Further Information about Flowering Cherry Kanzan Garden Trees

Does Prunus Kanzan produce fruit?

Ornamental cherry trees, such as Prunus ‘Kanzan’, are grown for the pretty pink blossom but not for edible berries. There are many cherry trees grown for fruit but ornamental cherry blossoms are mainly for the spring display. So there won’t be any delicious berries from a Japanese cherry blossom but they are lovely trees nonetheless. 

If this doesn’t sound quite like what you had in mind, take a look at our Choosing the Right Hedge resources – from hedges with edible fruits to other flowering plants, you can find exactly what’s right for you.

When does Prunus Kanzan flower?

In the UK cherry blossom trees will be in full bloom usually during April, depending on the weather. If spring is mild they can begin flowering in March or if it is cooler, flowering can be delayed until May. Whichever month they do flower in, they are some of the prettiest garden trees to blossom and look really stunning, a true highlight of spring.

How long do Japanese Cherry Blossoms bloom?

Generally Japanese cherry blossoms bloom for about 7 to 14 days, weather dependent. If it is a particularly warm spring, the flowers may drop only a short time after flowering, leaving a pink carpet on the ground which is equally stunning. The short flowering time is part of their charm.

Are Cherry Blossom Trees Chinese or Japanese?

Prunus species are culturally linked to both China and Japan, seen as a symbol of love and fertility in China and celebrated in Japan through ‘hanami’, a world-renown tradition of gathering beneath the trees to admire their beauty when they’re in bloom. There are various species of Prunus from around East Asia.

Do Prunus Kanzan lose their leaves?

Prunus Kanzan is deciduous so it will lose its leaves in autumn as the weather gets cold, falling to the ground by November. Before they do fall, they will turn yellow, orange and red which will look wonderfully autumnal as well. The tree provides plenty of winter interest even when bare and before flowering again the following spring.

If this doesn’t sound quite like what you had in mind, take a look at our Choosing the Right Hedge resources – from evergreen hedges to other plants with gorgeous autumn foliage, you can find exactly what’s right for you.

How and When to Prune Prunus Kanzan

The best time to prune Prunus Kanzan is after it has stopped flowering. Pruning is generally only needed to keep the shape of your tree how you would like it and encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead, diseased, damaged or crossing branches, and tweak the overall shape. Too much pruning can impact flowering the following year, so a little goes a long way.

For more guides to pruning, disease prevention and more, visit our Knowledge Base.

How fast does Prunus Kanzan grow?

Prunus Kanzan can grow at a moderately fast rate of 30cm to 60cm per year, depending on conditions it is growing in. It will take between 20-50 years to reach a maximum height of up to 12m, but this again depends on the conditions and pruning. It will also reach a maximum of 8m wide.

How long does Prunus Kanzan live?

Prunus Kanzan, if cared for well, can live well over 40 years, providing many years of flowers in the garden and a home for wildlife.

How tall do Japanese Cherry Blossom trees grow?

Japanese cherry blossom trees grow to 15m, depending on the variety. Prunus ‘Kanzan’ will grow to about 8-12m at maturity in 20+ years. They are considered medium in height and good for smaller gardens as well as larger areas. The ultimate size will depend on the cultivar, pruning and conditions but if you want to keep it to a smaller size, pruning after flowering is recommended.

How to Plant a Prunus Kanzan Tree

For the longevity of a Prunus Kanzan, it’s important to plant it in conditions it will most likely thrive well in. Choose a spot in your garden with full sun to partial shade (if planted in the shade it may not flower as well or grow as tall), and with well drained soil. 

Make sure the space is big enough for it to grow before digging a hole twice the size of the rootball and the same depth as the rootball. Mix into the planting hole some well-rotted organic matter and plant the tree into the hole, firming down the soil with the heel of your foot. Water well and mulch around the base but not up to the trunk. Water regularly for the first two years to help it establish, being more generous in dry conditions.

For much more detail on planting and aftercare, visit our How to Plant a Hedge guide. It offers useful advice for gardeners, no matter what they’re planting. Learn more about potted, instant, bare root, and rootball options for trees and hedging.