Japanese cherry
Also known as
Japanese flowering cherry, Sakura, East Asian cherry, Oriental cherry
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Japanese cherry
Prunus serrulata, known as the Japanese cherry, is a deciduous ornamental tree celebrated for spectacular spring blossom. Reaching 6–12 m tall with a broad, often vase-shaped crown, it bears clusters of single to double flowers in shades from white to deep pink, often before bronze-tinted young leaves emerge. Summer foliage turns glossy green and transitions to orange, red, or copper in autumn, extending seasonal interest. The small dark drupes are generally sparse on ornamental cultivars and not grown for eating. Trees prefer fertile, well-drained soils and ample sun, and many selections are grafted onto compatible rootstocks. While relatively resilient, they are sensitive to waterlogging, heat stress, and certain fungal or bacterial diseases if airflow and siting are poor. With good placement and light pruning, they provide stunning, short-lived bloom displays that define spring in East Asia and temperate gardens worldwide.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Japanese cherry
Water
Provide deep, infrequent watering to encourage a broad root system. During the first two to three growing seasons, supply about 25–40 mm of water per week in dry periods, delivered in one to two deep soakings that wet the root zone out to the drip line. Mature trees are moderately drought tolerant but flower better with consistent moisture; increase frequency during heat waves and while buds are forming. Mulch 5–8 cm to conserve moisture, keeping mulch and irrigation off the trunk.
Light
Full sun is ideal for abundant flowering—aim for at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily. In hotter climates, provide light afternoon shade to reduce heat stress and leaf scorch, especially on young trees and reflective sites. Ensure open exposure and adequate spacing so breezes move through the canopy, lowering humidity and disease incidence. Deep shade reduces bloom and encourages weak, disease-prone growth.
Nutrients
Base feeding on a soil test. In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with modest nitrogen (e.g., 5-3-5 or 5-5-5) around the drip line, or top-dress with 2–5 cm of compost. Over-fertilizing with high nitrogen encourages lush shoots, fewer blossoms, and higher pest pressure. Avoid late-summer applications that stimulate tender growth vulnerable to winter injury. Maintain a 5–8 cm organic mulch ring to improve soil biology and nutrient cycling.
Temperature
Best suited to USDA Zones 5–8, with cool to cold winters and mild springs for reliable bud set and bloom. Flower buds can be damaged by late frosts; choose a site with good air drainage and, in frost-prone areas, a north or east exposure to delay early bud break. Once established, trees tolerate winter lows near −20 to −25°C depending on cultivar. Prolonged heat above 35°C and drought increase stress and disease; supply water and mulch during hot spells.
