Maintenance Landscaping Design

Yoshino cherry tree is a deciduous plant that is native to Japan. The tree grows to a height of 20-30 feet and has a lifespan of 50-100 years. The yoshino cherry tree is known for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in the spring.

Alternative name

• Prunus x yedoensis
  
• Yoshino flowering cherry
  
• Wei yin sakura
  
• Somei-yoshino
  
• Yoshino-zakura

Things to Know

• The yoshino cherry tree is a deciduous tree that is native to Japan.
  
• The tree typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet.
  
• The tree has a spreading canopy with elliptical shaped leaves.
  
• The yoshino cherry tree produces small, white flowers that bloom in early spring.
  
• The tree is named for the mountain town of Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, where the tree is indigenous.
  
• The yoshino cherry tree is the national flower of Japan.
  
• The tree is widely planted throughout the country as an ornamental tree.
  
• The yoshino cherry tree is also known as the weeping cherry tree due to its drooping branches.
  
• The tree is popular in the United States as an ornamental tree and is commonly found in public parks and gardens.
  
• The yoshino cherry tree is considered to be a symbol of springtime in Japan.

Related plant:
Yoshino Cherry

Planting Process

1. For yoshino cherry tree, first step is to find a suitable location. The tree should be planted in well-drained soil in a sunny spot.
   
2. The second step is to prepare the planting hole. The hole should be twice as wide and deep as the tree’s root ball.
   
3. The third step is to remove the tree from its container and loosen the roots carefully.
   
4. The fourth step is to place the tree in the planting hole and backfill with soil.
   
5. The fifth step is to water the tree deeply and regularly for the first few weeks.
   
6. The sixth step is to apply a layer of mulch around the tree to help retain moisture.
   
7. The seventh step is to fertilize the tree every spring with a balanced fertilizer.
   
8. The eighth step is to prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape.
   
9. The ninth step is to watch for pests and diseases and treat them promptly.
   
10. The tenth and final step is to enjoy the beautiful blossoms each spring!

The Soil

About soil condition, Yoshino Cherry tree like well-drained, deep, and moistened soil, does not like waterlogged soil because the roots will be rotted. If the soil is too hard, the tree will be difficult to grow.

Light requirement

Just like other fruit trees, the Yoshino cherry tree needs full sun to produce the most fruit. The tree can still produce fruit with as little as 4 hours of sun per day, but it will be less than if it had full sun.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition for a yoshino cherry tree is pretty important. If it's too hot, the leaves will wilt and the tree will suffer. If it's too cold, the tree may not bloom at all. The ideal temperature for a yoshino cherry tree is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will drop and the flowers will wilt. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will turn yellow and the flowers will fall off.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, usually the plant food for Yoshino cherry tree is applied in early spring and mid-fall. The roots of Yoshino cherry tree are strong and spread out widely, so the tree can survive in different soil conditions.

Plant Pruning

Pruning a yoshino cherry tree is important to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring, before the tree breaks dormancy. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Next, thin out the canopy to allow light and air to reach the inner branches. Finally, prune to the desired shape.

The Propagation

Propagation of yoshino cherry trees is most commonly done through rooting of cuttings taken from the tips of branches. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free trees in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and should have at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Cuttings should be placed in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once roots have developed, the tree can be transplanted to its permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow during the first few years after planting. However, once they become established, they can grow quickly, up to 3 to 4 feet per year. Yoshino cherry trees can live for over 100 years, so they are a great investment for any landscape.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are insect pests, diseases, and cultural problems. The most common insect pests are the Japanese beetle, scale, and aphids. The most common diseases are canker and powdery mildew. The most common cultural problem is over-watering.

List to Know

• Make sure to plant your Yoshino cherry tree in an area with full sun exposure.
  
• The tree does best in well-drained, fertile soil.
  
• Water regularly, especially during the first few years after planting.
  
• Fertilize annually with a general-purpose fertilizer.
  
• Prune annually to shape and maintain the tree’s form.
  
• Be on the lookout for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  
• Harvest the cherries when they are ripe, typically in late spring or early summer.
  
• Store the cherries in the refrigerator if you don’t plan to eat them right away.
  
• Make sure to clean up any fallen cherries from the ground beneath the tree.
  
• Enjoy your fresh, home-grown cherries!

Substitution

• houseleek
  
• snowdrop
  
• columbine
  
• buttercup
  
• lily
  
• rose
  
• daffodil
  
• tulip
  
• hyacinth
  
• orchid

Source:
Yoshino Cherry Tree | University of Puget Sound
Yoshino Flowering Cherry - Prunus yedoensis ‘Akebono’ - PNW …
Prunus x yedoensis 'Akebono' (Akebono Yoshino Cherry, Daybreak Yoshino ...