This deciduous tree has a short trunk with many spreading branches that form vase-shaped crown. It has dark green oval leaves that turn yellow-scarlet during autumn and the drooping greenish-white to rose pink flowers appear in a cluster during spring.

Hardiness zones 5 to 9

Prunus serrulata is naturally found in Japan from Hokkaido to Honshu growing in woodlands on the mountains and in the adjoining valleys.

It prefers a well drained organic rich moist sandy to clay loam that is tending acidic and grows in a wind protected sunny position and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

The Japanese Flowering Cherry is grown for its flowers and rounded crown with autumn colour. It is planted in small or Japanese gardens as a specimen for summer shade or used in group plantings along pathways or avenues. It establishes in 5 to 8 years and is moderately long lived. It is suitable for low-mountain or inland regions, tolerating cooler conditions. There are many cultivars with varying flower colour available. ID 49

Prunus (PROO-nus) serrulata (SE-ru-lata)

'Prunus': Latin name for the plum; 'serrulata': with a serrated margin (refers to the leaves).

Rosaceae(ro-ZAY-see-ee)
Rose Family