Sargent's Cherry
prunus sargentii
Also known as: ["Sargent Cherry","Japanese Cherry"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Japan, valued for its attractive spring blossoms and autumn foliage color.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Prunus |
| Botanical Name: | Prunus sargentii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, preferably with some protection from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils.
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 necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent leaf scorch. Protect from intense afternoon sun in summer. Suitable for both outdoor planting and container growth with proper light management.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate container plants for even light exposure
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Mulch to retain moisture, avoid compacted soil, ensure good aeration
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; prefers cool winters (below 0°C) and moderate summers (20–25°C).
Protect from late frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources in winter
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once annually in spring; water before and after application; avoid fertilizing in late summer to prevent new growth vulnerable to frost.
Propagation
Methods
Hardwood cuttings taken in late autumn or early winter.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stems, cut to 15–20 cm, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and cool.
Best Time: Late autumn to early winter when the plant is dormant.
Environment
Cool (5–10°C), humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Coarse sand or perlite mix with some peat moss for moisture retention.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 8–12 weeks; establishment may take an additional growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation medium, plastic wrap or propagator, misting bottle
Quick Tips
Take cuttings from healthy, mature wood; maintain consistent moisture; patience is key for hardwood cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to shape branches, and removal of crossing/rubbing limbs.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage flowering/fruiting. Focus on structural improvement and light penetration.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, pruning saw, disinfectant
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune before bud break, remove dead/diseased wood, thin crowded areas, shape evenly
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the root ball, trim any circling roots, repot in fresh soil mix with improved drainage, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot container-grown plants every 2–3 years or when root-bound. Field-grown trees generally do not require repotting.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil mix, water well, provide support if necessary
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the trunk, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch, premature leaf drop, delayed bud break, or stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; buds may fail to open; overall growth may slow or stop.
Solution: Ensure proper winter protection (mulching, burlap wrapping for young trees); avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or premature fruit drop.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering during heatwaves, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, water after application, avoid late-season feeding
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of flowers/fruits.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicPrunus sargentii is toxic to cats, with the seeds, stems, and leaves containing cyanogenic glycosides that can lead to cyanide poisoning. This affects the cat's ability to utilize oxygen effectively.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe seeds, stems, and leaves of Prunus sargentii are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds can cause cyanide poisoning, disrupting oxygen transport in the body.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicThe seeds, stems, and leaves of Prunus sargentii contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion. This compound interferes with cellular respiration, leading to oxygen deprivation at the cellular level.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Prunus sargentii suitable for small gardens?
A: It can be suitable for medium to large gardens due to its mature size, but may outgrow smaller spaces.
Q: Does this tree produce edible fruit?
A: Yes, it produces small cherries, but they are generally not considered palatable for human consumption.
Q: How often should it be watered?
A: Water deeply once a week during dry periods, 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 growi |
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