This Plant Hack Will Make Your Outdoor Space Look Way More Luxe

When selling your home, you probably pay a lot of attention to staging your interior spaces properly. But one of the biggest spaces you might be ignoring, according to real estate experts, is the appearance of your exterior. In fact, studies have shown that curb appeal can increase the selling price of a home up to 7% — so if you’re not investing in your outdoor spaces, it might be time to pay attention. 

“First impressions are everything,” says Ashlei De Souza, a licensed associate real estate broker at SERHANT. “Many Multiple Listing Services (MLS) require the lead photo of a listing to be an exterior shot, which makes curb appeal so important for prospective buyers. In fact, a well-landscaped home creates an inviting and emotional connection from the first glance.”

And it doesn’t have to involve a ton of effort, either. In fact, one of this year’s hottest flowering trends is relatively easy to incorporate both indoors and out (extra emphasis on the “out”), and many designers and stagers are adding it to exteriors to bring a sense of warmth to the space for an open house or a viewing. The trend in question? Flowering branches.

If you’ve ever walked past a house and caught a glimpse of delicate pink blossoms dancing on a branch in early spring — well before anything else has bloomed — you’ve already experienced the quiet magic of flowering branches. These early bloomers, like cherry, quince, forsythia, and dogwood, are some of the first signs that winter is on its way out, and they instantly elevate the look of any yard or outdoor space.

“Flowering branches come from trees and shrubs that bloom before they leaf out, giving them that striking, sculptural look,” explains Rachel Cho, founder of Rachel Cho Flower Design. “Whether they’re planted directly in your yard or kept in large containers on a patio or stoop, they bring structure, softness, and a hit of seasonal color to your home’s exterior. They’re also a smart alternative to short-lived bedding flowers, since they offer height, movement, and long-term beauty with very little effort once established.”

Flowering branches can be used on their own — think simply planted until they start displaying their gorgeous hues in early spring — or kept in vases or pots for an extra pop of glam. “Whether planted directly in the yard or grown in large pots to frame a porch or entry, flowering branches add structure, color, and a sense of care to the exterior of a home,” Cho adds. 

Their impact doesn’t stop outside, either: Cut branches from these trees are often used indoors in tall vases for staging, adding height and drama to entry tables or kitchen islands. They’re long-lasting, visually striking, and feel far more elevated than a standard grocery store bouquet. That means they form a lasting impression on potential buyers, without having to require an involved installation from the home seller who may not want to invest much in their soon-to-be-sold space.

According to Cho, you’ll start seeing quince as early as January, followed by yellow forsythia, plum blossoms, and cherry in white and pink by late February into March. In April, you’ll find larger bloomers like double cherry blossoms, dogwood, and mountain laurel. If you’ve missed the boat, remember that dramatic picks like magnolia, crabapple, and azalea start adding bold color in early summer. 

“That first pop of color signals change,” Cho says. “It’s nostalgic, but also incredibly uplifting — and buyers feel that.” In fact, a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) indicated that 92% of Realtors recommend sellers improve curb appeal landscaping by adding some trees before listing a home, given the positive impact they can have on property values.

But even if you’re not ready to plant a full tree, there are options: Smaller varieties like azaleas, mock orange, or dwarf cherry trees can be potted in large containers near the entrance to frame your front door or walkway. “Depending on your space, one well-placed flowering tree can serve as a beautiful focal point,” Cho explains. “And if you have more room, staggering heights — like a flowering tree behind lower shrubs — adds dimension without crowding the space.” For smaller homes or apartments, even one large pot with a blossoming branch can soften hard lines and create a photo-ready backdrop.

“Transferring flowering branches in pots adds verticality and elegance to your staging as well,” Cho says. She recommends styling a tall glass cylinder or ceramic vase with cherry blossoms or dogwood right at your doorway so that the outdoor feeling stays with buyers even as they enter your home. 

Plus, it’s also a subtle signal that the home is bright, airy, and well cared for: “Natural elements help buyers envision how they’ll live in the space,” De Souza adds. “When greenery thrives, people instinctively feel they will, too.” So, a few well-timed blooms might just be the quiet detail that helps seal the deal.

“Since many homeowners aim to list their properties in the spring, I always recommend capturing marketing assets ahead of time,” De Souza says. “When possible, I schedule photoshoots in early spring or even late winter to catch flowering branches at their peak. These seasonal blooms not only elevate curb appeal, but can also increase perceived value, helping the home stand out in a crowded market.” 

It’s also a viable reason to invest in flowering branches, period: Other homes would likely still be barren during late winter, which lends a dull look that can deter potential buyers. But as May and June roll around, there’s still no harm in investing in the beauty of the greenery outside of your home. 

“For one, take advantage of golden hour,” De Souza says. “Flowering branches look best in soft, natural light (such as early morning or late afternoon) when the sun is low and warm.” De Souza says you should step back and take wider shots that show how the branches “soften the architecture” by adding color to the exterior or organic texture.

“Flowering branches are really one of the easiest and most affordable options for homeowners looking to sell, and they’re definitely worth the extra gardening time,” Cho adds. When they’re staged thoughtfully, they can be a subtle but powerful way to boost emotional connection and perceived value, both in person and online.