Cherry blossom is one of the most gorgeous ornamental trees on the planet. For many, they encapsulate the spirit of spring better than any other plant. For gardeners? They’re a stunning ornamental addition to any collection of foliage and flowers. Best of all there are plenty of different cherry blossom tree species, each of which has a similar yet uniquely beautiful look and energy.
This blog will share three of our favourite types of cherry blossom trees, highlighting each of their distinct charms and any specific care requirements they might have.
This cherry blossom species is a popular choice for it’s deep purple foliage and dark, richly shaded stems that almost look black. Also known as Japanese Alpine, Prunus cistena blooms in April with singular white and pink flowers, bringing pops of contrasting brightness to the darker profile of the overall plant.
Some tips for care with this species include:
Make sure any pots for this tree have good drainage at the bottom
Water the plant regularly, especially in the first year of its life
Grow the plant in Ericaceous soil or compost
This species, also known as double flowering Cherry Almond, is known for growing taller and wider than most ornamental trees. In fact, with the right care and environment, Prunus triloba can grow to heights and widths of 3m in each direction! It boasts pretty brown foliage in the late summer, but not before it has a massive double-flowering blossom period in April and May. The clustered flowers are layered with amazing light pink petals.
Prunus Okame is one of the most popular cherry blossom tree species on the market – not just for gardeners but also for pollinators like butterflies and bees! It’s known for having thin, almost spindly stems and branches, adorned with smaller, drooping pink and red flowers during its blooming period in the spring. You can expect to see some gorgeous orange and red foliage throughout the Autumn – stunning Fall vibes! Over 20 years, this variety will grow to heights and widths of around 4m x 4m if cared for properly.
Now that you’ve been introduced to some of our favourite cherry blossoms, it’s important to keep some basic care tips that apply to (basically) all varieties.
Sufficient sunlight is essential to their development
Soil must be well drained to prevent roots from getting soggy
Soil should also be clay-heavy and of a slightly acidic or neutral pH
Plants will thrive in milder, more temperate climates
They are all hardy, but they might need protection during the British winter
Blooms only last around 1-2 weeks, so make the most of these short stretches!
For more guidance, check out our
Beginner’s Guide to Cherry Blossoms in general. These are just some of our favourite species of cherry blossom trees but there are so many more at One Click Plants.
Check out our full range today in preparation for next spring!
