Why You Should Add a Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree To Your Home Garden
With spring in full bloom, one tree, in particular, is in its peak season; the Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree. This tree can grow upwards of 30 feet tall with dark and pale pink or white flowers, making it the perfect statement in your garden.
The History of the Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree
In 1912 Japan gifted over 3,000 Japanese flowering trees to the United States. The trees were planted along the northeast coast in Potomac Park in Washington D.C. and in Sakura Park in Manhattan. The gifting of these trees has since been viewed as a symbol of friendship and celebration between the countries. As each spring returns the spectacular Japanese cherry blossom trees reach their peak bloom and attract people from all over the world to watch their flowers bloom and celebrate the nature of life; creating what is now famously known as D.C.’s Cherry Blossom Festival.
What Are The Different Types Of Cherry Blossom Trees?
While there are hundreds of species and varieties of cherry blossoms that grow in different shapes and sizes, we have selected our favorite 6 to offer on our site:
Kwanzan Cherry Tree
This cherry blossom tree blooms early in the spring and displays large, double, deep pink blooms. The tree grows in an upward “V” shape which means it will not overwhelm your landscape. The Kwanzan cherry tree is one of the main varieties planted in Washington D.C. and enjoyed during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Okame Cherry Tree
If you don’t want to wait for your cherry blossom tree to bloom, the Okame cherry tree is for you. This tree is one of the earliest bloomers, blooming as early as Valentine’s Day. The tree’s deep pink flowers are small enough that the winds will not blow them off the tree. In the fall, the green foliage will transform into marvelous hues of yellow, orange, and red.
Yoshino Cherry Tree
Unlike the previous trees mentioned, the Yoshino cherry tree blooms large masses of fragrant, double white to light pink flowers along with an arching crown shape. This tree can also grow upwards of 40 to 50 feet tall, making it one of the tallest cherry blossom tree variations. In the fall the Yoshino cherry tree’s leaves turn from glossy green to bring yellow.
Snow Goose Cherry Tree
A Snowgoose cherry tree is a slow-growing option, which allows you to plant them in small landscape spaces without being overwhelmed by the size the following year. When fully bloomed, the tree offers beautiful white flowers with a soft pink center that complements their vibrant green leaves.
Akebono Cherry Tree
If you are looking for a tree to put on a show all year long, the Akebono cherry blossom tree is just what you are looking for. Its fragrant, fluffy, and pink flowers appear during peak bloom and transition to white towards the end of the bloom season. When fall arrives, the tree’s foliage turns to a beautiful golden yellow color and as it sheds, its bark is revealed all winter long.
Autumnalis Cherry Blossom Tree
Another tree most popularly seen at the Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival, the Autumnalis cherry blossom tree is one of the oldest varieties of the species. They bloom soft pinkish-white flowers twice a year; in the early spring and again in warm autumn seasons. They are known as hardier and fast-growing trees and would be best in larger landscaping spaces.
View All Flowering Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees
How-To Plant Your Cherry Blossom Tree
- Cherry blossom trees require lots of sunlight and soil that is rich and fertile. The soil beneath your tree should provide good drainage to encourage proper growth year-round. The Japanese cherry blossom trees can grow anywhere between 15 to 50 feet, so be sure to choose a location that supports the mature size of your tree.
- Find a spot in your garden that provides at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Space your tree 10 to 20 feet from all other plants in your garden.
- Prepare a hole large enough for the root ball and don’t forget to add a layer of organic substance to the bottom of the hole.
- Place the tree in the hole making sure the top of the roots is surface level with the soil.
- Fill the planting hole with soil and leftovers of your organic substance.
- Stake the tree to ensure it is supported against the wind while it becomes established.
Owning Your Own Cherry Blossom Tree
Adding this symbolic tree to your garden will bring show-stopping views to your garden without having to travel to a botanical garden. Their deep pink and white blooms indicate warmer weather is coming and brighter days are ahead. The Japanese cherry blossom’s ability to thrive in any home garden makes them a tree you can’t miss out on this cherry blossom season.