How to Grow Prunus Serrulata Amanogawa - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Prunus serrulata amanogawa is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a member of the Rosaceae family and is also known as the Japanese Cherry. The plant is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 10 feet tall. The leaves of the plant are oval shaped and have a toothed margin. The flowers of the plant are white and have 5 petals. The fruit of the plant is a small, dark red drupe.

How to Grow Prunus Serrulata Amanogawa - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Japanese cherry
  • Sato-zakura
  • Somei-yoshino
  • Edo higan
  • Mikuruma-gaeshi

Basic info

  • Prunus serrulata amanogawa is a deciduous tree that belongs to the rose family.
  • It is also known as the Japanese flowering cherry or the mountain cherry.
  • The tree is native to Japan, Korea and China.
  • It grows to a height of about 10-15 metres.
  • The tree has a wide, spreading crown.
  • The branches are slender and drooping.
  • The bark is smooth and brownish-red in colour.
  • The leaves are ovate-shaped, glossy green and measure 5-8 cm in length.
  • The tree blooms in spring, with clusters of small, white flowers that have a sweet fragrance.
  • The fruits are small, dark red cherries that are edible.

Related plant:
Prunus Serrulata Kanzan

Growing Steps

  1. For prunus serrulata amanogawa, first step is to take the pit or seed of the desired fruit.
  2. Soak the pit or seed in water for 24 hours.
  3. Fill a pot with well-draining potting mix.
  4. Plant the pit or seed in the pot, covering it with 1/2 inch (3 cm) of potting mix.
  5. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  6. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location.
  7. When the plant reaches 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 47 cm) tall, prune it back to 6 to 8 inches (12 to 20.3 cm).
  8. Fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. In late winter or early spring, prepare to transplant the amanogawa by digging a hole in the desired location.
  10. Carefully transplant the amanogawa, being sure not to damage the roots.

Related plant:
Prunus Otto Luyken

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Prunus serrulata 'Amanogawa' prefers rich, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is not particular about soil pH, but does best in acidic to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.8-7.2). This cherry will not tolerate wet, poorly drained soils. It has a moderate growth rate and a generally upright, oval to rounded form.

Light condition

Like the other members of the Prunus genus, the Amanogawa cherry tree needs full sun to produce the most flowers. Without at least six hours of sunlight each day, the tree will likely produce fewer flowers. The flowers of the Amanogawa cherry tree are double and have a light pink color. The tree blooms in late spring, and the flowers are followed by small, dark red cherries.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for Prunus serrulata amanogawa is quite cool to cold. The tree is quite hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius. However, it should be protected from strong winds and any extreme weather conditions.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40% to 50%. Prunus serrulata amanogawa is a plant that originates from Asia. It is a flowering plant that blooms in the springtime. The flowers are pink and white in color. The leaves of the plant are green. The plant grows to be about 15 feet tall. The ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40% to 50%.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this plant prefers a low nitrogen fertilizer such as a 6-10-10 or 8-8-8. A slow release fertilizer is best so that you don't have to keep reapplying it. This plant also likes a lot of organic matter in the soil so adding compost or aged manure is also beneficial. As for the roots, this plant has a taproot system so it is important to plant it in an area where the roots will have room to grow. If the roots are constricted they will not be able to properly uptake water and nutrients and the plant will suffer.

Light requirement

Pruning is a vital part of keeping your Prunus serrulata amanogawa healthy and looking its best. Luckily, this plant is relatively easy to prune. Start by removing any dead, dying, or diseased branches. Next, trim back any overgrown or untidy growth. Finally, selectively remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Japanese flowering cherry, Prunus serrulata 'Amanogawa', is most commonly accomplished through rooting of hardwood cuttings taken from the desired plant. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, and should be approximately 6 inches long. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, undamaged branches, and should have a sharp, clean cut at the base. The cuttings should be placed in a moistened media such as perlite, vermiculite, or sand. The media should be kept moist, but not wet, and the cuttings should be placed in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Rooting will usually occur within 4-8 weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1 foot per year. However, they can grow up to 2 feet per year in their first few years. After that, their growth will start to slow down. Still, they can live for centuries and grow to be very large trees.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant include powdery mildew, canker, and twig dieback. Powdery mildew is a white or gray powdery substance that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Canker is a sunken, dead area on the trunk or branches of the plant. Twig dieback is the death of the tips of branches. These problems can be controlled by pruning out diseased areas, applying fungicides, and avoiding overhead watering.

Growing Tips

  • If you are growing Prunus serrulata amanogawa for the first time, start with a young plant from a nursery.
  • Prunus serrulata amanogawa grows best in full sun but can tolerate some shade.
  • The plant prefers well-drained soil. Add organic matter to the soil before planting to improve drainage.
  • Water the plant regularly during the growing season. Avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and control weeds.
  • Fertilize the plant twice a year with a slow-release fertilizer.
  • Prunus serrulata amanogawa is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. Watch for signs of infestation and treat accordingly.
  • Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to shape it and encourage

Alternative Plants

  • Prunus lusitanica
  • Prunus salicina
  • Prunus cerasifera

Source:
Japanese Flowering Cherry | Yale Nature Walk
Prunus serrulata, International Tree Tour, SUNY Orange
Prunus Mexicana: Mexican Plum

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category