Cherry blossom is one of the most popular trees for both outdoor and indoor spaces. However, it’s not just one type of tree, with there being a range of cherry blossom species available, whether growing your garden or populating your patio. Knowing your way around the different types of this tree is the best way to ensure that you choose the right one for whatever space you’re looking to spruce up with nature!
This piece will explore some general tips for growing cherry blossom trees, while also highlighting the difference between some of the most popular species of the plant.
General facts and care for almost all cherry blossom species
Before we get into the nitty gritty with individual species of cherry blossom, it’s important to understand the basics that apply to the trees in almost every form.
- Sunlight is vital. Cherry blossoms love sunlight, with around 6 hours daily being the bare minimum for healthy plants.
- Well-drained soil. Don’t let roots become soggy, ensuring to keep soil well-drained at all times.
- Be mindful of pH & composition. Soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with heavy clay compositions amended with compost/organic mulch.
- Climate care. In general, cherry blossom species will prefer to exist in milder, more temperate climates – extremes in either direction are no good.
- Prepare for winter. Most cherry blossom trees will survive the British winter but some in colder climates might require additional protection.
- Blooming isn’t that long. Regardless of how much you care for the trees, their bloom is only generally going to last around 1-2 weeks in the spring.
- Water regularly early on. When cherry blossom species are getting established, they require regular watering, eventually becoming drought tolerant.
- Pre-bloom fertilizing. Feed your cherry blossoms with a little fertilizer just before or as the blossoms start to bloom.
- Minimal pruning. Remove dead, damaged or overlapping branches in late winter or after blooming in spring.
These tips can act as your north star, whatever cherry blossom species populates your garden.
Getting to know popular cherry blossom species
Now that you understand the basics, it’s important to get familiar with three of the most common and popular species in the cherry blossom umbrella.
Prunus serrulata
Arguably the most well-known, popular type of cherry blossom, coming in a range of different shades of pink and white. There are multiple varieties within this species, including Kanzan and Royal Burgundy, among others. In terms of care, it’s a fairly adaptable species that can be looked after by following general cherry blossom guidelines.
Prunus nipponica
This is one of the hardiest, smallest and earliest-blooming cherry blossom species, best known for its ‘Brilliant’ and ‘Ruby’ varieties, both perfect for being grown in containers. It’s known for having single, bright pink or white flowers and leaves that take on stunning autumnal colours as the months get a little colder.
Prunus incisa
This is a Japanese variety of cherry blossom, often coming in the form of smaller shrubs adorned with plentiful white flowers that bloom in early spring. It’s known for being hardier than typical cherry blossom species, being tolerant to various soil conditions, along with being able to withstand fairly tough winters. This means it can thrive without too much care, although it still needs attention in the early stages of establishment.
Take an adventure into cherry blossom species
This piece put the spotlight on three primary cherry blossom species, however, it didn’t even start to scratch the surface of the broader varieties out there. For example, it takes some time to truly understand your nipponica ‘Brilliant’ from your nipponica ‘Ruby’, which is why it’s important to commune with experts and get practice yourself. The best way to do so is to get to work on your own garden, so select your cherry blossoms and any other plants and get to work!