Not Magnolias: The Beautiful Tree Filled With Fresh-Smelling White Flowers

If you're searching for an ultra-fragrant tree with stunning white blossoms, there are options beyond the classic magnolia. You can add a spicy, sweet-smelling touch to your garden with a more unexpected flowering tree. The Mayday tree (Prunus padus) blooms in early spring. It's a compact, yet very aromatic option for your yard. It's also one of the best trees to grow gorgeous white flowers, and will also attract lots of pollinators.

The fact that they attract pollinators sets them apart from magnolias, which are actually pollinated by beetles instead of bees or butterflies. After the flowers of the Mayday tree fade, the branches are filled with little berries. Although they aren't edible for humans, they are a great way to attract more birds who will gobble them up all summer. In addition to small, white flowers, some cultivars actually come in soft pink tones – similar to the color palette of magnolias. Note that the Mayday tree is considered invasive in some areas, like Alaska, so make sure to research your location before planting.

If you've been searching for the most fragrant trees that'll make your yard smell better than ever, the Mayday tree should be at the top of your list. The tree is oval-shaped, and the flowers hang down to create a stunning display of clustered blossoms. Although the fragrant flowers are only present in the early spring, the tree looks beautiful in every season. When the flowers aren't in bloom, the tree features dark green foliage with pointed leaves that turn bright yellow in autumn.

In order to make sure your Mayday tree thrives, partially expose the bottom of the trunk when you first plant the tree. Younger trees planted in well-draining soil need weekly watering until they are established. Once the tree goes dormant around late autumn, make sure to give it a good pruning. If the branches get too crowded, they can create conditions for the pathogen that causes black knot disease to thrive. Allowing the branches some room to breathe can lessen the chance of the fungal disease. For more pruning tips to ensure a healthy Mayday tree, make sure to review how to prune your trees the right way without calling a pro.