Upright-Growing Prunus (Prunus serrulata)

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Upright-Growing Prunus
Latin Name: Prunus serrulata
Alternate Names: Upright-Growing Prunus, sakura
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 5 to 8
Typical Height: Approximately 8 to 40 ft (2.5 to 12 m) depending on cultivar and training
Typical Spread: About 6 to 30 ft (1.8 to 9 m) canopy spread depending on form and pruning
Bloom Period: Spring for most climates often early to mid spring in the northern hemisphere
Soil Preferences: Moist fertile well drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH about 6.0 to 7.0. Avoid waterlogged heavy clay which increases root rot and canker risk
Light Preferences: Full sun to light afternoon shade. At least six hours of sun encourages best flowering
Toxicity: Seeds and pits contain cyanogenic compounds and can be toxic if crushed or eaten. Wilted leaves and prunings can release toxins hazardous to livestock. Keep pets and livestock away from pits and large quantities of clippings
Propagation: Grafting or budding onto suitable rootstock is standard for named cultivars. Seed will grow but may not be true to type. Softwood cuttings layering and occasional hardwood cuttings are possible for some selections

Key Facts

Ornamental flowering cherry grown for spring blossoms
Native to Japan and parts of East Asia
Flowers appear in spring and range from single to double forms
Many named cultivars are grafted onto rootstock
Prefers full sun and well drained soil
Fruit are small and usually not widely eaten
Susceptible to fungal leaf spots and bacterial canker
Seeds and pits contain cyanogenic compounds and can be toxic

Japanese Cherry is Prunus serrulata, an ornamental Japanese cherry prized for its showy spring blossoms and formal upright habit but it needs good sun and drainage to stay healthy. Many garden selections are grafted and offer dramatic flowering yet can be vulnerable to fungal leaf spots and bacterial canker.

Identification

This species is an ornamental cherry with spring flowers that range from single to double forms and small usually inedible fruit. Mature height varies widely by selection from about 8 to 40 feet and canopy spread commonly ranges from roughly 6 to 30 feet depending on cultivar and pruning.

Best uses and where to grow

Use Japanese Cherry as a focal specimen in a lawn an accent near a path or in a small orchard of ornamentals where spring bloom is desired. It performs best in full sun with at least six hours of direct light and suits temperate gardens in USDA zones 5 to 8.

Planting and spacing

Space trees to allow the mature canopy to spread with typical spacing reflecting a 6 to 30 foot spread depending on cultivar. Plant in a sunny site with well drained soil and avoid low spots that hold water which raise the risk of root rot and canker.

Soil light and watering

Plant in moist fertile well drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH around 6.0 to 7.0 for best vigor. Full sun encourages heavy flowering while waterlogged heavy clay reduces health. Water regularly to establish young trees and then moderate irrigation to avoid prolonged wet feet.

After flowering care and pruning

Prune to shape after flowering to preserve spring bloom the following year and to control spread and height. Remove dead or crossing branches and prune out cankered wood. Avoid heavy pruning in autumn to reduce the chance of winter damage on less hardy cultivars.

Pests disease and toxicity

Japanese Cherry is prone to fungal leaf spots and bacterial canker which worsen in humid conditions and crowded plantings. Seeds pits and wilted leaves contain cyanogenic compounds that can be toxic if crushed or eaten so keep pets livestock and large clippings away from animals.

Propagation and cultivars

Named cultivars are usually propagated by grafting or budding onto rootstock to preserve flower form and habit. Seed will grow but may not be true to type while softwood cuttings layering and occasional hardwood cuttings can work for some selections. Check cultivar notes for cold tolerance and rootstock effects.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Japanese Cherry grow?: Growth rate varies with cultivar site and rootstock but many garden selections reach multi foot height within a decade and can attain 8 to 40 feet at maturity over years depending on form.
When does Japanese Cherry bloom?: Flowering occurs in spring in most climates with typical northern hemisphere bloom commonly in March and April though timing varies with local climate.
Is Japanese Cherry toxic to pets?: Yes parts of the plant such as seeds pits and wilted leaves contain cyanogenic compounds and can be hazardous if chewed or ingested in quantity. Consult local poison control for specific risks to animals.
What soil does this cherry prefer?: It prefers moist fertile well drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH around 6.0 to 7.0 and will suffer in waterlogged heavy clay.
How should I propagate named cultivars?: Named ornamental cultivars are commonly propagated by grafting or budding onto suitable rootstock to maintain true to type characteristics while seed propagation will not guarantee the same flower form.