There are a number of considerations when buying a plant for spring blossom.
Firstly, if you are just interested in a spectacular spring display, go for a cherry blossom tree. The best sellers - 'Kanzan' and 'Kiku-Shidare' - really pack a punch, and the latter is suitable for small gardens.
If the timing is important, magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias are among the first to colour up. Then comes apricots, cherries and other stone fruits. For late spring, choose laburnum, crabapple, hawthorn, jasmine and honeysuckle.
If you want a well rounded tree with multi-season interest, we can't recommend crabapples enough with their autumn fruits and long flowering period. Roses are also great as you can control the flowering with pruning.