Flowering Cherry Trees with Attractive Fall Colors
Flowering Cherries, Sakura, Cherry Blossoms
Ornamental cherry trees are typically planted for the majestic yet delicate beauty of their flowers. In spring, they are clothed in white or pink, single or double flowers, often before the leaves emerge. As the flowers wane and carpet the ground with their petals, their shiny, dark green serrated leaves appear to create a fresh summer canopy.
While truly enchanting, these pretty cherry blossoms do not last very long. Therefore, selecting ornamental cherries with multi-season interest would offer even more appeal. Some flowering cherries display wonderful fall color, with their foliage turning brilliant shades of gold, red, or orange, before shedding to the ground and revealing the beauty of their gnarled trunks or the graceful outline of their branches.
Here is a list of lovely flowering cherry trees that will add glory to your fall garden. Easy to grow, they rarely need pruning. Just give them some sun and a well-drained soil and you will be rewarded with infinite beauty in your garden.
Flowering Cherry Trees with Attractive Fall Colors
Prunus 'Accolade' (Flowering Cherry)
Regarded as one of the most attractive of the early-flowering ornamental cherries, award-winning Prunus 'Accolade' is a small deciduous tree of spreading habit. Opening from dark pink buds, profuse semi-double, shell pink flowers held in drooping clusters appear in early to mid-spring. The blooms are quite large, up to 1.5 in. across (4 cm), and they count up to 10-12 petals. Born in abundance along the bare branches, they provide a breathtaking floral display. As the flowers wane, the ovate, and dark green leaves emerge and create a fresh summer canopy before turning brilliant orange in fall. As the leaves fall, they reveal smooth dark red bark, adding winter interest to the landscape.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 4 - 9 |
---|---|
Height | 20' - 25' (6m - 7.5m) |
Spread | 20' - 25' (6m - 7.5m) |
Prunus 'Amanogawa' (Japanese Flowering Cherry)
Ideal for small gardens, award-winning Prunus 'Amanogawa' is a small, narrowly columnar deciduous tree boasting profuse, semi-double pale pink flowers hugging closely the erect branches in mid to late spring. Sweetly fragrant, the cherry blossoms stand upright at the side of the branches. Opening from pink buds, the large saucer-shaped blooms, almost 2 in. across (4.5 cm), count up to 6-15 petals. They fade to almost white as they mature and display a purplish pink heart just before shedding. Emerging bronze-green, the leaves turn to mid-green before turning red and orange in fall. Healthy, hardy, and easily propagated, it is a popular tree for very small gardens.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 20' - 25' (6m - 7.5m) |
Spread | 4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm) |
Prunus 'Ichiyo' (Japanese Flowering Cherry)
With flowers resembling a ballerina's petticoat, award-winning Prunus 'Ichiyo' is a small deciduous tree of spreading habit, with gracefully ascending main branches. Opening from pink buds, profuse double, shell pink flowers appear in mid to late spring. Held in pendulous long-stalked clusters of 3-4 flowers, they fade to almost white as they age. The blooms are quite large, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), and they count up to 16-22 petals, nicely arranged around an open heart. Emerging pale bronze-green, the leaves turn deep green in summer to create a fresh canopy and turn orange and red in fall. A healthy, rather late Flowering Cherry that makes a wonderfully spreading tree and is perfect for large gardens.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 5 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 15' - 20' (4.5m - 6m) |
Spread | 15' - 20' (4.5m - 6m) |
Prunus 'Kanzan' (Japanese Flowering Cherry)
Regarded as one of the most ornamental of the flowering cherries, Prunus 'Kanzan' is a striking deciduous tree with several seasons of interest. In spring, it produces an amazing profusion of rich pink double flowers, 2.5 in. wide (6 cm), held in pendant clusters. They appear before the leaves unfold. Each blossom is packed with 20-30 petals. Since 'Kanzan' is sterile, they will not be followed by fruit. Reddish-copper as they emerge, the serrate, ovate leaves mature to dark green in summer, forming a dense canopy casting shade below. In fall, they turn various shades of orange and bronze before dropping. A graceful ornamental tree with an upright, vase-shaped habit, which can be planted in containers, along walks and streets, and also be used as a bonsai specimen.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 5 - 9 |
---|---|
Height | 25' - 30' (7.5m - 9m) |
Spread | 25' - 30' (7.5m - 9m) |
Prunus 'Kursar' (Flowering Cherry)
