Kwanzan Cherry Tree

A trip to Japan at Cherry Blossom time is only a dream for most people. Yet that dream can come true when you plant this tree in your garden. Kwanzan Cherry is the result of hundreds of years of breeding in Japan to produce the most spectacular flowering Cherry tree available. The beautiful deep-pink flowers hang from the bare branches just as the new leaves are emerging and make a spectacular show in your garden that will make you the envy of the neighborhood.

This is a beautiful tree to place on your front-lawn to be admired by everyone. It is usually grown as a specimen – but imagine a driveway in spring lined with these beautiful trees! For such an amazing tree, Kwanzan Cherry is fast growing. It can increase by 2 feet a year under good conditions and rapidly develops into a beautiful mature tree to grace your property. When young you should keep your Cherry tree well watered and fertilize it each spring. Once it is established it will take care of itself and is tolerant of drought, heat and humid weather. If well-tended the Kwanzan Cherry will give many years of beauty to your garden.

Growing Kwanzan Cherry Trees

The tree grows in a broad vase-shape, reaching 25 to 30 feet tall and as many feet across. The deep-pink flowers are a full 2 ½ inches across, with up to 30 petals. They hang from the bare branches in clusters of two to five flowers, covering your Kwanzan Cherry in pink glory every spring. The beautiful bark is a smooth, chestnut brown color, with interesting horizontal paler bars across it, making a lovely display in winter with the bare twigs.

The leaves are oval in shape and around 4 inches long. When they first come out they are a gorgeous bronzy-red color, before turning dark green for the summer. In fall they turn beautiful yellow and orange shades before they drop. This tree produces no fruit, so there will be no mess on your driveway as can happen with Crab Apples for example.

Hardiness

Kwanzan Cherry is hardy in zones 5 to 9, right across most of America, so outside the coldest mid-west states, Vermont, and the tip of Florida, you can enjoy this tree. It is definitely one of the hardiest flowering cherries and will grow in colder areas that would not suit other varieties. So if you live in zone 5 and want a flowering Cherry, this is the one to choose.

Soil Conditions

Kwanzan Cherry prefers rich soil without too much clay or sand. It likes moisture but does not like to be standing in wet soil all the time. Once established this tree is quite drought hardy.

Planting Location

Kwanzan Cherry does best in sun, but it will take some shade too. It should be planted in an open area where its beauty can be best seen. Allow plenty of room from the house. Dig a hole two or three times wider than the pot, but no deeper. Mix some organic material like compost, rotted manure or peat moss into the soil and add several handfuls of bone meal of superphosphate.

Place your plant in the hole, replace most of the soil and firm it well down, keeping the trunk of your tree straight. Then water thoroughly and replace the rest of the soil. If you are planting a row of these trees, space them 10 to 15 feet apart.

Pruning

This tree needs very little (if any) pruning, except to remove any crowded branches. If you do want to prune it to control the size, do it in the dry days of summer as this protects your tree from disease. Watch for any shoots coming from the main trunk that are a different leaf color or shape. These should be cut off straight away.

History and Origins of the Kwanzan Cherry

The Japanese Cherry (Prunus serrulata) is a tree native to Japan, Korea and China. It is one of several types of Cherry tree that is grown in Japan for the famous Cherry Blossom Festivals held each spring. They grow wild all over the hills of Japan and the Japanese people have been breeding Cherry trees for hundreds of years. They have selected larger double flowers in different colors, different leaf colors and a variety of tree shapes.

‘Kwanzan’ is certainly one of the best. This tree was part of a gift of 12 types of flowering Cherry given to the US by the Japanese people in 1912, and it was originally planted in the Washington D.C. area. This tree proved so popular and grew so well that it was reproduced across America. Kwanzan Cherry is definitely the best choice for your first flowering Cherry.

Buying Kwanzan Cherries at The Tree Center

Kwanzan Cherry is such a special plant that only this exact plant will have the right flower color and beauty. So it must be produced directly from trees absolutely known to be right. Our trees are grown the correct way, from grafts of these special trees. That way every tree is identical to the original. However these take longer to produce, so avoid cheaper, seedling trees that will only be a disappointment.

We sell only trees that are true to the original form and we have a wide range of sizes to give you the best plant for your purpose. However we are constantly renewing our stock so our customers get fresh, healthy plants, so supplies of this tree may be limited. To avoid disappointment order now.

What is the best time of year to plant a Kwanzan Cherry Tree?

The best time to plant a Kwanzan Cherry Tree is in the early spring or fall. This allows the tree to establish its root system in moderate temperatures before the heat of summer or the cold of winter. However, as a hardy and adaptable tree, it can be planted at other times of the year with appropriate care and watering.

How can I encourage more blooms on my Kwanzan Cherry Tree?

To encourage more blooms on your Kwanzan Cherry Tree, ensure it is planted in a location with full sun to partial shade. The tree also prefers rich soil, so adding compost or a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote blooming. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, will also support flowering.

What pests or diseases should I watch out for with my Kwanzan Cherry Tree?

Kwanzan Cherry Trees are generally hardy and resistant to many pests and diseases. However, they can occasionally be affected by pests such as aphids, scale, and borers, and diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. Regular monitoring and early treatment can help keep your tree healthy.

Can the Kwanzan Cherry Tree be grown in a container?

While it is possible to start a Kwanzan Cherry Tree in a container, it is not recommended for long-term growth due to the tree’s size and growth rate. This tree can reach up to 30 feet in height and width, and its root system needs plenty of space to grow. If you wish to keep a cherry tree in a container, consider a dwarf variety instead.

What is the lifespan of a Kwanzan Cherry Tree?

With proper care and under ideal conditions, a Kwanzan Cherry Tree can live for 30 to 40 years. Its lifespan can be affected by factors such as its growing conditions, weather, and susceptibility to pests or diseases.

Can I grow a Kwanzan Cherry Tree from a cutting?

Yes, it is possible to propagate a Kwanzan Cherry Tree from a cutting, although it can be a challenging process. The best time to take a cutting is in the late spring or early summer. The cutting should be from a healthy branch and should include at least one bud. It should be planted in a pot with well-draining soil and kept in a humid environment until roots develop.

Why are the leaves on my Kwanzan Cherry Tree turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a Kwanzan Cherry Tree can be a sign of several issues. It could be a natural process if it’s happening in the fall, as the leaves change color before they drop. However, if it’s happening at other times of the year, it could indicate a problem such as overwatering, poor drainage, nutrient deficiency, or a disease. It’s best to monitor the tree closely and consult with a local extension service or arborist if the problem persists.

How much space does a Kwanzan Cherry Tree need to grow?

A Kwanzan Cherry Tree can reach up to 30 feet in height and width, so it needs plenty of space to grow. It should be planted in an open area where its beauty can be best seen. If you are planting a row of these trees, space them 10 to 15 feet apart to allow for their mature size.

Do Kwanzan Cherry Trees produce cherries?

Despite its name, the Kwanzan Cherry Tree does not produce cherries. It is grown for its spectacular display of deep-pink flowers in the spring. The lack of fruit also means there is no mess to clean up, making it a great choice for planting near driveways or walkways.

How can I use Kwanzan Cherry Trees in my landscape design?

Kwanzan Cherry Trees make a stunning addition to any landscape design due to their beautiful spring blooms and attractive shape. They can be used as a specimen tree in the front yard, or planted in a row along a driveway or property line for a spectacular spring display. They also work well in large containers or as part of a mixed border.