Late Season Flowering Cherry Trees for Your Garden

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 a 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. Ensure the mature height and spread of the tree you wish to purchase will fit your intended area.
• Flowering cherries require 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 passed, 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.