Perfect for small gardens, Prunus 'Kursar' is a small deciduous tree of spreading habit boasting clusters of vivid, deep-pink saucer-shaped flowers, 1 in. across (2cm), in early spring. Born in profusion along the bare branches, they give a splash of intense color and provide a breathtaking floral display. As the flowers wane, the foliage emerges. Coppery-bronze at first, the ovate leaves turn dark green and create a fresh summer canopy before turning brilliant orange in fall. This small Japanese cherry with 2 seasons of interest makes a fine specimen for a lawn and is ideal for gardens with limited space.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.5m) |
Spread | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.5m) |
Prunus 'Pink Perfection' (Japanese Flowering Cherry)
One of the most floriferous of flowering cherries, award-winning Prunus 'Pink Perfection' is a small deciduous tree with gracefully ascending branches. In late spring, it boasts a profusion of bright, double pink flowers which hang in drooping clusters from the branches. Opening from red buds, the huge flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), turn pink as they open their 28-32 frilly petals. The leaves are a delicate bronze color when young, before turning green and then brilliant red and orange in the fall. A small Japanese cherry with 2 seasons of interest that makes a fine specimen for a lawn and is ideal for gardens with limited space.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 10' - 15' (3m - 4.5m) |
Spread | 10' - 12' (3m - 3.6m) |
Prunus 'Shirofugen' (Japanese Flowering Cherry)
A flowering cherry of great beauty, award-winning Prunus 'Shirofugen' is a small deciduous tree of vase-shaped habit with a flattened crown and gorgeous blossoms. Pink in buds, large fragrant double flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), counting up to 25-30 petals, open white with a tinge of pink on the reverse of the outer petals and then change again to deep pink before the shedding of the petals. Blooming in late spring, the blossoms are held gracefully in pendulous long-stalked clusters of 3-7 flowers, closely packed along the branches. Emerging coppery-red, the leaves turn bronze green and turn orange in fall. A healthy, vigorous ornamental cherry that has been prized by Western gardeners for over a century and 5 times that in Japan.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 25' - 30' (7.5m - 9m) |
Spread | 25' - 30' (7.5m - 9m) |
Prunus 'Shirotae' (Japanese Flowering Cherry)
Ideal for small gardens, award-winning Prunus 'Shirotae' is a small deciduous tree with a remarkable spreading flat crown and slightly arching branches. In mid to late spring, it gets covered with abundant and beautiful, pure white, semi-double flowers, which are among the largest of the flowering cherries. Resembling rambling roses, the cup-shaped blossoms, 2 in. across (5 cm), count up to 5-11 petals, some with a faint pink tinge which fades to pure white as the blooms open. They exude a pleasant almond fragrance and contrast nicely with the foliage of pale green young leaves. As the season progresses, the ovate leaves turn dark green by summer before turning red and orange shades in the fall. Healthy, vigorous, and remarkably shaped with its branches gracefully dipping close to the ground, 'Shirotae' is one of the most gorgeous white-flowering cherries.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 15' - 20' (4.5m - 6m) |
Spread | 15' - 25' (4.5m - 7.5m) |
Prunus 'Shogetsu' (Japanese Flowering Cherry)
One of the finest Japanese cherries, award-winning Prunus 'Shogetsu' is a broad-spreading small deciduous tree with charming double flowers held in showy, hanging clusters of 3-6 blooms that can be up to 6 in. long! (15 cm). Providing a breathtaking display in late spring to early summer, the pretty blossoms are large, 2 in. across (5 cm). Light pink in bud, they open to pure white and resemble ballerina's petticoats with their frilled 22-25 petals, nicely arranged around an open heart. The foliage of fresh green young leaves turns red and orange shades in the fall.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 15' - 20' (4.5m - 6m) |
Spread | 15' - 25' (4.5m - 7.5m) |
Prunus 'Tai-Haku' (Japanese Flowering Cherry)
An ancient Japanese tree, award-winning Prunus 'Tai-Haku' is a medium-sized deciduous tree of broad spreading habit, with cherry blossoms of exceptional size and beauty. Opening from pink buds, remarkably large, single, pure white flowers, 2-2.5 in. across (5-6 cm), appear all along the branches in mid to late spring. Held in profuse clusters of 3-4 flowers, the blooms feature 5 petals which gradually expand to a flat plane. The flowers emerge at the same time as the deep bronze-red leaves, which create a perfect foil to the glowing blossoms. As the season progresses, the serrated leaves turn mid-green before turning orange and gold in fall. A splendid Flowering Cherry which adds drama to the landscape as a single specimen or in avenue plantings.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 5 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 15' - 20' (4.5m - 6m) |
