Kwanzan Cherry Tree
Known for its gorgeous pink double-blossoms, the Kwanzan Cherry Tree is one of the most stunning trees to plant in your yard or garden. Also known as the Japanese Flowering Cherry, this tree’s beautiful carnation-like flowers make quite the showpieces from April through May.
This is a tree with a remarkable history and one that offers a unique quality that’s impressive as soon as you see the beautiful blooms. It’s the perfect signature tree in an open area or down a side driveway.
How did it get its name? The Kwanzan Cherry is named after the Sekiyama mountain in Japan. In 1912, Japan gifted the United States several thousand Kwanzan trees, and they’re a staple in Washington D.C. in the spring.
While the tree is native to Japan, China and Korea, it can withstand temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit so it grows quite well in the United States (zones 5-9).
The best time to plant is in late fall or early spring. Read on for more care tips…
How Fast Do Kwanzan Cherry Trees Grow?
These trees can grow approximately 1-2 feet per year. This means they will continue to grow up to 30-40 feet over the course of their lives (they have around a 25-year lifespan) if maintained well.
This is a tree that is known for its vase-like shape. The serrated leaves will commonly grow up to 5 inches while maintaining a glossy green appearance during the warmer months before turning bronze later into the year.
Do the Trees Bear Fruit?
No, these trees do not bear fruit and are noted for being sterile. This means they will only grow serrated leaves that will change in color as the seasons change.
It is important to make sure these trees are protected from pests while also being out in the open allowing for the sun to get through. They do require a lot of sunlight as that is the only way they are going to thrive throughout the year.
Are Kwanzan Cherry Trees Messy?
For the most part, these trees are not messy in comparison to fruit-bearing alternatives. Since the tree doesn’t bear fruits, this ensures it doesn’t leave a mess on the ground.
This is ideal for those who are particular about the tree’s aesthetics without having to clean up around it all the time.
How Do You Care For A Kwanzan Cherry Tree?
Maintenance is always critical when it comes to any type of tree and the same applies to this particular variation.
Sunlight & Water!
It’s important to note the most critical factor involves sunlight. The sunlight has to be present at all times for the tree to grow throughout the different seasons.
It also requires well-drained soil as it doesn’t tolerate long spells of no water.
A lot of people will use these trees for their backyards and/or landscaping. This means they need to be well-maintained at all times.
These trees do take up quite a bit of space while living up to a few decades. This means they can start to get riddled with pests if left untouched.
The first detail to think about will be the placement of the tree. You don’t want to block the sunlight around it and you will want to ensure it is getting appropriate sunlight throughout the year. In general, six hours of sunlight is a must.
It is also important to assess the soil. You want to make sure the pH level of the soil isn’t excessively high. It tends to do best in moist soil but it can grow in other types as long as it gets sunlight.
For watering, you will want to make sure it is getting a good amount throughout the year. This is the only way for the tree to grow and flourish over the long haul. Any dry spells and the tree will start to die.
For those who are worried about pruning the leaves, you won’t have to do a lot of it. At most, you can start to look at the limbs to trim them a bit around the edges. Otherwise, this is a tree that’s going to maintain its shape for a long time to come.
This is an absolutely beautiful addition to any garden and one that adds value to your backyard in minutes. The gorgeous double-pink leaves are a sight to behold and something you are going to fall in love with!