The Flowering Tree Trend You'll See Everywhere In 2026

Do you ever feel like you see the same plants in every yard, year after year? The search for something different can feel like an ongoing chore, but a new trend is here to refresh your outdoor space. The next big thing in flowering trees is the dogwood. These trees are becoming a popular choice for adding timeless style to any yard, with the specific types of flowering dogwood (Cornus kousa) and Venus dogwood (Cornus Venus) at the forefront of the trend. Don't be surprised if you start seeing them everywhere as homeowners and designers look for something special that stands out and creates a unique outdoor space.

Their beautiful blooms and the fact that they're low-maintenance make them a favorite with both professional landscape designers and home gardeners. This popularity is a result of breeding programs that have created stronger and more beautiful dogwood trees that can grow in a variety of conditions. As these varieties become more available, they'll likely become a common sight in many gardens and neighborhoods.

When it comes to the new generation of dogwoods, certain types are considered more desirable than others. The flowering dogwood is a part of this trend. They have been bred to produce better flowers and vibrant foliage. One of the most popular trees is the flowering dogwood 'Teutonia,' which was developed in Europe. It's a small, bushy tree that has ovate (egg-shaped) leaves that turn a deep, rich red and purple in autumn. The tree flowers in midsummer, which is later than many other dogwood species. Surrounding the small white flowers are four large, pointed bracts (leaves that look like flower petals) that change from a creamy white to a soft pink.

After the flowers, the tree's bark begins to exfoliate, or peel away, in irregular patches to show shades of gray, tan, and brown, which creates a textured trunk. This unique feature is why the tree is said to have winter interest when most other plants are bare. The tree also grows red, berry-like fruit that looks a lot like a raspberry, which is eaten by hungry birds. The best spot to plant a flowering dogwood tree is in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and in full sun or light shade. The flowering dogwood can reach heights of up to 20 feet, and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8.

The movement toward creating more appealing and durable trees has led to the development of hybrid dogwoods. There's one that was developed in the United States that's also become highly sought after, the Cornus Venus. This tree is the result of a cross that combines the huge, ornamental blooms of the Pacific dogwood with the hardiness of the flowering dogwood.

Cornus Venus grows masses of absolutely huge white blooms that can be over 6 inches wide, almost completely covering the branches in late spring to early summer. This tree turns into stunning shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall, making it a stunner late into the season. These trees are incredibly healthy and strong growers, with a high resistance to common diseases that plague dogwood trees, like powdery mildew and anthracnose. Growing to a height of 15 to 18 feet, it thrives in partial shade or full sun and is a good option for gardeners in USDA zones 5 through 8.