Japanese alpine cherry
Prunus nipponica · Rosaceae
📷 Nemracc · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Feuilles, tiges et noyaux ou graines mâchés contiennent des glycosides cyanogènes ; le risque dépend de la partie et de la quantité ingérées. Pour les espèces fruitières, la chair mûre dénoyautée est généralement sans danger.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around japanese alpine cherry and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Prunus nipponica
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to May, white or pale pink flowers
- Adult height
- 3.5 to 4 m
- Adult width
- 2 to 3 m
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-20 °C)
- Origin
- Japan
- Soil type
- Well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Little to no pruning in the first 5 years: let the structure develop naturally. Regular watering when young, then very moderate.
The common mistake
Hard pruning 'to make it bushier': throws off the natural elegance, creating an awkward shrubby form rather than a graceful small tree.
The pro's trick
Plant in a spot slightly protected from harsh north winds (creates cleaner architecture).
Care
Watering
When young, water regularly during the first year of establishment, especially during dry periods. Once well-established, this dwarf cherry is very drought-tolerant and requires little additional watering. Avoid excess winter moisture which could promote disease.
Exposure
Plant in full sun for abundant flowering and dense foliage. This cherry appreciates at least 6 to 8 hours of direct daily sunlight. Light afternoon shade in very hot climates can be beneficial.
Pruning and training
Prune just after flowering (May-June) to respect the natural shape. Remove dead, crossing or weak branches. Intervene gently to maintain the elegant silhouette of this small ornamental tree.
Fertilizing
An application of well-decomposed compost or balanced fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage at the expense of flowering. No specific fertilizer is needed once the tree is established.
Soil preparation
Improve the soil with compost or potting soil at planting time. Satisfactory drainage is crucial: on heavy soils, create a mound or incorporate sand. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal for this species.
Diseases and pests
Watch for aphids or scale insects in spring. Fungal diseases (powdery mildew, leaf curl) can occur in excessive moisture. Good air circulation and proper pruning hygiene reduce risks.
Did you know?
Prunus nipponica is prized in Japanese gardens and Asian parks for its delicate spring flowering. This small cherry tree with white-pink flowers symbolizes the arrival of spring in Japan, although it is less well-known than the famous Prunus serrulata of the large ornamental cherries.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.