Cherry blossom trees are highly valued for their spectacular, fleeting display of spring flowers, symbolizing renewal and the transitory nature of beauty. Residents of Tennessee can confidently incorporate these trees into their landscapes. The state’s diverse climate supports the growth of several cherry blossom varieties, provided the correct cultivars are chosen and regional growing challenges are addressed. Successfully growing these ornamental trees requires balancing the necessary cold winter temperatures with the challenges posed by hot, humid summers.
Understanding Tennessee’s Climate and Hardiness Zones
The ability of a cherry tree to survive in Tennessee is determined by its tolerance to winter cold, categorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zones. Tennessee spans zones 6a in the Appalachian Mountains to 8a near the Mississippi River. These zones indicate the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature, which determines whether a plant can endure the cold season.
Cherry blossom trees require a specific number of “chill hours,” which are cumulative hours between 32°F and 45°F during the dormant season. This cold period is necessary for the tree to properly break dormancy and produce a robust bloom in the spring. Tennessee’s climate generally provides sufficient chill hours to satisfy the requirements of most ornamental cherry varieties.
The southern climate presents the challenge of high summer heat and humidity, which can stress certain cultivars. Selecting a variety that is cold-hardy and tolerant of humid conditions is important for long-term health and disease resistance. Warmer areas of West Tennessee, such as Memphis (Zone 8a), require trees that thrive in temperatures rarely below 10°F to 15°F.
Recommended Cherry Blossom Varieties for Tennessee
Choosing the appropriate cherry blossom variety is key for success in Tennessee’s varied climate. Several ornamental types have proven their resilience against the region’s winter cold and summer humidity.
Yoshino Cherry
The ‘Yoshino’ cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) is a classic choice, known for its rapid growth and profuse clouds of fragrant, blush-pink to white flowers that appear early in the spring. This variety is widely planted across the South and reaches a mature size of about 35 feet tall and wide.
Kwanzan Cherry
The ‘Kwanzan’ cherry (Prunus serrulata) is prized for its large, double-petaled, deep pink blooms that appear later in the season after the leaves emerge. The ‘Kwanzan’ is well-suited for zones 5 through 9 and grows in an upright, vase-like shape, reaching approximately 30 feet in height. This tree’s later bloom time extends the period of color alongside the Yoshino.
Okame Cherry
The ‘Okame’ cherry (Prunus ‘Okame’) is particularly well-suited for the heat and humidity of the South. It produces thousands of deep pink blossoms, sometimes as early as Valentine’s Day in the warmest parts of the region. Reaching about 20 feet tall and wide, the ‘Okame’ is also noted for its attractive orange-red fall foliage.
Successful Planting and Ongoing Care
The success of a cherry blossom tree depends on proper planting and management of Tennessee’s typical clay-heavy soil. Cherry trees require a site that receives a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. They must be planted in well-drained soil, as they are highly susceptible to root rot, especially in heavy clay.
Before planting, amend the soil generously with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and aeration. If the clay is dense, planting the tree on a slight mound or berm helps prevent standing water. The planting hole should be wide, and the top of the root ball should sit slightly above the surrounding soil level so the trunk flare is visible.
During the first two growing seasons, consistent, deep watering is required to establish a strong root system, especially during dry summers. Ensure the tree receives about one inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation. Applying a two-to-three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base helps retain moisture and regulate temperature, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.
The humid Southeastern climate encourages fungal diseases and pests, making proper pruning for good air circulation beneficial. Ornamental varieties need minimal fertilization; a light application of a balanced fertilizer and compost in the spring is sufficient once established. Raking and removing fallen leaves is an effective maintenance practice that removes potential disease-causing spores.