Yoshino cherry
Prunus yedoensis · Rosaceae
📷 Tuxyso · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around yoshino cherry and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (March-April)
- Mature size
- 8 to 12 m tall, spreading form
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-20°C)
- Origin
- Japan
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral
Expert tips
The key tip
Prunus yedoensis needs virtually nothing once established. Plant in autumn/winter, water during the first year. No useful pruning needed: its umbrella-like form is natural. It's a very easy tree to grow.
The common mistake
People regularly prune it to 'shape' it. They remove its delicate flowering twigs. It's a sculptural tree, not a hedge.
The pro's trick
In March, before flowering, simply clean out dead wood or crossing branches. Otherwise, forget the pruning and let the form develop naturally.
Seasonal watch
Freeze-thaw cycles in late February can burn the flowers just before they open (a classic problem in continental climates). No worries: it'll flower again next year.
Care
Exposure
Install your Yoshino cherry in full sun for abundant and generous flowering. A minimum of 6 hours of direct light daily is recommended. Avoid overly windy spots that could damage the delicate flowers in spring.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year of establishment, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, the tree tolerates moderate dry periods well. Increase watering during prolonged drought or in very hot years.
Soil
Prepare well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. The Yoshino cherry prefers slightly acidic to neutral texture. Adding well-decomposed compost at planting time will promote rooting and vigor.
Pruning and structure
Perform light pruning after flowering to remove dead or crossing wood and maintain a harmonious shape. Preserve the tree's natural branching, which gives it all its charm. Avoid severe pruning which heals poorly.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring when vegetation restarts. For young trees, annual application is sufficient. Established trees benefit from light application every 2 to 3 years, without excess.
Diseases and pests
The Yoshino cherry can be susceptible to wet fungal diseases (brown rot, shot hole). Ensure good air circulation around the tree and avoid stagnant moisture. Inspect regularly and remove affected branches to prevent spread.
Did you know?
The Yoshino cherry is the result of crossing two species and became popular in Japan from the 18th century onwards. Its delicate pale pink and white flowers, ephemeral and generous, symbolize the transience of life in Japanese culture. Thousands of these trees were gifted to Japan and Washington in the early 20th century, becoming one of the most recognizable floral symbols in the world.
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.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.