Maintenance Landscaping Design

Prunus serrulata is a plant in the rose family that is native to East Asia. It is also known as the Japanese cherry, hill cherry, or alpine cherry. The plant is a small deciduous tree or shrub that typically grows to 10-15 feet tall. The leaves are ovate-shaped and the flowers are white with five petals. The fruit is a small, reddish-black drupe.

Also known as

• Chinese Cherry
  
• Japanese Cherry
  
• Sato-zakura
  
• Hill Cherry
  
• Mountain Cherry

Basic info

• Prunus serrulata is a deciduous tree native to China.
  
• It is also known as the Japanese cherry, hill cherry, or Taihong.
  
• Prunus serrulata typically reaches a height of 15–20 m (49–66 ft).
  
• The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 8–12 cm (1–7 in) long and 5–5 cm (0.98–97 in) wide.
  
• The flowers are white, 5–7 cm (0–8 in) in diameter, with five petals.
  
• The fruit is a drupe, 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in) in diameter, with a single seed.
  
• Prunus serrulata is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in China, Japan, and Korea.
  
• It is also the national flower of South Korea.
  
• The tree has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and is still used today.
  
• Prunus serrulata is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world, such as the United States.

Related plant:
Prunus Serrulata Kanzan

Planting Process

1. For prunus serrulata, first step is to stratify the seeds. This means that you need to place the seeds in a cool, moist environment for 30-60 days.
   
2. Next, sow the seeds in a moist, well-drained soil mix.
   
3. Place the seedlings in a bright, sunny location.
   
4. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
   
5. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
   
6. Once the plants are established, prune them to shape as desired.
   
7. Allow the plants to flower and fruit as they mature.
   
8. Harvest the fruit when it is ripe and enjoy!
   
9. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat as needed.
   
10. With proper care, your prunus serrulata plants should thrive for many years.

Related plant:
Prunus Spinosa

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, prunus serrulata is adaptable to a wide range of soils as long as they are well-drained. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Sandy loams are ideal, but it can also grow in heavier clay soils. The roots are shallow, so the tree does not tolerate drought well. It is also susceptible to damage from salt and compacted soils.

Light condition

Similar to other members of the Prunus genus, the serrulata needs plenty of sun to produce its beautiful blooms. It's best to plant this tree in an area that receives full sun for most of the day. It's also important to make sure the tree has good drainage, as it doesn't like to have its roots sitting in water.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of prunus serrulata is that it should be kept below freezing to ensure that the plant remains dormant. When the temperature rises above freezing, the plant will begin to grow and produce new leaves and flowers. Prunus serrulata is a hardy plant and can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40% The plant can suffer if the humidity drops below 30% The leaves will start to turn brown and crispy if the humidity gets too low If the humidity gets too high, the plant can get root rot Prunus serrulata, also known as Japanese Cherry, is a popular plant for ornamental purposes. The plant is known for its beautiful pink flowers which bloom in spring. The plant is native to East Asia and prefers humid conditions. In its natural habitat, the plant is found near riverbanks and in forests.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this kind of plant prefers moderate fertilizer. The best time to fertilize is in early spring and again in mid-summer. Fertilize with a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at the rate of 1/2 pound per 100 square feet.Root pruning should be done every 3 to 5 years in late winter to early spring. This will help keep the plant vigorous and prevent it from becoming too large for its space.

About light

Pruning is a critical part of keeping a prunus serrulata healthy and looking its best. While the plant can tolerate some pruning, it is important to not overdo it. Pruning too much can shock the plant and cause it to produce fewer flowers. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches.

About Propagating

Propagation of prunus serrulata is typically done via rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the parent plant. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, vigorous stems that are approximately 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should be taken from the lower portion of the stem and should include at least 2-3 leaves. Cuttings should be made just prior to the plant entering its dormant period in late autumn to early winter. Once the cuttings are taken, they should be placed in a rooting medium such as perlite or vermiculite. The rooting medium should be moistened and the cuttings should be placed under high humidity conditions until roots have developed and new growth is evident.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate during the growing season is fast. However, the trees may show a decrease in growth rate during the late summer and fall. The average prunus serrulata growth rate is about 24 inches (60 cm) per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are brown rot, canker, and powdery mildew. Brown rot is a serious disease that can cause the fruit to rot and the leaves to turn brown. Canker is a less serious disease that can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. Powdery mildew is a white powder that can cover the leaves and cause them to turn yellow.

Tips on Growing

• If you are growing Prunus serrulata from seed, start the seeds in a sterile seed-starting medium and place them under grow lights.
  
• Keep the seedlings moist, but not wet, and fertilize them every couple of weeks with a weak fertilizer solution.
  
• When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots filled with a well-draining potting soil.
  
• Place the potted seedlings in a location that receives full sun.
  
• During the summer, water the potted plants regularly and fertilize them monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• In autumn, as the plants begin to go dormant, reduce watering and fertilizing.
  
• Overwinter the potted plants in a cool, dark location, such as a basement or garage.
  
• In spring, as the days begin to lengthen and warm, bring the plants back out into the light

Substitution

• Crataegus chapellei (similar plant) Crataegus chapellei, known by the synonyms Crataegus insularis, Crataegus ...
  
• Prunus subhirtella (similar plant) Prunus subhirtella is a species of flowering plant in the rose family, endemic to ...
  
• Prunus salicina (similar plant) Prunus salicina, commonly known as the flowering peach, Chinese peach, or Japanese peach, ...
  
• Prunus japonica (similar plant) Prunus japonica, also called Oriental flowering almonds, is a flowering tree in the rose

Source:
Species: Prunus serrulata - Cornell University
Prunus serrulata - Japanese Flowering Cherry or - Ohio State …
Prunus serrulata habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois Urbana …