Weeping Cherry Blossom, Weeping Spring Cherry
Prunus pendula is an ornamental weeping Cherry Blossom tree that has been cultivated in Japan for many centuries. Their slender and flexible branches make them weep gracefully, sometimes almost kissing the ground.
Prunus pendula, also known as Weeping Cherry Blossom, is a spectacular ornamental tree renowned for its graceful, pendulous branches and beautiful springtime display of flowers. Native to Japan, it has been widely cultivated in gardens and parks around the world for its aesthetic appeal.
Size and Habit: This deciduous tree typically grows to around 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 meters) in height and spreads approximately 15 feet (4.5 meters) wide. It exhibits a distinct weeping habit, with branches that bow elegantly toward the ground.
Bark: The bark is smooth and dark, providing an appealing contrast to the lighter foliage and flowers.
Flowers: The star attraction of Prunus pendula is undoubtedly its blossoms. In early to mid-spring, before the leaves appear, the tree is smothered with clusters of delicate, pale pink to white flowers. Each blossom comprises five petals and gives off a pleasant fragrance, attracting various pollinators such as bees.
Foliage: The leaves of Prunus pendula are small and simple, having a lanceolate shape and a toothed margin. They emerge a bronze color in spring, turning green as they mature in summer, and finally adopting yellow-orange hues in autumn.
Hardiness: The Weeping Cherry Blossom tree is quite robust, tolerating temperatures within USDA hardiness zones 6 to 8. It prefers full sun exposure and well-drained soil.
Uses: Prunus pendula makes a stunning specimen tree and is often planted near water bodies or buildings where its weeping form can be reflected. It’s also a great choice for creating a focal point in residential gardens or public parks.
Pollinators: The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies..
Deer and Rabbit: Deer usually ignore these trees, but rabbits can cause damage, especially to younger trees with thin bark.
Toxicity: Be aware that the leaves, stems, and seeds are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses..
Prunus pendula is a tree that brings beauty and elegance to any landscape. Its weeping form, combined with the profusion of spring blossoms, offers a unique and stunning visual appeal.
| Hardiness |
6 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 |
| Plant Type | Trees |
| Genus | Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring |
| Height | 15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m) |
| Spread | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Bees |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
Designing a garden with a Weeping Cherry tree can create a stunning focal point and a beautiful year-round display.
Focal Point: The Weeping Cherry tree makes an excellent centerpiece in the garden due to its elegant weeping form and vibrant spring blossoms. It’s best placed where it can be viewed from multiple angles or from inside your home.
Reflective Surfaces: Planting a Weeping Cherry near a pond or other reflective surface can heighten the visual impact of its cascading branches and abundant blossoms.
Underplanting: Underneath the tree, consider shade-tolerant plants like Hostas and Ferns, or ground cover like Ivy. These plants provide a lush, green carpet that contrasts beautifully with the cascading branches of the cherry tree.
Companion Planting: Weeping Cherry trees look great when surrounded by spring-flowering bulbs like Daffodils, Tulips, and Crocuses. The bursts of color from these flowers complement the tree’s pink blossoms.
Ornamental Grasses: The soft textures of ornamental grasses, such as Hakone grass or Fountain Grass, can contrast the tree’s cascading branches and create movement and depth in the garden.
Multi-seasonal Interest: For year-round interest, combine the Weeping Cherry with plants that offer autumn color, interesting bark, or winter berries. This ensures that your garden remains attractive throughout the year.
Bird-Friendly: The tree’s branches provide shelter for birds, making it a great addition to a bird-friendly garden. Consider adding bird feeders or a birdbath nearby to attract more birds.
Night Garden: Illuminate your Weeping Cherry with landscape lighting to highlight its graceful form at night. This can create a dramatic effect, making the tree a round-the-clock feature in your garden.
Remember to leave enough room for plants to grow to their mature size without crowding the tree, and always consider the specific light and soil conditions in your location when choosing companion plants.
Weeping cherry trees do well in most gardens, and their care requirements are minimal. There are a few things to bear in mind, though, before purchasing a flowering cherry tree:
Location: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. They require at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to produce the best bloom and growth. Therefore it is important to plant your tree in a spot that is not too shady or crowded.
Soil: These trees prefer relatively fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost or other organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil and firm gently. Ensure the mature height and spread of the tree you wish to purchase will fit your intended area. The best time to plant is in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed, or in early fall, allowing plenty of time for roots to establish before the first freeze.
Watering: Water deeply and thoroughly after planting. Afterward, maintain consistent moisture, particularly in dry periods, but be careful not to overwater.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the tree after planting.
Pruning: Flowering cherries grow best if left alone, so it is best to avoid pruning aside from removing dead, diseased, or damaged growth. If you need to shape your tree, do so after flowering in early summer because there are fewer diseases, and you won’t remove the flower buds.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring, before the onset of new growth.
Winter Care: In colder regions, consider wrapping young trees or applying a layer of mulch around the base to protect from frost.
While known for their beauty, Cherry Blossom trees are not immune to pests and diseases. Here are a few common issues you might encounter:
Pests
Diseases
Prevention is key in managing these potential problems. Regular monitoring, maintaining good tree health, and practicing proper sanitation (like cleaning up fallen leaves and pruning out diseased branches) can go a long way in preventing outbreaks.
paylessimages / 123RF Stock Photo
| Hardiness |
6 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 |
| Plant Type | Trees |
| Genus | Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring |
| Height | 15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m) |
| Spread | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Bees |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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