Flowering Cherry (Prunus spp. (e.g., Prunus serrulata, Prunus x yedoensis, Prunus subhirtella)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun
• Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Best flowering and form in open, sunny locations

Bloom Time:

• Early to mid-spring
• Single or double flowers in shades of white, pink, or rose
• Some varieties are fragrant and bloom before leaves emerge

Size:

Height: 15 to 40 feet tall, depending on species and cultivar
Width: 15 to 30 feet wide

Attributes:

• Spectacular spring blooms
• Graceful, spreading or upright form
• Some varieties have attractive bark and fall color
• Attracts pollinators
• Short-lived (15–25 years), but high ornamental value
• Popular cultivars include ‘Kwanzan’, ‘Yoshino’, and ‘Autumnalis’

Care Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil
• Water regularly during dry periods, especially when young
• Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots
• Prune after flowering to shape and remove dead wood
• Monitor for pests like aphids, borers, and fungal diseases
• Avoid planting in areas with poor air circulation or heavy clay