Cherry blossom trees, celebrated globally for their breathtaking, ephemeral spring display, are readily available for purchase by home gardeners. These ornamental members of the genus Prunus are durable, deciduous trees that can thrive in many temperate climates. Acquiring one involves selecting the right type for your location, understanding the purchasing options, and ensuring proper planting for successful establishment.
Selecting the Right Cherry Blossom Cultivar
The initial choice involves selecting the correct cultivar, as this determines the tree’s ultimate size, bloom characteristics, and hardiness. The two most widely sold varieties are the ‘Yoshino’ and the ‘Kwanzan’ cherry, each offering a distinct profile.
The ‘Yoshino’ cherry (Prunus × yedoensis) is famous for its cloud-like display, producing an abundance of single, fragrant flowers that emerge pale pink and quickly fade to white. This variety is a large tree, typically reaching 30 to 40 feet in height with a broad, spreading crown, and is generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8.
Conversely, the ‘Kwanzan’ cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’) is prized for its dramatic, double-pink flowers, which feature a dense, powder-puff appearance. ‘Kwanzan’ tends to be a smaller tree, maturing to 15 to 25 feet tall with a distinctive vase-shaped habit. It is also hardy to Zone 5, but unlike ‘Yoshino,’ it is sterile and produces no fruit.
For gardeners seeking a different form, weeping varieties like Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula Rosea’ offer a graceful, cascading habit. Columnar cultivars, such as ‘Amanogawa,’ are suitable for smaller spaces due to their narrow, upright growth. Always verify the cultivar’s mature height and spread against the available space, and confirm its cold hardiness matches your specific USDA growing zone.
Buying Options and Purchase Considerations
Cherry blossom trees can be sourced from several places, each presenting different benefits and drawbacks in terms of cost and quality. Local garden centers and nurseries offer the advantage of expert, regional advice and the ability to personally inspect the tree before purchase. Online and mail-order nurseries often provide a wider selection of specialized or rare cultivars, though you must rely on the seller’s quality control. Big box stores may offer lower prices, but the staff may not have the horticultural knowledge required to answer specific questions.
A significant consideration when buying is whether to choose a bare-root or a container-grown tree. Bare-root trees are sold without soil during the dormant season (late fall to early spring). They are typically less expensive and establish quickly, but they must be planted immediately upon arrival. Container-grown trees are sold with the root ball intact in soil. They are more expensive but can be planted throughout the year, offering greater flexibility. Regardless of the type chosen, inspect the tree for signs of health, looking for a lack of circling or girdling roots. The trunk should appear undamaged, and the graft union, if present, should be solid and clean.
Successful Site Preparation and Planting
Successful establishment begins with selecting an appropriate site that meets the tree’s environmental needs.
Site Selection
All cherry blossom cultivars require a location that receives full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight daily) to promote strong growth and abundant flowering. The planting site must also have well-drained soil, as these trees are intolerant of standing water, which can lead to root rot. While they tolerate a range of soil types, a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0) is generally preferred.
Planting Process
The planting process requires a wide, shallow hole to encourage lateral root growth into the surrounding native soil. Dig the hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball itself. The tree must be positioned so the root flare—the point where the trunk widens at the base—sits slightly above the surrounding soil level, as planting too deeply can suffocate the roots. Backfill the hole with the original soil, avoiding heavy amendments with rich topsoil or compost, as this can discourage roots from extending into the native ground. After planting, water the tree deeply to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets, and apply a two-to-three-inch layer of mulch around the base, ensuring it does not touch the trunk.