Give Thanks to Trees

It’s the season of Thanksgiving, and as we reflect on all that we have, we cannot forget to give thanks to the trees. Trees give us fresh air, their canopies create shade from the hot sun, and they use their expansive roots to hold the earth together. But they also provide beauty with their flowers, their sprawling canopies, and the wildlife they attract. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we want to give a shoutout to some of our favorite trees!

Coral Tree

Erythrina sp.

Also called the Coral Bean Tree, this whimsical plant can reach up to 20 feet tall. The tree’s exotic, velvety flowers bloom in clusters with pea-like blossoms. The long, top petals fold into a spade shape, which then curve backwards while the bottom petals enclose the stamens.

These beauties are fast-growing. Coral Trees thrive in areas with high humidity and consistent watering. They are drought-tolerant once established, but prefer consistently moist soil. Ensure this tree gets plenty of water during its flowering phase.

Why We Love this Tree

The Native Hawaiians used to use Erythrina trees for their low-density wood. Low-density wood was utilized for making ama (outrigger canoe floats), fishing net floats, and longboards. The vibrant flowers were also used for lei making.

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Crepe Gardenia

Tabernaemontana divaricata

Crepe Gardenia (also called Crepe Jasmine) is a highly desirable flowering tree. Topping out at only 15 feet, this specimen is an ideal option for a small space in need of extra shade or a tasteful focal point.

Similar to its cousin, Stemmadenia, the Crepe Gardenia features a vase-shaped trunk and fragrant flowers. The Crepe Gardenia is distinguishable by its double flowers, which are lovely and delicate.

Crepe Gardenia prefers bright, indirect light but can handle some direct sun. This tree benefits from humidity, regular watering, and evenly moist soil. Prune regularly to maintain the canopy’s shape and to promote more growth. It is ideal to prune after the flowering period to avoid cutting back budding branches.

Why We Love this Tree

Not only is this tree beautiful, but it requires little maintenance and doesn’t make a mess!

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Pink Shower Tree

Cassia bakeriana

One of the most stunning trees you’ll ever see, the Pink Shower Tree really is a showstopper! Its endless flower clusters cover the tree in clouds of pink and shower the ground with beautiful petals. 

Shower Trees thrive in warm climates with lots of sunshine. These trees can reach 20-30 feet tall and love full sun exposure. They are moderately drought-tolerant once established, but should be planted in a well-draining soil and kept consistently moist during the growing season.

Regular maintenance includes picking up large dropped seed pods and petals, and seasonal pruning to remove dead wood once the tree is done flowering.

Why We Love this Tree

What’s not to love?! This tree is truly breathtaking in bloom and brings a bright pop of color to your landscape.

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Dwarf Magnolia

M. grandiflora ‘Little Gem’

Don’t let the name fool you! Although technically a dwarf, this Magnolia still has the big, fragrant flowers you know and love. The leaves stay small and glossy, but this tree can reach up to 20 feet tall here in Hawaii. The ideal location for this tree is somewhere with full sun to partial shade.

These trees are hardy and easy to grow as a specimen plant or to create large hedges! The giant flowers get four to eight inches in diameter and have the same creamy color as the full-sized Magnolia. The dwarf size of the tree also allows for easier flower picking, as the blooms flower closer to the ground than a full-sized tree. These blooms are fragrant and delightful! They are often described as lemony and floral.

Why We Love this Tree

The Magnolia flowers are to die for! The versatility of this tree makes it even better, allowing you to plant it as a focal point in your landscape or grow multiple trees to create a blossoming privacy hedge!

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Black Pearl Tree

Majidea zanguebarica

You may also know this tree as the Velvet Seed Tree, and the seed pods make it clear why! This magnificent tree produces bright red seed pods that open up to reveal round, black seeds that have a layer of fuzz making them feel velvety-soft! These trees grow 15-20 feet tall and are drought-tolerant once established.

The Black Pearl Tree prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade. The sunnier the spot, the happier your tree will be! This tree requires regular watering and moist soil. Majidea produces a small canopy of shiny, attractive green leaves. The tree blooms small, fragrant flowers in shades of red and green before producing its large seed pods.

Why We Love this Tree

Not only are Majadea’s seed pods stunning to look at, they can also be used in flower arrangements, potpourri, and the seeds can be collected and used as beads in jewelry making!