there are a lot of JMaples that might not bloom.. but be really nice behind a fountain or pond ... that would appreciate your z6 ...

ken

A few of the native viburnums are small tree forms - Viburnum prunifolium and Viburnum rufidulum.

Where are you located other than to say zone 6a?

We have two JMaples nearby already (and doing very well). I'm in eastern NC, not far from the coast. In reading further on trees in the second list, the Chitalpa looks intriguing. Actually, for my area, the Morning Cloud, cousin of the Chitalpa, may work well. I like the idea of attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. We have occasional hummingbirds in the back yard already. Would a Chitalpa work in my area of NC?

Are you sure you're not zone 7? I never had one but aren't Crepe Myrtles small trees? Don't know how long they flower though.

Red buckeye is a nice small tree (Aesculus pavia) - very beneficial for hummingbirds. Blooming now for me in North Georgia.

"Jane" Magnolia would fit the description you gave for the type of tree you want.

There are a large number of crepe myrtle cultivars. They bloom late summer in zone 6 st louis. Leaf out ridiculously late though. So late I wonder if mine is dead every year. More appropriate for more temperate zones like you have there.

Bunches of different cultivars. Bunches.

Poaky is right. No way you could be zone 6-At the most you are 7b and you could possibly even be zone 8 depending on where exactly you are. The only part of NC that could be zone 6 is the westernmost mountain areas. I am in northern VA and we are zone 7a. Used to live in NC.

Prairie Fire Crabapple.

Oh and I agree with the idea of a crape myrtle-lots of colors from which to choose and they bloom all summer. Also, a Vitex might be nice. Hope you will post a pic once your choice is planted!