Your complete guide to cherry blossom trees in the South.
One of theearliest harbingers of springis the cherry blossom tree (Prunus spp.
), which bursts into pink and white clouds of cotton candy blossoms in March and April.
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Cherry blossom trees are known assakurain Japan, where the blooms are symbols of renewal and hope.
Picnicking beneath the trees is a longstanding Japanese tradition, known ashanami.
In late summer, pea-size fruits make an appearance.
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The tree grows moderately, between 2 and 4 feet a year.
Most cherry trees that produce edible fruits are too difficult to grow in the South.
Place your cherry blossom trees in a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
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The trees grow and establish themselves relatively quickly, but they don’t last very long.
Some varieties will tolerate part shade.
Some gardeners find that amending sandy or clay soils can work for cherry blossoms and aid in drainage.
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However, loamy soil is generally best for growing a healthy tree.
After the first two seasons, watering every two weeks is sufficient, with more watering during droughts.
Temperature And Humidity
Most cherry blossom trees need winters that arent too harsh.
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Cool temperatures of about 45F are essential for the dormancy period that allows them toblossom in the spring.
Warmer temperatures during late winter may bring earlier spring blooms.
Cherry trees can tolerate humid Southern summers, but need good air circulation to avoid disease.
They require consistent moisture and need more frequent watering during hot, dry months.
Fertilizer
Test the soil to see if your tree has any deficiencies that require fertilizer.
Do not paint or coat the cut ends, which can interfere with healing.
Make certain to sterilize your tools in a bleach solution afterward.
Grafting requires buying rootstock of a compatible tree.
Air layering is the easiest and most reliable method, and it is done right on the parent plant.
The sapling will take several years to mature and bloom.
It’s these potentially harmful garden visitors that you should watch for.
Common pests like aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, Japanese beetles, and borers can cause problems.
If they become a problem, use a water hose to spray them off your trees leaves.
Japanese beetles can be picked off and dunked in a can of soapy water.
Remove any caterpillar nests you see, as they will eat the leaves, leaving holes as they go.
Diseases cause more serious damage to cherry blossom trees and are more worrisome than any pests that may visit.
Leaf spot andpowdery mildewcan be treated with fungicide.
They require the removal of infected branches and debris around the tree.
To protect your tree, avoid pruning in winter or damaging the thin bark with lawn equipment.
Early March to early April is generally a good rule of thumb for when you’ll see blooms.
Most cherry blossom trees bloom for one to two weeks during the season.
The further south you go, the earlier in the season thetrees will bloom.
When blooming, cherry blossoms make for easy and beautiful flower arrangements that can last quite a long time.
Trees that are planted in a location with favorable, sunny conditions will typically bloom well.
Weather can sometimes be a factor.
However, the tree should return to blooming the next year.
Here are a few to watch out for.
Oozing Gum
Gum can ooze out of tree twigs, branches, or the trunk.
This can be a response to insect damage, fungal diseases, lawn equipment damage, or winter damage.
Take steps to remove pests and avoid further damage to the tree.
You may need to prune off diseased or damaged branches.
Prune off and dispose of any infected material during the growing season.
Celebrate The Blossoms In Washington, D.C.
However, they are susceptible to diseases that affect many fruit trees and tend to live only 1520 years.
Cherry blossom trees are generally in full bloom within five to seven years after planting.
Flowering trees need time to get their roots established before the summer heat arrives.
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