Spread | 15' - 20' (4.5m - 6m) |
Prunus 'The Bride' (Flowering Cherry)
Award-winning Prunus 'The Bride' is a small, rounded, deciduous tree boasting pure white, single flowers adorned with bright red anthers in early to mid-spring. Opening from pink buds, the flat, open blooms are quite appealing with their large petals. Born in abundance along the bare branches, they provide a breathtaking floral display. As the flowers wane, the mid-green leaves emerge and create a fresh summer canopy before turning brilliant shades of red and orange in fall. A small shrubby tree that makes a fine specimen for a lawn and is ideal for growing in containers.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 5 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm) |
Spread | 6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm) |
Prunus 'Umineko' (Japanese Flowering Cherry)
Prunus 'Umineko' is a small, upright deciduous tree boasting profuse, single, pure white flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm), hugging closely the branches in mid-spring. The flowers have large petals and showy pink stamens which become more conspicuous as the flowers age. Emerging pale green during the flowering, the leaves turn dark green before turning brilliant red and orange in fall. A compact and attractive spring flowering small tree that is tolerant of urban pollution.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 25' - 30' (7.5m - 9m) |
Spread | 10' - 12' (3m - 3.6m) |
Prunus × subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea' (Higan Cherry)
Elegant in all seasons, Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea' (Rosebud Cherry) is a small, spreading deciduous tree with many ornamental qualities. Blooming in flushes over an incredibly long season extending from late fall to early spring, this Cherry Tree produces masses of charming clusters of semi-double, pale pink flowers, which open from red buds and fade towards white with age. They are followed by a profusion of pea-sized black fruits which ripen in late summer and attract hungry birds. As the flowers wane, the lanceolate, medium to deep green leaves emerge. In fall, they turn burnished shades of bronze and gold before shedding to the ground and revealing the smooth, chocolate-brown bark of its branches.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 20' - 30' (6m - 9m) |
Spread | 15' - 30' (4.5m - 9m) |
Prunus × subhirtella 'Autumnalis' (Higan Cherry)
Elegant in all seasons, Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' (Rosebud Cherry) is a small, spreading deciduous tree with many ornamental qualities. Blooming in flushes over an incredibly long season extending from late fall to early spring, this Cherry Tree produces masses of delicate and charming clusters of semi-double, pale pink to white flowers, 1/2 in. wide (1.5 cm). They are followed by a profusion of pea-sized black fruits which ripen in late summer and attract hungry birds. Bronze tinted as they emerge in spring, the lanceolate, sharply toothed, green leaves form a light canopy that casts light shade below. In fall, they turn orange and yellow before shedding to the ground.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 20' - 30' (6m - 9m) |
Spread | 15' - 30' (4.5m - 9m) |
Prunus incisa 'Kojo-No-Mai' (Flowering Cherry)
A charming dwarf flowering cherry, award-winning Prunus incisa 'Kojo-No-Mai' is a slow-growing, compact deciduous shrub with wonderful zig-zag branches boasting small but profuse, single flowers in early spring. Opening from crimson buds, the delicate pale pink, paper-thin blossoms fade to blush white as they mature. Born in abundance along the bare branches, they provide a breathtaking floral display. As the flowers wane, the foliage of lance-shaped leaves emerge, pale green at first, then turning darker with age before coloring brilliantly in the fall. Free-flowering, with 2 seasons of interest and a great architectural presence, 'Kojo-No-Mai' is an exquisite variety of the Fuji cherry that is excellent for small gardens, rock gardens or containers.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 7' - 8' (210cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 7' - 8' (210cm - 240cm) |
Prunus pendula 'Pendula Rosea' (Weeping Cherry)
Regarded as one of the finest weeping cherries, Prunus pendula 'Pendula Rosea' is a small deciduous tree forming a broad crown of long, gracefully arching pendulous branches. Opening from deep rosy-pink buds, small, single clear pink flowers appear in late winter to early spring before the leaves emerge. Held in drooping clusters of 2-5 blooms, they give a charming see-through effect. They are followed by small pea-sized black fruits, which are inedible. As the flowers wane, the ovate, dark green leaves emerge and create a fresh summer canopy before turning brilliant shades of orange and red in fall.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 5 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 15' - 25' (4.5m - 7.5m) |
Spread | 15' - 25' (4.5m - 7.5m) |
Prunus sargentii (Sargent's Cherry)
Charming in all seasons, Prunus sargentii (Sargent's Cherry) is a small, deciduous tree with many ornamental qualities. In spring, clusters of lovely, pink to deep pink, single flowers, 1.4 in. wide (4 cm), appear before the leaves unfold. They are followed by a profusion of sour purple-black cherries which ripen in early summer and attract hungry birds. Reddish tinged as they emerge in spring, the serrate, ovate leaves mature to glossy dark green in summer, forming a dense canopy casting shade below. In fall, they turn various shades of orange, bronze, and red before dropping. Sargent's Cherry sports a lustrous, almost polished-looking, mahogany-colored bark with prominent horizontal lenticels (bumpy lines). A graceful ornamental tree with an upright-spreading to rounded habit, which exhibits greater staying power than most Prunus.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 5 - 9 |
---|---|
Height | 20' - 30' (6m - 9m) |
Spread | 20' - 30' (6m - 9m) |
Prunus serrula (Tibetan Cherry)
Noted for its multiseason interest and spectacular mahogany bark, Prunus serrula (Tibetan Cherry) features a most attractive, high-gloss, coppery-brown bark, heavily banded with large, dull lenticels (bumpy lines). Shining like silk, the bark adds a welcomed splash of color to the winter garden. This round-headed small deciduous tree sports an airy canopy of narrow, willow-like, dark green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). The foliage turns golden-yellow in fall before shedding for the winter. As the foliage emerges in spring, an abundance of tiny white flowers appear in small clusters, before giving way to red berries in fall. Slow-growing, Prunus serrula is best grown as a specimen on a large lawn, where its glowing peeling bark can be admired in winter.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 6 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 20' - 30' (6m - 9m) |
Spread | 20' - 30' (6m - 9m) |
Prunus x yedoensis 'Akebono' (Yoshino Cherry)
A popular American flowering cherry, Prunus x yedoensis 'Akebono' (Yoshino Cherry) is a small deciduous tree boasting masses of large, soft pink, semi-double flowers along its bare branches in mid-spring. The slightly fragrant flowers gradually fade to white as they open fully, adding beauty to the incredibly showy canopy of blooms. The spring and summer foliage of glossy, dark green leaves turns golden yellow with orange highlights in the fall, before shedding to the ground. As the leaves fall, they reveal the beautiful bark marked with prominent lenticels. 'Akebono' features an upright habit when young, but becomes more spreading with age, making it ideal for planting along walks and over patios.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 5 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 25' - 35' (7.5m - 10.5m) |
Spread | 25' - 40' (7.5m - 12m) |
Prunus x yedoensis 'Shidare-Yoshino' (Yoshino Cherry)
Prunus x yedoensis 'Shidare-Yoshino' (Yoshino Cherry) is a deciduous tree with a dramatic and graceful weeping habit. Blooming in early spring, its pendulous bare branches get smothered with generous clusters of brilliant white blossoms. As the flowers wane, the oval-shaped, dark green leaves emerge and create a fresh summer canopy. In fall, they turn burnished shades of bronze and gold before shedding to the ground. 'Shidare-yoshino' is a cultivar of Yoshino cherries, a hybrid dating back to the late 1800s and thought to be the result of hybridizing Prunus speciosa with the weeping form of Prunus subhirtella v. pendula. This fine ornamental tree grows fairly quickly to become a respectable specimen.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionHardiness | 5 - 8 |
---|---|
Height | 20' - 25' (6m - 7.5m) |
Spread | 20' - 30' (6m - 9m) |
Growing Flowering Cherries
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 flowering cherry tree:
- Flowering cherries require full sun and good air circulation. Therefore it is important to plant your tree in a spot that is not too shady or crowded. Make sure the mature height and spread of the tree you wish to purchase will fit your intended area.
