Cherry Blossom, Sakura, Flowering Cherry
Among the most graceful spring-flowering trees, weeping cherry blossoms with their frothy curtains of pink or white blossoms have been cultivated in Japan for many centuries. Their slender and flexible branches make them weep gracefully, sometimes almost kissing the ground. In spring, they are clothed in white or pink, single or double flowers, often before the leaves emerge. Swaying in the wind, they carpet the ground with cherry blossoms at the end of their flowering season, just as the shiny, dark green serrated leaves emerge to create a fresh summer canopy. While some cherry blossom varieties produce purple-black pea-size fruits, they are inedible and appeal only to a wide variety of birds, including robins, cardinals, and waxwings.
Ornamental cherry trees are typically planted for the majestic yet delicate beauty of their flowers. However, many varieties are noted for their multi-season interest. Some display wonderful fall colors, with their foliage turning brilliant shades of gold, red, or orange. Others feature a graceful shape that commands attention with cascading branches, creating an umbrella everyone wants to stand under. Not to forget the fascinating bark of some cherry varieties, exfoliating, peeling, or shining like silk and adding a welcome splash of color to the winter garden.
Weeping cherry blossom trees make a terrific focal point in the landscape, with their black limbs holding up an umbrella-shaped crown of flowers. Easy to grow, they rarely need pruning. Give them some sun and well-drained soil, and you will be rewarded with infinite beauty in your garden.
| Plant Type | Trees |
|---|---|
| Genus | Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| 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, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
Cherry Blossom 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.
zeansa / 123RF Stock Photo
| Plant Type | Trees |
|---|---|
| Genus | Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| 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, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden |
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.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
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.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
