Cherry blossoms are commonly envisioned as delicate flurries of pink or white petals, symbolizing spring’s arrival. The idea of a ‘yellow cherry blossom tree’ introduces a surprising possibility that challenges this conventional image, sparking curiosity about whether such a unique floral display truly exists.
Are Yellow Cherry Blossoms Real
While not as widespread as their pink or white counterparts, certain Prunus tree varieties produce flowers with distinct yellow or yellowish-green hues. These are true cherry blossoms, belonging to the same genus. Prunus serrulata ‘Ukon’ is a notable example, celebrated for its unique coloration. Its blooms typically emerge with a greenish-yellow tint, gradually transitioning to a creamy yellow as they mature. The ‘Ukon’ cherry blossom is a specific cultivar that offers a divergence from the typical cherry blossom palette. Unlike the vibrant pinks or pure whites, ‘Ukon’ provides a more subdued, yet equally captivating, display. Its distinct color makes it a subject of interest for those seeking something different, confirming cherry blossoms are not exclusively limited to shades of pink and white.
Identifying Features of Yellow Cherry Varieties
Yellow cherry blossoms, particularly the ‘Ukon’ cultivar, possess several distinguishing characteristics beyond their unique color. The flowers typically emerge as a pale greenish-yellow, softening to a creamy yellow or even a pale buttery shade. As the blooms age, they might develop slight pinkish streaks or fade to an almost off-white, adding to their subtle charm. Each flower is usually semi-double, presenting with approximately 15 to 20 petals per bloom. These flowers are generally larger, reaching about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
The tree often grows into an upright, vase-shaped form, maturing into a broad, rounded canopy. Its leaves emerge bronze-tinted in spring, transition to a dark green in summer, and then display attractive orange and red tones in autumn, providing seasonal interest beyond the brief flowering period. The bark is typically smooth and reddish-brown.
Growing Yellow Cherry Blossom Trees
Cultivating yellow cherry blossom trees, such as Prunus serrulata ‘Ukon’, requires specific environmental conditions for vigorous growth and abundant flowering. These trees thrive best in locations that receive full sunlight, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sun exposure daily. Adequate sunlight is important for flower production and overall tree health. They adapt well to a variety of soil types, provided the soil is well-drained and maintains a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.0.
Consistent moisture is important, particularly during the tree’s establishment period in its first few years. Regular watering should keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, which can lead to root issues. Once established, the trees are moderately drought-tolerant but benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells. Fertilization can be applied in early spring with a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for flowering trees, which supports healthy growth and bloom development. Pruning should focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain the tree’s structure and promote air circulation, ideally performed after the flowering period to avoid cutting off the next season’s blooms.
Common Look Alikes
Several other yellow-flowering trees and shrubs might be confused with yellow cherry blossoms due to their similar bloom time or color. Forsythia, a common early spring shrub, produces an abundance of bright yellow, four-petaled flowers before its leaves emerge. However, Forsythia flowers are typically small and bell-shaped, lacking the multi-petaled structure and delicate appearance of a cherry blossom. Its growth habit is often dense and shrubby, rather than the distinct tree form of Prunus.
Japanese Kerria (Kerria japonica) is another shrub known for its cheerful yellow, five-petaled flowers, which can be single or double. While its blooms are a vibrant yellow, they are much smaller than cherry blossoms and appear on slender, green stems that remain green throughout winter. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) blooms even earlier, often in late winter or very early spring, with unique, spidery yellow or orange-yellow flowers. The flower shape and branching pattern of Witch Hazel are distinctly different from any cherry tree. Even some yellow-flowered Magnolias, such as ‘Butterflies’ or ‘Elizabeth’, produce large, cup-shaped yellow blooms, but their petals are thick and waxy, differing significantly from the delicate, papery texture of cherry blossom petals.