Ornamental Cherries: The Magic of Spring

Few trees hold magic quite like an ornamental cherry. For a few glorious weeks in early spring, bare branches disappear beneath wispy clouds of pink or white blossoms, signalling change, inspiring hope, and reminding us that time is fleeting.

Ornamental Cherries

Scientific name: Prunus spp.
Common name: Ornamental Cherry
Family: Rosaceae

Ornamental cherries are particularly magnetic. When they burst into bloom, they seem to draw people towards them, inviting us to pause beneath laden boughs of blossoms and linger there with the bees and the spring breeze. Their flowering is fleeting, lasting only a few precious weeks, but their contribution to the garden extends far beyond spring. Through summer, their spreading canopy offers welcome shade, and through the colder months, their elegant branches provide structure and form in the garden. 

There’s an enormous range of ornamental cherries, from compact trees suited to smaller gardens through to broad, spreading specimens that can become a true focal point. Flowers range from pure white, like Mt Fuji and Snow Fountains, to the softest blush and deeper rosy pinks of varieties such as Kanzan. They appear as single, semi-double or double blooms, with graceful weeping forms adding another dimension to the garden. Whatever their form, few trees create quite the same sense of occasion.

Ornamental Cherry Care

When choosing one for your garden, think about the mature size and shape of the tree first. Give it plenty of room to develop, and choose a sunny position with well-drained soil, ideally with some protection from strong winds. A good feed in early spring will support healthy growth and flowering, while a layer of organic mulch will help retain moisture and keep the roots cool through summer.

Ornamental Cherries At a Glance 

Discover the Right Ornamental Cherry for Your Garden

Come in to the Nursery and talk to one of our friendly garden experts today!