Japanese Cherry
Prunus serrulata
Also listed as Cerasus serrulata, Padus serrulata
Also known as Flowering Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Japanese Hill Cherry
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous ornamental tree prized for its profuse double flowers in shades of pink and white that appear in spring before the leaves emerge. It offers spectacular seasonal color and is a popular specimen plant in gardens and landscapes.
Why grow it
Japanese Cherry produces reliably abundant flowers across a range of pink and white cultivars, offering more consistent ornamental performance than many wild cherry species. Compared to crabapples or serviceberries, it provides earlier and showier spring bloom, though at the trade-off of less wildlife value. It functions well as a specimen tree in temperate zones where spring frosts are not severe enough to damage flower buds.
Watch out for
This tree benefits from consistent moisture during establishment and may struggle in hot, dry climates without supplemental watering. The shallow root system can be sensitive to soil compaction, making mulching and careful site selection important for long-term health. Some cultivars may require periodic pruning to maintain an attractive form and prevent crossing or rubbing branches.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Japan, Korea, China
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Kwanzan features double deep-pink flowers and is widely planted; Yoshino (P. x yedoensis) produces fragrant white blossoms and is the famous cherry of Washington D.C.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous ornamental tree prized for its profuse double flowers in shades of pink and white that appear in spring before the leaves emerge. It offers spectacular seasonal color and is a popular specimen plant in gardens and landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Japanese Cherry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Japanese Cherry produces reliably abundant flowers across a range of pink and white cultivars, offering more consistent ornamental performance than many wild cherry species. Compared to crabapples or serviceberries, it provides earlier and showier spring bloom, though at the trade-off of less wildlife value. It functions well as a specimen tree in temperate zones where spring frosts are not severe enough to damage flower buds.
Watch out for
This tree benefits from consistent moisture during establishment and may struggle in hot, dry climates without supplemental watering. The shallow root system can be sensitive to soil compaction, making mulching and careful site selection important for long-term health. Some cultivars may require periodic pruning to maintain an attractive form and prevent crossing or rubbing branches.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Japan, Korea, China
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Kwanzan features double deep-pink flowers and is widely planted; Yoshino (P. x yedoensis) produces fragrant white blossoms and is the famous cherry of Washington D.C.