How to Grow Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Japanese cherry blossom tree is a beautiful and popular plant in japan. The scientific name for this plant is Prunus serrulata. Japanese cherry blossom tree is an ornamental plant and is often used in landscaping.

How to Grow Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • sakura
  • ume
  • kiku
  • botan
  • momiji

Basic info

  • The japanese cherry blossom tree is also called sakura.
  • The tree is native to East Asia and is found in China, Korea, and Japan.
  • The tree blooms in the spring and the flowers are pink or white.
  • The blooming of the cherry blossom tree is a popular tourist attraction in Japan.
  • The tree is considered to be a symbol of spring and renewal.
  • The tree has been planted in many countries around the world, including the United States.
  • The tree is often associated with the Japanese samurai, as the samurai would often adorn their helmets with cherry blossoms.
  • The tree is also associated with the Japanese Imperial family, as the Imperial seal features three cherry blossoms.
  • The tree is also the national flower of Japan.
  • There is an annual Cherry Blossom Festival held in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossom trees.

Related plant:
Japanese Azalea Orange

Planting Process

  1. For japanese cherry blossom tree, first step is to find a good location. Japanese cherry blossom tree prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
  2. The second step is to prepare the soil. Japanese cherry blossom tree prefers well-drained, acidic soil.
  3. The third step is to plant the tree. Japanese cherry blossom tree can be planted in spring or fall.
  4. The fourth step is to water the tree. Japanese cherry blossom tree needs to be watered regularly.
  5. The fifth step is to fertilize the tree. Japanese cherry blossom tree should be fertilized in early spring and mid-summer.
  6. The sixth step is to prune the tree. Japanese cherry blossom tree should be pruned in late winter.
  7. The seventh step is to protect the tree. Japanese cherry blossom tree is susceptible to damage from strong winds and heavy rains.
  8. The eighth step is to enjoy the tree. Japanese cherry blossom tree is known for its beautiful flowers.
  9. The ninth step is to harvest the tree. Japanese cherry blossom tree can be harvested in late spring or early summer.
  10. The tenth step is to care for the tree. Japanese cherry blossom tree needs to be watered and fertilized regularly.

Related plant:
Japanese Tree Lilac

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Japanese cherry blossom tree need well-drained, moist soil, rich in organic matter to look its best. It also prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 on the pH scale.

Light requirement

Not too different with other cherry blossom trees, the Japanese cherry blossom tree requires a lot of sun light in order to thrive. If you live in an area with limited sun light, you may need to supplement with artificial light in order to help the tree grow and produce blossoms. Luckily, artificial light sources such as grow lights can often provide the tree with the light it needs in order to prosper.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the growth of the Japanese Cherry Blossom tree is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree does not do well in areas that experience very cold winters or very hot summers.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60-70%. If the humidity drops below 60%, the leaves will start to curl and the flowers will wilt. If the humidity rises above 70%, the leaves will start to drop.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant does not require too much attention when it comes to feeding. A general-purpose fertilizer that is applied a couple of times a year should be sufficient to maintain healthy growth. The roots of a Japanese cherry blossom tree are relatively shallow, so be careful not to damage them when digging around the plant. It is also important to water regularly, as the roots are sensitive to drought.

About light

Pruning a Japanese cherry blossom tree is important to maintaining its health and beauty. The tree should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. After the tree has flowered, prune off any dead or diseased branches. Also remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Finally, cut back any branches that are growing too long.

The Propagation

Propagation of the Japanese cherry blossom tree is typically done by rooting cuttings taken from the tips of branches. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be 6-8 inches in length. Once the cuttings are taken, they should be placed in moist soil and kept in a cool location until they have rooted. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the ground.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate are fast. In the first growing season, the roots grow quickly and the trunk and branches grow rapidly. The trunk and branches grow 2 to 3 times the diameter of the previous year. After the first growing season, the growth rate slows down.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are stem girdling roots, poor drainage, and too much fertilizer. Girdling roots are when the roots of the tree wrap around the trunk and constrict it, preventing the tree from getting the nutrients and water it needs. Poor drainage can cause the roots to rot, and too much fertilizer can burn the roots.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your tree regularly, as it needs a lot of water to grow.
  • Place your tree in an area where it will receive full sun.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the tree to help retain moisture.
  • Fertilize your tree regularly with a high-quality fertilizer.
  • Prune your tree regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Protect your tree from strong winds by staking it.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them promptly.
  • Harvest the blossoms when they are fully open and enjoy their beauty.
  • Don't forget to give your tree some TLC and it will reward you with many years of beauty.
  • Most importantly, have patience! Japanese cherry blossom trees can take several years to reach their full potential.

Substitution

  • Yoshino Cherry tree
  • Tree Cherry
  • Higan Cherry tree
  • Cherry Tree
  • Hikage Cherry tree
  • Satozakura Cherry
  • Kwanzan Cherry
  • Somei Yoshino Cherry
  • Ohtsuka Cherry tree
  • Miyama Cherry tree

Source:
Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry, …
Japanese Flowering Cherry | Washington University Trees
Cherry Blossoms | Smithsonian Institution

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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