Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree 20/40cm (P9)

Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree – Prunus serrulata is one of the most recognisable flowering trees in cultivation, grown for the soft clouds of blossom that appear across its branches each spring. This young plant is supplied at 20/40cm in a P9 pot, giving you an affordable starting point to grow on either in a nursery bed, a larger container, or its final planting position once established.

In spring, the bare or barely-leafed branches carry clusters of pink to white flowers, often opening from deeper rose-coloured buds. The display typically lasts two to three weeks depending on the weather, with the petals falling in drifts that many gardeners consider part of the appeal. Foliage follows, emerging with a bronze or coppery flush before settling to fresh green through summer. Autumn brings a second season of interest as the leaves turn through amber, orange and warm red before dropping, leaving behind a neat branch framework and smooth bark marked with horizontal lenticels.

Prunus serrulata has long been associated with the Japanese tradition of hanami, or blossom viewing, and the species and its many selections have been planted in parks, avenues and private gardens across temperate regions. It makes an excellent single specimen on a lawn, a focal point at the end of a path, or part of a mixed planting alongside spring bulbs such as narcissi and muscari, which flower at much the same time.

Care Guide

Choose a sunny, sheltered position for the best flowering. Cherry blossom trees will tolerate light shade, but blossom density and autumn colour are noticeably better in full sun. Shelter from strong, cold winds matters at flowering time, as gusts can strip the petals within days.

Soil should be moist but well drained. Most ordinary garden soils suit this tree, including chalky and moderately clay soils, provided water does not sit around the roots over winter. Waterlogged ground is the most common cause of failure in the British climate, so improve heavy soils with grit and organic matter before planting, or plant on a slight mound.

Plant young stock in autumn or early spring while the soil is workable. Water thoroughly for the first two growing seasons, particularly during dry spells from May to August, and mulch with a 5cm layer of well-rotted compost or bark, keeping it clear of the trunk. Stake larger specimens on exposed sites.

Prune only when necessary, and always between midsummer and early autumn. Cutting in winter or spring risks silver leaf and bacterial canker, both of which affect ornamental cherries. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches and keep the framework open.

Feed in early spring with a balanced general fertiliser. Small plants grown in containers benefit from potting on each year until they reach a suitable size for their permanent position. Watch for aphids on young shoots in late spring; a strong jet of water or encouraging ladybirds and other predators usually keeps them in check.

UK Grown. The same trees we grow from our own seed stock. These are young saplings well rooted in their pot however they will benefit from protection in winter.

Ultimate height
8–12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
4–8 metres