How to Grow Prunus Serrulata Kanzan - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Prunus serrulata kanzan is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to East Asia. The flowers are a deep pink color and the plant can grow to be quite large.

How to Grow Prunus Serrulata Kanzan - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Magnolia
  • Higan Cherry
  • Sargent Cherry
  • Mountain Cherry
  • Kanzan Cherry

Things to Know

  • Prunus serrulata kanzan, also known as the Japanese flowering cherry, is a deciduous tree native to Japan.
  • It is the most popular cherry blossom tree in Japan, and is also planted in many other countries around the world.
  • The tree typically blooms in late March or early April, with the peak blooming period lasting for about two weeks.
  • During the peak blooming period, the tree produces a large number of pink-colored flowers.
  • The flowers of the Japanese flowering cherry tree are very fragrant, and the tree is often planted near homes and temples for this reason.
  • The tree is also popular for its wood, which is used in the construction of furniture and other wooden items.
  • The leaves of the Japanese flowering cherry tree are elliptical in shape and have serrated margins.
  • The tree typically grows to a height of 15-25 meters.
  • The Japanese flowering cherry tree is known to be susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including the Japanese beetle and the shot hole borer.
  • The tree is also susceptible to damage from strong winds.

Planting Process

  1. For prunus serrulata kanzan, first step is to soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 48 hours.
  2. After 48 hours, remove the seeds and plant them in well-drained soil.
  3. Water the seeds regularly and keep the soil moist.
  4. In a few weeks, the seeds will germinate and the seedlings will appear.
  5. When the seedlings are about 6 inches tall, transplant them into individual pots.
  6. Water the transplanted seedlings regularly and keep the soil moist.
  7. In the following spring, prunus serrulata kanzan will start to bloom.
  8. After blooming, the flowers will be followed by small fruits.
  9. The fruits will ripen in autumn.
  10. When the fruits are ripe, they can be picked and eaten fresh or used in recipes.

Related plant:
Prunus Serrulata Amanogawa

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the Prunus serrulata Kanzan prefers deep, well-drained, and slightly acidic soils, but it can adapt to other conditions. It should be noted that the ideal condition for this tree is a sunny location with moist soil.

Light condition

So, like the other cherry trees, the Prunus serrulata Kanzan has a high requirement for sun exposure. It needs to be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This tree is also relatively drought-tolerant once it is established, so it does not need to be watered frequently.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that Prunus serrulata Kanzan needs is relatively warm. It grows best in areas where the average temperature is above freezing. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius, but it will not flower or fruit properly if the temperature drops below that point.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. They can tolerate some degree of drought but will not thrive. The leaves will begin to droop and the plant will become increasingly stressed. If the conditions become too dry, the leaves will begin to turn brown and fall off.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant nutrients is important for the growth of Prunus serrulata Kanzan. Fertilizers provide one or more essential plant nutrients in a form that is immediately available for plant uptake and use. In general, Kanzan does best with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. An example of a balanced fertilizer is 10-10-10. This fertilizer should be applied according to the package directions.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Prunus serrulata kanzan healthy and looking its best. Proper pruning encourages new growth, improves the plant’s appearance, and helps to keep it from getting too big for its space. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Also, remove any branches that are rubbing against each other or crossing over each other. Always use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan' is usually done by rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the desired plant. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be about 6-8 inches long. The cutting should be taken from just below a node, and the bottom leaves should be removed. The cutting should be placed in a rooting hormone and then placed in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. The pot should be covered with plastic to help retain moisture and placed in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. The cutting should be checked periodically to make sure the potting mix is still moist. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and fall seasons. However, they can also grow well during the summer if the temperatures are not too hot. The plant typically grows to be about 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, black knot, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery fungi that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Black knot is a black, hardened fungus that appears on the branches of the plant. Leaf spot is a brown or black fungus that appears on the leaves of the plant.

List to Know

  • Remember to plant your Prunus serrulata kanzan in an area with full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Water your tree regularly, especially when it is first planted and during periods of extended drought.
  • Fertilize your tree every year in early spring using a fertilizer designed for flowering trees.
  • Prune your tree yearly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
  • Protect your tree from harsh winter weather by wrapping it in burlap or placing it in a protected location.
  • Be on the lookout for signs of disease or pests, and treat accordingly.
  • Harvest the beautiful blossoms of your Prunus serrulata kanzan in early spring.
  • Enjoy the fresh fruits of your tree in late summer and early fall.
  • Keep an eye on the size of your tree and consider transplanting it to a larger location if it becomes too big

Related Plants

  • Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’ (English oak)
  • Quercus rubra (red oak)
  • Quercus alba (white oak)
  • Quercus bicolor (swamp white oak)
  • Quercus coccinea (scarlet oak)
  • Quercus Garryana (Garry oak)
  • Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak)
  • Quercus marilandica (blackjack oak)
  • Quercus michauxii (swamp chestnut oak)
  • Quercus stellata (post oak)

Source:
Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan' | Gardens
Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' habit: UIPLANTS - University of …
Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan' | Smithsonian Institution - si.edu

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Trees Category