Prunus serrulata
Japanese ornamental cherry
Common names: ornamental cherry, blossom cherry
Photo: Myrabella · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The Japanese ornamental cherry, botanically Prunus serrulata, is the star of the spring garden. Mid‑to‑late April (week 16‑17) it blooms in dense, pink flowers, often before the leaves fully emerge. As a small ornamental tree or large shrub it reaches 3 to 6 m in height depending on the variety and can fit into smaller gardens. Varieties such as Kanzan display especially lush, full blooms, while Amanogawa grows slender and columnar. After flowering it bears decorative, colored foliage in autumn, giving the garden a second highlight. Fruit is rarely produced in the fully‑blossoming varieties, as they are bred primarily for ornamental purposes. Like all Prunus species, leaves, bark and the seeds of any fruit contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides; raw plant parts should not be ingested, especially in gardens with children.
Care instructions
The ornamental cherry prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with a well‑drained, humus‑rich soil; it does not tolerate waterlogging. Water young trees regularly during the first two years, especially in dry periods from May to September. Pruning is rarely necessary; if done, prune immediately after flowering in May so wounds heal well and flower buds for the next year are not lost. A mulch layer around the root zone retains soil moisture and suppresses competing vegetation. If bark shows excessive gumming, check the site: overly wet or compacted soils often cause the problem.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, loamy, nutrient-rich, moist
Feeding
Medium feeder
Pruning
Notes from real gardens
What other gardeners have written down about this variety — anonymous, voluntary.
No notes shared yet. Will you be the first to write one down?