Plants
Flowering Cherry
Prunus serrulata · Rosaceae
Few trees transform a street like the Japanese flowering cherry: for two or three weeks in April the whole tree stands beneath a pink cloud of blossom, then the petals drift down like snow. Unlike the evergreen cherry laurel, it is a deciduous flowering tree — bred solely for this one overwhelming performance. Düsseldorf, too, has its little hanami moments each spring along its cherry blossom avenues.
- Light
- Full sun; in shade the blossom stays sparse.
- Watering
- Moderate: keep an eye on young trees and dry spells; older trees look after themselves.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Prunus serrulata
The range of varieties is wide. „Kanzan“ is the best known: strong pink, densely double flowers and a funnel-shaped crown — the classic of many city avenues. „Amanogawa“ grows strictly columnar and fits even the smallest front garden, „Shirotae“ flowers pure white with horizontally spreading branches, and the higan cherry „Autumnalis“ even opens its flowers from November in mild winters.
Flowering cherries want a sunny spot and free-draining, nutrient-rich soil without waterlogging. The most common mistake is unnecessary pruning: Prunus species heal wounds poorly and respond to heavy cuts with gummosis and fungal infections. If you must prune, do it right after flowering in May and only moderately — trees cut in winter often ail for years.
For birds and insects, single and semi-double varieties are more valuable than the densely double ones: „Kanzan“ flowers offer barely accessible nectar, while single-flowered varieties and the related native wild cherry are important April bee pastures. The small bitter fruits of ornamental varieties mostly fail to appear or are taken by birds.
In floristry, cherry blossom branches are an event every spring: from late February, cut branches can be forced indoors, and from March they arrive ready to open via the auction. Arranged solo in tall vases they are the epitome of Japanese-inspired spring floristry — we also love working them into April wedding decorations.
On toxicity: as with all Prunus species, leaves, bark and kernels contain cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide in the body. Cherry trees therefore count as toxic to dogs and cats if they take in larger amounts of foliage or crushed kernels. For children the tree is uncritical in everyday life — only the kernels should not be chewed.
Is Flowering Cherry toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Leaves, bark and fruit kernels contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic to dogs and cats, especially wilted foliage and crushed kernels. For children the tree is uncritical as long as no kernels are chewed.
Typical symptoms: In animals after larger intakes: drooling, dilated pupils, laboured breathing and weakness; seek veterinary help in serious cases. In people, nausea and headache are possible after chewing many kernels.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Fully sunny, airy position; the more sun, the richer the blossom.
- 02Nutrient-rich, free-draining soil; avoid waterlogging and compacted ground.
- 03Water young trees deeply during dry spells for the first two to three years.
- 04Prune as little as possible; if necessary, directly after flowering with clean tools.
- 05Mulch the root zone but keep the base of the trunk clear.
- 06Give a dose of compost or organic fertiliser in spring.
Frequently asked
- When and how long does the flowering cherry bloom?
- Depending on variety and weather, between early April and mid-May, each variety for around two to three weeks. Early varieties such as „Accolade“ open in late March, „Kanzan“ follows in mid to late April. Plant the higan cherry „Autumnalis“ and you even get flowers from November to March in mild winters.
- What is the difference between flowering cherry and cherry laurel?
- Both belong to the genus Prunus but are completely different plants: the flowering cherry is a deciduous blossom tree planted for its spring display. Cherry laurel is an evergreen hedging shrub with leathery leaves whose flowering is incidental. If you want blossom, plant the flowering cherry; if you need screening, the cherry laurel.
- Is the flowering cherry toxic to dogs and cats?
- Yes, like all cherry trees: leaves, bark and kernels contain cyanogenic glycosides. The main dangers are larger amounts of wilted foliage and crushed kernels. A brief sniff at the blossom is harmless, but dogs should not eat fallen leaves and fruit.
- Can I cut cherry blossom branches for the vase?
- Very well indeed. Branches cut from late February open in a warm room after two to three weeks — the closer to the natural flowering date, the faster. Cut the stems at an angle, place them in lukewarm water and keep them away from direct heating; the blossom then lasts about a week.
- Which flowering cherry suits a small garden?
- The columnar cherry „Amanogawa“ needs barely more than a square metre of ground and grows four to seven metres tall — ideal for front gardens and narrow plots. The weeping „Kiku-shidare-zakura“ also stays compact at three to four metres. „Kanzan“, by contrast, needs considerably more room at up to eight metres wide.