Fragrant Flowering Cherry Trees for Your Garden

Japanese Flowering Cherries, Sakura, Cherry Blossom

Japanese Flowering Cherries, Fragrant Flowering Cherries, Japanese Flowering Cherries, Sakura, Fragrant Cherry Blossom, Higan cherry,Yoshino Cherry, Fuji cherry

Among the most popular and spectacular spring-flowering trees, flowering cherries with their frothy masses of pink or white blossoms usually signal the end of winter and reveal the first blush of spring.

Although ornamental cherry trees are typically planted for the majestic yet delicate beauty of their flowers, 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 fascinating bark, exfoliating or peeling or shining like silk, adding a welcomed splash of color in the winter garden.

Many Japanese flowering cherries are also 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’. The Japanese word ‘nioi’ means fragrance and is often added to the cultivar name.

Guide Information

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

Fragrant Flowering Cherry Trees for Your Garden

Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ (Japanese Flowering Cherry)

Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ is an award-winning, columnar deciduous tree, ideal for small gardens. It’s known for its profuse, semi-double pale pink flowers that bloom in mid to late spring. The fragrant, large, saucer-shaped blossoms open from pink buds, maturing to near-white with a purplish-pink heart. Its leaves shift from bronze-green to mid-green and finally to red and orange in fall.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	20' - 25' (6.1m - 7.6m)
Spread	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)

Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ (Japanese Flowering Cherry)

Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ is a striking flowering cherry, admired for its vase-shaped form and exquisite blossoms. The large, fragrant double flowers begin pink in buds, then open to white with a hint of pink on the reverse of the outer petals before turning deep pink. Blooming in late spring, the flowers gracefully drape in pendulous clusters along the branches. The leaves emerge coppery-red, transitioning to bronze-green and eventually turning orange in fall. This healthy, vigorous ornamental cherry has been cherished by Western gardeners for over a century, and its popularity extends fivefold in Japan.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Fall
Height	25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m)
Spread	25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m)

Prunus ‘Shirotae’ (Japanese Flowering Cherry)

Prunus ‘Shirotae’ is an award-winning small deciduous tree, ideal for small gardens. It showcases a spreading crown and arching branches. In mid to late spring, it blooms with abundant, large, pure white flowers resembling rambling roses. The blossoms emit a pleasant almond fragrance and contrast beautifully with the pale green foliage. As summer progresses, the leaves turn dark green before transitioning to red and orange in fall. With its graceful shape and gorgeous white flowers, ‘Shirotae’ is a stunning addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m)

Prunus x yedoensis ‘Akebono’ (Yoshino Cherry)

A beloved flowering cherry tree, Prunus x yedoensis ‘Akebono’ (Yoshino Cherry) showcases abundant semi-double pink flowers in mid-spring. The fragrant blooms transition from pink to white, creating a stunning display. Its glossy green foliage turns golden-yellow in fall, revealing attractive bark. ‘Akebono’ is perfect for walkways and patio areas.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid), Fall
Height	25' - 35' (7.6m - 10.7m)
Spread	25' - 40' (7.6m - 12.2m)

Prunus x yedoensis ‘Somei-Yoshino’ (Yoshino Cherry)

Prunus x yedoensis ‘Somei Yoshino’ (Yoshino Cherry) is a highly admired flowering cherry tree native to Japan. Its bare branches burst into a spectacular display of pale pink flowers in early or mid-spring, fading to white over time. The tree features ovate, dark green leaves that create a lush summer canopy. With its dramatic appearance and abundant blooms, ‘Somei Yoshino’ is a sought-after choice for gardens and landscapes.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid)
Height	25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m)
Spread	25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m)

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.

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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.