Cherry Blossom Trees FAQs

• Decorate your garden with ornamental cherry blossom trees

  Flowering cherry trees are a popular ornamental trees which are known for their beauty and are grown for their flowers rather than their fruit. Most of the varieties of this tree originated in Japan where they have held an important place in Japanese culture for hundreds of years, earning its place as the country’s national flower.
  
  Not only does the pink or white blossom look fantastic, it also smells great with hints of almond and freesia. A flowering cherry blossom tree attracts wildlife as the fruit it produces is often ones that birds like to eat. Consider creating the perfect area for wildlife and install a bird bath too.

• Where can a cherry blossom tree grow?

  When deciding where to plant your Japanese Cherry, you need to choose a spot that gets lots of sunlight and in soil that is rich and fertile with good drainage. The cherry blossom will grow in most soils, including chalky and alkaline.
  
  It is recommended that your Japanese Cherry gets six hours of direct sunlight each day. Make sure you have plenty of space for the tree and roots to grow, as it can reach anywhere from 15 to 30 feet height and width.
  
  These trees are also pretty low maintenance and will not require much care once established. Pruning should be avoided until absolutely necessary. You should make sure you only do so while it is growing, between the months of May and August.

• When should I plant a cherry blossom tree?

  You should plant your cherry blossom in early spring or late fall so it can flourish when the ground is softer with a higher moisture content. Avoid summer as it is drier and you’ll have to make sure it is adequately watered.

• How to plant a cherry blossom tree?

  1. Dig a hole that is big enough for the bare root or pot with additional space in the width. Before planting, lay compost across the bottom of the hole.
  2. Gently place the tree in the soil and make sure the roots are level with the top of the soil. Then fill the hole with soil, adding and mixing compost until it is level.
  3. Stake the tree for support against wind as it grows.
  4. Water thoroughly to set the soil.
  5. Fertilise around the roots.
  6. Cover the root area with compost or wood chips to protect against temperature changes

• What's the best cherry blossom tree?

  The Flowering Cherry Blossom is part of the genus Prunus. This is a large group of around 430 species of tree, including both fruting and ornamental. Discover our guide about the different types of flowering cherry trees.

  There are three main things to consider when deciding which cherry tree is right for you. Firstly, you need to consider what size you want your tree to grow to. There are many different varieties ranging from small to tall so it is important to choose one that will fit comfortably in your outside area.

  Secondly, the form of the tree needs to be considered. As there are such a wide range of trees there is also a wide range of forms that they take such as columnar, spreading, or weeping.
  
  Finally the colour of the blossom is something that you may wish to consider. Flowering cherry trees are known for producing incredibly beautiful flowers and even though the blossom is generally white or pink the style of flower and the hue varies massively from tree to tree.

  So when considering which tree to buy make sure you consider form, blossom, and size. Shop our full range today and don’t forget to browse all our plants online.

• How long does it take for a cherry tree to mature?

  On average, it takes most cherry blossom trees 4-7 years to produce fruit after planting. To mature to their full height, this can take between 10 and 20 years. How tall they grow will depend on the rootstock on which it is grown, however the rate of growth remains moderate between each individual tree the same.

  You can skip this process by buying a mature cherry tree with Primrose at a variety of different heights and widths.

• Do cherry blossom trees have to be pruned?

  Young cherry trees need more pruning than a mature tree in order to encourage growth and branching. You must prune them to keep them well-shaped and healthy as well as allow access to sunlight for the lower down branches.

  The best time you should prune yours is when it is growing quickly between the months of mid-May to mid-August, usually after it has finished fruiting. Make sure you have the rightgarden tools and equipment to prune your mature cherry tree.