About
Prunus serrulata, the Japanese cherry, is a spreading, deciduous tree to 12 m with smooth, chestnut-brown bark. Dark-green, lance-shaped leaves to 12 cm long are bronze-tinted in spring and turn yellow or red in autumn. Semi-double, white or pink, cup-shaped flowers 3 cm across are produced in profusion in mid- to late spring. One of the most widely planted and celebrated flowering trees in cultivation.
About the genus
Prunus are deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs producing showy flowers in spring, often with good autumn foliage colour. Some species have edible fruit in autumn and a few have ornamental bark. Among the most popular of all flowering trees and shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1, ideally in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf infection
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn; or by softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa