Cherry blossom trees are a stunning addition to any garden with beautiful pink and white blooms in spring, brilliant red, orange and gold foliage in autumn and colourful bark all year round. 

They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit even small gardens. Choose from columnar, spreading, weeping or bushy cherry blossom trees. 

Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about planting your own cherry blossom tree. Cherry blossom trees can be challenging but by following the steps in this guide you should be able to successfully grow a beautiful cherry blossom tree that will require little maintenance once it is settled.

When to Plant a Cherry Blossom Tree?

Deciding when to plant your cherry blossom tree depends on the type you are getting. You can either get a ‘bare-root’ or potted cherry blossom. A bare root tree should be planted between November and March. A potted tree should be planted any time of the year except winter.

Where to Plant a Cherry Blossom Tree?

Choose where to plant your tree carefully as this will majorly impact both the health of the tree as well as the quality of blossom. The ideal place to plant a cherry blossom tree would be:

• Sheltered from the wind and in partial to full sun, a windy spot will blow all the blossom off the tree
• Well drained soil that can holds moisture without becoming waterlogged
• Chalky or alkaline soil (other soil types will work but these are best)
• Slightly elevated, to reduce cold air around the base
• Suitably spaced based on the growth habit (bushy, columnar, spreading, weeping etc) as well as the expected overall size. This includes keeping a good distance around the tree free from other plants.

Planting the Tree

Once you have selected where you are going to plant your cherry blossom tree, you need to dig a hole 60cmx60cm (2ftx2ft) and 30cm (1ft) deep. Add a layer of compost at the bottom.

Place the tree in the hole you have dug and ensure that it is at the same level compared to the top layer of soil as it was previously. Fill the hole with a mix of compost and the excavated soil. Finish off with a layer of mulch to retain moisture and attach to a stake to protect from strong winds.

Care

Water regularly after planting until it is established. After this you can only water it during long dry periods.  Apply granular general fertiliser after planting and then once a year every spring after this.