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Prunus serrulata (Japanese Flowering Cherry)

Japanese Flowering Cherry, Oriental Cherry, Hill Cherry

Prunus serrulata, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Oriental Cherry, Spring flowers, White flowers, Pink flowers, fragrant flowers, Hill Cherry

Incredibly pretty when in full bloom, the Japanese flowering cherry, Prunus serrulata, is primarily grown for its profuse and showy spring blossoms.

While the Prunus serrulata species is rarely sold in commerce, its many beautiful cultivars are extremely popular with gardeners, in particular the Kanzan cherry, which is responsible, along with the Yoshino cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) for the outstanding pink floral display each spring in Washington, D.C.

What is Prunus serrulata?

Prunus serrulata, commonly known as the Japanese Cherry or Sakura, is a species of cherry native to Japan, Korea, and China, and it’s renowned for its stunning spring display of delicate, usually blush-pink flowers.

  • Habit and Size: This deciduous tree typically grows to a height and spread of 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 meters) though some varieties can reach up to 50 feet (15 meters). Depending on the cultivar, it may boast an upright-spreading habit that becomes more layered with age or a weeping habit.
  • Flowers: The flowers are borne in clusters of 2-5 before the leaves appear, usually from late April to early May, providing a dazzling spring show. Depending on cultivars, the flowers may come in shades of white and pink and may be single, semi-double, or double. The double-flowered varieties tend to hold their bloom longer. Some are fragrant.
    Unlike the species which bears black, pea-sized sour cherries, most of the cultivars are fruitless.
  • Foliage: The dark green, serrated leaves emerge coppery-bronze, mature to green in summer, and then turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall.
  • Bark: The thin, smooth, reddish to bronze, shiny bark, marked with prominent lenticels, is also a notable feature, adding winter interest.
  • Hardiness: Japanese Cherry is hardy to USDA zones 5-8.
  • Uses: It is primarily used as an ornamental tree and is ideal for planting in parks and gardens, often used as a specimen tree or in streetscapes for its aesthetic value.
  • 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.
  • Pests and Diseases: Despite its beauty, the Japanese Cherry has some susceptibility to pests and diseases, including caterpillars, leaf spot, and cankers. Also, it tends to be relatively short-lived, often with a lifespan of only 15-20 years due to these issues. Regular care and preventative measures can help ensure the health and longevity of these beautiful trees.
  • Cultural Significance: One key fact is the cultural significance of Prunus serrulata in its native Japan. The spring blooming of sakura is celebrated with hanami parties, where people gather to picnic under the blooming trees, a tradition dating back over a thousand years. Also, many cultivars have been developed over centuries, each celebrated for its unique flower form and color.

Why Should I Grow a Japanese Flowering Cherry?

Japanese Flowering Cherry, or Prunus serrulata, is a stellar choice for any garden due to several reasons:

  • Stunning Blooms: The primary allure of these trees is their stunning spring display of blossoms, usually in various shades of pink. This dramatic floral exhibition transforms any landscape into a picturesque scene, adding beauty and charm.
  • Seasonal Interest: Besides their striking blossoms, these trees offer seasonal interest. Their leaves emerge a coppery-bronze, mature to green in summer, and then shift to a vibrant palette of yellows, oranges, and reds in the autumn. The shiny, chestnut-brown bark adds a touch of beauty during the winter months.
  • Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms are attractive to bees and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity in your garden.
  • Versatile Use: These trees can be planted as standalone specimens for their beauty or used in streetscapes and public parks due to their compact size and attractive form

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 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, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 25'
(4m - 7m)
Spread 15' - 25'
(4m - 7m)
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 Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies, Bees
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Garden Design with Prunus serrulata

Designing a garden with Japanese Flowering Cherry trees can create a breathtaking landscape. Here are some ideas:

  • Stand-Alone Specimens: These trees have a striking natural form and vibrant color, making them perfect stand-alone specimens. Their spring bloom can serve as a garden’s focal point.
  • Garden Borders: Because of their moderate size, they can be planted as part of a garden border or along a walkway where their flowering beauty can be appreciated up close.
  • Orchard Style: Plant several Japanese Flowering Cherries in a meadow or on a hillside in an orchard style for an impressive spring display when all the trees bloom together.
  • Japanese Garden: They can be used as central elements in a Japanese style garden, complemented with other Asian plants such as Bamboo, Japanese Maples, Azaleas, and ferns. You can add a Koi pond, rock arrangements, and gravel paths for a complete Japanese aesthetic.
  • Evening Garden: The pale blossoms of Japanese Flowering Cherries can look magical under the moonlight. Consider an evening garden, with white-flowering plants and subtle lighting to accentuate the blooms.

Here are some good companion plants:

  • Spring Bulbs: Early bloomers like Daffodils, Tulips, and Crocuses can be planted around the base of the tree for a burst of color before the tree fully leafs out.
  • Azaleas and Rhododendrons: These spring-flowering shrubs enjoy similar growing conditions and can provide an excellent color contrast.
  • Hostas: These shade-tolerant perennials can be planted beneath the canopy of the tree, providing beautiful foliage contrast and filling in the understory.
  • Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum): With their delicate foliage and beautiful fall color, Japanese Maples make an excellent contrasting companion.
  • Ferns: In a shaded garden, ferns can provide a lush, green understory beneath the tree.
  • Ornamental Grasses: The vertical form and movement of ornamental grasses can provide an interesting contrast to the tree’s form.
  • Hydrangeas: Their large flower heads and preference for similar growing conditions make them a good companion.
  • Japanese Anemones: Blooming in late summer to fall, they provide a later source of color in the garden.

Remember to consider the needs of each plant when planning your garden, ensuring they all have the space, light, and soil conditions they need to thrive.

Growing Japanese Flowering Cherry

Flowering 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.
  • Pests and Diseases: Flowering cherries are susceptible to insect and fungal disease problems. Regular pruning to thin out branches and allow for better air and light circulation will help keep your tree healthy. Watch for caterpillars, leaf-mining moths, bullfinches, silver leaf, bacterial canker, and blossom wilt.
  • Winter Care: In colder regions, consider wrapping young trees or applying a layer of mulch around the base to protect from frost.

Remember, like all trees, the Japanese Flowering Cherry requires patience. It may take a few years for your tree to establish and start producing the showy blooms it’s known for. Be patient and provide the care it needs, and you will be rewarded with a stunning display each spring.

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 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, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 25'
(4m - 7m)
Spread 15' - 25'
(4m - 7m)
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 Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies, Bees
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
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Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree

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