Japanese Flowering Cherry

Prunus serrulata (PROO-nus ser-yoo-LAY-tuh)

Family: Rosaceae Unknown Understory (15-40 ft)

Japanese Flowering Cherry is a cultivar of P. serrulata , a small to medium sized flowering, deciduous tree in the rose family. The cultivar is a vigorous, small tree, reaching close to 30 feet high and 26 feet wide when mature and noted for its large, rose-like flowers that bloom profusely in the spring. The leaves emerge bronze, change to green and in fall have shades of red and purple. Grow this tree in moist, well-drained, loamy garden soil in full sun. It does not tolerate wet soils and is frequently damaged by deer. Japanese Flowering Cherry produces maximum blooms when sited in full sun. Provide good air circulation to reduce the risk of disease. Japanese Flowering Cherry is typically used as an ornamental tree for small spaces or in small groups. Pruning is usually not necessary, but if used to control silver leaf, prune in mid-summer. Be aware that the leaves, stems, and seeds are toxic to cat, dogs, and horses. The trunk of the tree is prone to splitting. The tree bark is thin and is easily damaged. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to aphids, borers, scales, spider mites, leafhoppers, caterpillars, Japanese beetles, and tent caterpillars. Possible diseases include dieback, leaf curl, root rot, fire blight, leaf spot, twig cankers, black knot, galls, and powdery mildew. It can be a short-lived tree. More information on Prunus serrulata .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 61 attributes.