- Flowering cherries require a moist, relatively fertile, well-drained soil. Easy to grow, they are not fussy, although they dislike poorly drained soil and will not tolerate boggy conditions. They should be watered thoroughly after planting and until the tree is well-established.
- 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 then and you won't remove the flower buds.
- 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.
- The best time to plant is in early spring, after the danger of frost has past, or in early fall, allowing plenty of time for roots to establish before the first freeze.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the trees after planting.
You may want to review these useful guides too
Blooming Seasons of Flowering Cherry Trees
Most cherry tree varieties bloom in spring over a season that usually lasts several weeks. However, changes in weather conditions may have an impact on the time of flowering, advancing or delaying the appearance of the beloved cherry blossoms by several weeks.
Favorite Weeping Cherry Trees for Your Garden
Weeping cherry 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. Just give them some sun and a well-drained soil and you will be rewarded with infinite beauty in your garden.
Fragrant Flowering Cherry Trees for Your Garden
Many Japanese flowering cherries are fragrant and exude a pleasing scent of crushed almond. Prunus 'Amanogawa' is reported by some as having a freesia fragrance. However, on cold and rainy days, their fragrance is barely perceptible, except for strongly scented cherries such as 'Amanogawa' or 'Jo-nioi'.
Pretty Flowering Cherry Trees for Your Garden
Although flowering cherry trees are typically planted for the majestic yet delicate beauty of their flowers, many varieties are noted for their multi-season interest.
Which Flowering Cherry Tree for my Garden?
According to the Flower Association of Japan, there are over three hundred species, varieties, and hybrids of Japanese flowering cherries. These flowering cherries come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes and several are excellent additions to the garden. All are incredibly beautiful.
Guide Information
Plant Type | Trees |
---|---|
Plant Family | Prunus - Flowering Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 |
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.
Guide Information
Plant Type | Trees |
---|---|
Plant Family | Prunus - Flowering Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
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 |
Related Items
Which Flowering Cherry Tree for my Garden?
According to the Flower Association of Japan, there are...
A Singing Mediterranean Pathway
This beautiful flagstone pathway is planted with a palette...
An Elegant Summer Garden Idea with Hydrangea, Rose and Astilbe
Rich in texture and interest, this elegant summer garden...
A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Japanese Maples and Flowering Cherry Trees
This colorful garden scene is to be enjoyed over 3 seasons...
Prunus x subhirtella (Higan Cherry)
A remarkable flowering cherry tree, Higan cherry, Prunus x...
Prunus serrulata (Japanese Flowering Cherry)
Incredibly pretty when in full bloom, the Japanese...
Pretty Flowering Cherry Trees for Your Garden
Although flowering cherry trees are typically planted for...
Fragrant Flowering Cherry Trees for Your Garden
Many Japanese flowering cherries are fragrant and exude a...
Favorite Weeping Cherry Trees for Your Garden
Weeping cherry trees make a terrific focal point in the...
Blooming Seasons of Flowering Cherry Trees
Most cherry tree varieties bloom in spring over a season...