Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree 40/60cm (P9)

Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree – Prunus serrulata is one of the most recognisable flowering trees in cultivation, grown for the wave of soft pink and white blossom that covers its branches in spring. This young specimen is supplied at 40/60cm in a P9 pot, a practical size for planting straight into a prepared border or growing on in a larger container for a season or two before its final position is chosen.

The flowers appear in clusters along the branches in April and May, often before or alongside the emerging foliage. New leaves unfurl with a bronze or coppery tint, maturing to a fresh mid-green through summer, with finely toothed margins that give the tree its species name. Autumn brings a second season of interest as the foliage shifts through amber, orange and deep red before falling, leaving a framework of glossy, banded bark that catches low winter light.

Mature trees develop a broad, spreading crown that casts light dappled shade, making them well suited to lawn planting where the fallen petals create a scattered carpet in late spring. The blossom is valuable to early-flying bees and other pollinators at a point in the year when nectar sources are limited. Japanese cherries are traditionally planted as a single specimen tree, though they also work well spaced along a driveway or boundary where the spring display can be seen from a distance.

At this young stage the plant establishes quickly and will begin to put on noticeable growth within its first two full seasons. It is hardy throughout Britain and tolerates a wide range of garden soils, provided drainage is reasonable.

Care Guide

Plant between October and March while the tree is dormant, choosing a position in full sun or light dappled shade with shelter from strong, drying winds that can strip blossom prematurely. Dig a hole roughly three times the width of the root ball but no deeper, loosening the sides so roots can spread outwards, and set the plant at the same depth it sat in its pot.

Cherries dislike waterlogged ground. On heavy clay, improve the planting area with grit and well-rotted organic matter, or plant on a slight mound to lift the roots above winter wet. A slightly alkaline to neutral soil suits them particularly well.

Water thoroughly after planting and keep the root zone moist through the first two summers, especially during dry spells from May to August. A 5/7cm mulch of bark or garden compost applied in spring helps retain moisture and suppress competing grass, but keep it clear of the trunk.

Feed in early spring with a balanced general fertiliser or a top dressing of well-rotted manure. Prune only when necessary, and always between June and August when the risk of silver leaf and bacterial canker is lowest. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches and any suckers rising from the base or rootstock. Avoid winter pruning entirely.

Young trees benefit from a stake for the first two or three years in exposed gardens.

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