Prunus 'Kiku-shidare-zakura' | Weeping Cherry Blossom Tree
The classic weeping cherry blossom tree
This beautiful plant is a stunning example of the way the seasons change deciduous trees. The leaves of this flowering plant are a gorgeous bronze when young, before turning red with the spring, and light green in summer. Come autumn, they fade to a mellow orange, creating a medley of colours. Combined with the blousey double flowers, which are an elegantly rich pink, this tree will be sure to add a burst of colour to your garden.
Cherry trees are famously hardy and will require little care and attention once established. The more compact, weeping habit of this tree makes it an ideal candidate if you have a smaller space to work with.
Although best planted in the spring or autumn as the weather is mild and damp, the ever prominent beauty of this tree presents itself all year round. We recommend intertwining clematis through the weeping cherry trees foliage to give it an extra boost in vibrancy.
Variety Information
- Habit: Weeping
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flower Type: Double
- Foliage Color: Green (Summer), Orange (Autumn)
- Features: Spring Blossom, Autumn Color, Perfect for Small Gardens
- Supplied As: 18L Pot Half-Standard
- Height on Arrival: 2-2.5m (6.5-8 ft)
- Age: 4 years old
- Rootstocks eventual size: Colt
- Eventual Height & Spread: 4m x 4m (13 x 13ft)
Pots and Packaging
Larger pots (2L and above) are wrapped in waxed paper and then attached to a cardboard base so they stay stable in the box. The waxed paper prevents the compost from spilling out and gives the base some added protection from damp compost. For large numbers of plants, pallets may be used for shipping.
Preparation
The nursery will ensure the plant is moist while it's waiting to be picked up. Our quality control team waters the plant before packing them where necessary to make sure that the plant is suitably watered for transport. Plants with long delicate stems are secured with canes to prevent damage.
Plant on Arrival
Typically plants are delivered ready to plant and will take some time to settle, grow and look more like the product image above.
Once planted, you should water your trees at least bimonthly for two months. It is also important to have adequate spacing between each tree, with 3 - 3.5m between Gisela 5, and 4.5 - 5m between Colt rootstock trees (respectively).
Bare root and containerised trees have differing planting requirements, detailed below:
- Watering: Bare root trees should have their roots soaked in water for up to 2 hours before planting, while with containerised trees, it is important to drench their root ball before planting.
- Pruning: Another difference is that for bare root trees, it is useful to prune their woody roots back a few inches. However, for containerised trees, you should free any spiralized roots growing around their rootball's circumference.
- Planting: With bare root trees, you should dig a hole to enable the graft point to be above the soil, while with containerised trees, the pot should sit no lower than an inch below the ground.
Bare root and containerised trees also share planting requirements, detailed below:
- With both, you should dig a hole that is twice the radius of their rootball. Stake your trees no more than 2 - 3 inches from the stem, and make sure that they are pointing away from the prevailing wind.
- Fill the planting hole with a mix of compost and garden soil, finishing with fertiliser and mycorrhizal fungi. Take care to not compress the soil.
- Once you are happy with your efforts, give your tree a generous watering.
- Add mulch on top (this can be bark and wood chippings, compost, manure, leaf-mould, and stones), and ensure that these do not touch the stem of the tree.
- Tie the stake to your tree (and leave space for growth), and place a rabbit guard around your tree to protect it from harmful pests.
- Apply fertiliser and replace decomposed mulch come spring. In autumn, remove fallen leaves to prevent the risk of disease. You should also make sure that the ties are not rubbing your tree.
Advice on hot and droopy plants
If your plants are looking a little wilted right now, don’t worry! Plants like to be filled with water to keep their structure, and when it’s hot that water evaporates.
Just give them an off-schedule watering and they’ll be right as rain in no time! Be careful not to flood them - plants don’t like extremes.
- Hardiness: Cherry blossom trees can be found growing in far colder regions than the UK and therefore these mild winters will not affect your tree.
- Position: Cherry blossom trees are best planted in full sun, however they will also cope in more shaded locations.
- Soil: Soil types can be an unwelcome confusion as many plants will adapt to their conditions. Nonetheless, less than ideal conditions will certainly limit your cherry blossom’s growth. Waterlogged soils will starve your tree of oxygen, which plays a key role in photosynthesis; causing its roots to rot and creating an optimal environment for disease. Try to also avoid compressing the soil when planting.
| Is Collection/Mix? | No |
|---|---|
| Needs Ericaceous Compost? | No |