes you’ll get small ornamental fruit that hangs on through fall.

This one likes it hot and dry, and it’s not fussy about soil. It works as a hedge or just as a pop of color wherever you want something a bit different.

Dwarf Wisteria Tree (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’ Trained as a Small Tree)

With a bit of patience, you can train ‘Amethyst Falls’ American wisteria into a charming little tree that won’t stretch past 8 feet. In late spring and early summer, you’ll catch those fragrant, lavender-blue flower clusters just sort of tumbling from the branches—honestly, they’re pretty striking.

It’s noticeably less unruly than the Asian varieties, so you won’t find yourself constantly reining it in. If you give it plenty of sun and don’t let it dry out too much, the blooms really show off. You’ll want to stake and prune it here and there to keep that tidy, tree-like shape and manageable size.