Prunus x yedoensis (Yoshino Cherry Tree)

Yoshino Cherry Tree, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Yoshino Cherry, Potomac Cherry, Tokyo Cherry

Regarded as one of the most spectacular flowering trees, the Yoshino cherry tree, Prunus x yedoensis, is highly celebrated for its thousands of showy, almond-scented blossoms coming out all at once along its bare branches in early spring and then quickly falling.

What is Yoshino Cherry Tree?

Prunus x yedoensis, commonly known as the Yoshino cherry or Tokyo cherry, is a hybrid cherry of unknown parentage that has been cultivated in Japan for many centuries.

Description and Size: The Yoshino cherry is a deciduous tree that typically grows 40-50 feet (12-15 meters) tall with a spreading, broad-rounded, open crown. In Japan, it is often found along river banks, and in spring, the blooming of Yoshino cherries is a spectacular sight that draws tourists from around the world.

Growth Habit: It grows moderately fast, forming an upright, spreading to a vase-shaped crown with ascending branches. Some cultivars feature an elegant weeping habit.

Flowers: In early spring, before the leaves emerge, it produces a profusion of almond-scented, single or double, pale pink flowers which fade to almost pure white. Each flower has five slightly notched, white petals and many yellowish-green stamens. They are held in clusters of 5-6 blossoms and give way to small, shiny, black fruits, which birds quickly devour.

Blooming Season: It blooms in early to mid-spring. The spectacular floral display lasts up to 2 weeks, weather permitting.

Foliage: As the flowers wane, the ovate, serrated, dark green leaves emerge and create a fresh summer canopy. They turn attractive shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall before shedding to the ground.

Bark: The dark reddish-brown bark is marked by prominent lenticels, which add winter interest.

Hardiness: USDA zones 5 to 8.

Uses: The Yoshino cherry is primarily grown as an ornamental tree for its spring floral display. It’s the star of the Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival. It also provides a good canopy for shade in summer.

Pollinators: Bees are particularly attracted to the flowers.

Deer/Rabbit: Deer generally avoid this plant.

Toxicity: The seeds of Prunus species contain compounds that can be converted into cyanide, so they can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.

The Yoshino cherry is one of the most popular flowering cherry trees planted and has played a significant part in making ‘cherry blossom viewing’ a cultural event in Japan and the U.S.

Why Should I Grow a Yoshino Cherry Tree?

There are several reasons to consider growing a Yoshino Cherry tree in your garden:

Stunning Spring Display: The Yoshino Cherry is famous for its breathtaking spring bloom. It produces a cloud of pale pink flowers that fade to white, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere that is unmatched.
Beautiful Fall Foliage: Aside from its spectacular spring show, the Yoshino Cherry’s leaves turn yellow to copper in the fall, providing an attractive autumn display.
Fragrance: The delicate, almond-scented flowers can perfume an entire garden, enhancing the sensory experience of your outdoor space.
Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are a source of nectar and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.
Versatility: The Yoshino Cherry can be used in various landscape settings, such as a specimen tree, in groupings, or even as a street tree. It’s also a great choice for Japanese or Zen-style gardens due to its cultural significance.
Shade Canopy: Mature Yoshino Cherries provide a good canopy of shade in the summer, making it a practical choice as well.
Cultural Significance: The Yoshino Cherry holds significant cultural value, particularly in Japan, where ‘cherry blossom viewing’ is a cherished tradition. Owning a Yoshino Cherry allows you to partake in this tradition in your backyard.

Remember, like any tree, it requires space to grow and should be planted in a location where it can spread out and not interfere with power lines or buildings. As part of the Prunus genus, its seeds can be toxic if ingested, so caution should be taken around pets and children.

Guide Information

Hardiness	5 - 8
Heat Zones	3 - 8
Climate Zones	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 (Early, Mid) Fall Winter
Height	40' - 50' (12m - 15m)
Spread	25' - 40' (7m - 12m)
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	Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Landscaping Ideas	Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles	Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Beautiful Yoshino Cherry Trees

Garden Design with a Yoshino Cherry Tree

Designing a garden around a Yoshino Cherry tree can create a stunning landscape. Here are some design tips:

Focal Point: The Yoshino Cherry’s beautiful, abundant spring blossoms make it an excellent focal point. Plant it in a central location where it can be easily viewed from different points of the garden or house.
Space Management: The Yoshino Cherry tree grows considerably, so ensure you give it enough space to expand without encroaching on other plants or structures.
Underplanting: Underplant with spring bulbs like Daffodils, Tulips, and Crocuses. Their bloom time often coincides with the Yoshino Cherry, and they’ll provide a splash of color at ground level. For perennial ground cover, consider Hostas or Ferns, which can provide contrasting foliage texture and fill in the area under the tree during summer.
Companion Planting: Pair it with other Japanese garden staples, such as Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum), Azaleas and Rhododendrons. These provide contrasting color and form, and they continue the interest after the cherry blossom has faded.
Create Layers: Plant shrubs and perennials of varying heights around the tree to create a layered effect. For instance, use lower growing plants closer to the tree, graduating to taller plants further away.
Water Feature: Consider incorporating a water feature like a pond or stream into your garden design. Water reflects the beautiful cherry blossoms and can bring a peaceful ambiance to the garden.
Garden Bench: Install a garden bench under or near the tree. This provides a place to sit and enjoy the magnificent bloom up close during spring and the shade during summer.

Remember, the design of your garden is a personal expression. Choose plants and design elements you love that will thrive in your specific climate and soil conditions.

Growing Tips

To grow a Yoshino cherry tree (Prunus x yedoensis), follow these steps:

Choose a suitable location: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. The tree requires 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..
Prepare the soil: Ensure the soil is fertile, loamy, and well-draining. Amend the soil with organic matter if needed.
Planting: Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the tree. Place the tree in the hole and backfill it with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
Watering: Water the tree thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
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 fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Winter care: Protect young trees from harsh winter conditions by covering them with burlap or using other suitable methods.
Enjoy the blooms: Yoshino cherry trees typically bloom in early spring, creating a breathtaking display of delicate, pale pink blossoms. Take time to appreciate their beauty and fragrance.

Pests and Diseases

Yoshino Cherry trees, while known for their beauty, are not immune to pests and diseases. Here are a few common issues you might encounter:

Pests:

Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from the tree, which can result in curled, yellow leaves. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can promote the growth of sooty mold.
Borers: Cherry trees can be susceptible to various types of borers which tunnel into the trunk and branches. Symptoms include holes in the bark, sawdust-like frass, and wilting or dieback of branches.
Tent Caterpillars: These caterpillars spin webs in the tree and feed on the leaves, potentially defoliating branches or even entire trees.

Diseases:

Brown Rot: This fungal disease can cause browning, wilting, and rotting of blossoms and fruit. It can also produce tan or brown spore masses on affected parts.
Leaf Spot: Various fungi can cause leaf spots on cherry trees. Spots can vary in color and may cause leaves to drop prematurely.
Powdery Mildew: This fungus appears as a white to gray powdery coating on leaves and can cause distortion or early leaf drop.
Cherry Leaf Scorch or Cherry Leaf Spot: This fungal infection causes red to purple spots on leaves, which may turn yellow and fall off.

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.

If pests or diseases become an issue, contact a local extension service or a professional arborist for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Chemical controls, including fungicides and insecticides, should be used as a last resort and always according to the product label.

Recommended Companion Plants

photop5 / paylessimages / 123RF Stock Photo

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.