Prunus serrulata aka Japanese Flowering Cherry

Taxonomy

Prunus serrulata, also known as Japanese cherry or Sakura bonsai tree, is a captivating species of cherry tree native to Japan, China, and Korea. It can reach a height of 12m and features smooth, chestnut-brown bark. Its lance-shaped leaves, up to 12cm long, exhibit a bronze tint in spring and transition to yellow or red in autumn. The tree produces an abundance of semi-double, white or pink, cup-shaped flowers measuring 3cm in diameter during mid- to late spring. These blossoms are highly valued for their beauty and are a significant element of refined Zen culture. While the natural color of the Sakura bonsai tree's petals is bright pink, breeders have developed various new hues, such as purple, red, and green. The flowering period, which occurs from the end of February to March, is relatively brief. This tree holds great cultural significance in Japan, representing the acceptance of destiny and karma. Following the flowering stage, small, dark red to black, inedible fruits emerge. The cultivars produced through selective breeding and complex interspecific hybrids, particularly those based on the Oshima cherry, are widely used for ornamental purposes worldwide and are collectively referred to as the Cerasus Sato-zakura Group.

Common names

Japanese Flowering Cherry, Tibetan Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry Kwanzan

How to care for Japanese Flowering Cherry

Difficulty

If you're an experienced gardener looking to push your limits, Japanese Flowering Cherry will provide you with a rewarding and challenging experience.

Water

Japanese Flowering Cherry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Japanese Flowering Cherry, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Japanese Flowering Cherry Kwanzan is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Japanese Flowering Cherry will thrive!

Lighting

Japanese Flowering Cherry requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Tibetan Cherry is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Japanese Flowering Cherry plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Japanese Flowering Cherry is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia