Kwanzan Cherry, Japanese Cherry

prunus serrulata

Also known as: ["Sato-zakura","Kwanzan Cherry","Japanese Cherry"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Prunus Category: Trees

Overview

A deciduous flowering cherry tree native to Japan, known for its showy double-petaled pink or white flowers in spring.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Prunus
Botanical Name: Prunus serrulata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden, protected from strong winds
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before bud break.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring and summer; partial shade during peak summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage); stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense midday sun; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; test pH periodically.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoid frost.

Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal flowering.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize in spring before new growth; water before and after applying; avoid contact with roots.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings in early summer; grafting for specific cultivars.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; late winter for grafting.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%); warm temperatures (65–75°F); partial shade.

Medium

Peat and perlite mix; or sandy loam for root development.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster root establishment.

Timeline

4–8 weeks for roots; 6–12 months to establish a small plant.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle, propagation tray.

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent stock; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to shape branches.

Pruning Plan

Shape the tree; remove dead or crossing branches; encourage flowering branches.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, saw for larger branches, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container;樱花 typically grow best in the ground but can be container-grown with proper care.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for even moisture distribution.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use raised beds if soil is heavy.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or buds failing to open in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Stunts growth; may cause bud drop or delayed flowering; can lead to dieback in severe cases.

Solution: Provide winter protection (mulch, burlap); avoid planting in frost pockets; choose cold-hardy cultivars.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering; may drop leaves to conserve water.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Choose appropriate fertilizer; apply at correct time; follow dilution rates; water after application.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Prunus serrulata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, chlorosis, or stress from environmental factors such as waterlogging, poor drainage, or pest infestations, which can affect overall plant health and vigor.

Wilting in Prunus serrulata is often a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage from pests or diseases, which can lead to reduced turgor pressure and potentially permanent damage if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Prunus serrulata are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and weakened plant health, which can impact flowering and fruit production.

Rotting in Prunus serrulata, particularly root or crown rot, is commonly caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soils, leading to decay of plant tissues, loss of vigor, and eventual plant death if untreated.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Prunus serrulata is toxic to cats, with the seeds, stems, leaves, and bark containing cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning. This can severely affect the cat's respiratory and nervous systems.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting difficulty breathing weakness lethargy collapse seizures pale gums
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves bark
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure the plant is inaccessible to cats. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

The seeds, stems, leaves, and bark of Prunus serrulata are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, affecting the dog's respiratory and nervous systems.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing weakness collapse seizures pale gums
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves bark
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant out of reach of dogs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

The seeds, stems, leaves, and bark of Prunus serrulata contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to poisoning. The physiological impact includes disruption of cellular respiration, potentially causing severe health effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain dizziness difficulty breathing weakness convulsions loss of consciousness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves bark
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any parts of the plant. Keep away from children and pets. Seek immediate medical attention if ingestion occurs.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are the seeds of Prunus serrulata toxic?

A: Yes, the seeds (pits) contain cyanogenic glycosides and are mildly toxic if ingested.

Q: Does Prunus serrulata require full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Q: How often should Prunus serrulata be watered?

A: Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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