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The cherry, literally, on top here is the idea that not all cherries are edible. Believe it or not, only a few cherry trees are not ornamental.
And this is even though the cherry is one of the ‘pit’ fruits. Other trees producing fruits with pits include the Plum tree, Apple tree, and Peachtree.
Cherry trees, though, are used more for flower production than anything else. Most, in fact, are a species of mock cherry trees also known individually as an ornamental tree.
The mock cherry tree, or artificial tree, as it’s also referred to adds beauty to the landscape. Moreover, these trees are also an inherent part of Japanese culture.
Is that hard to believe? Maybe you’ve never seen a cherry tree in full bloom, outlined against the sky in all its delicate, majestic beauty!
If you’re planning on utilizing your garden soil to grow cherry trees, you should certainly read on further. This article is about beautifying your garden area and will list a variety of trees from the cherry family.
These subspecies of the cherry family are grown more for their looks and their role in beautifying your garden. They are, predictably, known as ornamental cherry trees.
The uses of your ornamental cherry tree
Ornaments are used to make the house, and the place it is being used in, look pretty. And that is exactly the case with ornamental cherry trees.
It’s only the aesthetics and the visual appeal it provides to an area that matters here. Many of the ornamental cherry trees bear fruits as well, but they are not edible.
These are mostly bitter in taste, although birds still love them. So not only is the tree itself an aesthetic treat, but the pretty birds it attracts are a bonus!
Types of Ornamental Cherry Tree
Planning on planting an ornamental cherry tree in your backyard or your front lawn? I have just the list to give you a heads-up on some of the prettiest ornamental cherry trees you can find!
Of course, the list could include more varieties but this’ll give you a good idea to go on.
1. Kwanzan: an ornamental cherry tree
This ornamental cherry tree doesn’t bear any fruit and does not count as a fruit tree. That being the case, there’s no confusion about whether or not it is edible.
It is also called Prunus Serrulata Kwanzan or Japanese Flowering Cherry.
This tree blooms with abundant clusters of double pink blooms in the spring and is considered one of the showiest of Japanese cherries.
The cherry tree itself is a very low-maintenance one. The flowers are beautiful, to say the least. Very delicate, the pink double flowers of these blossom trees grow together in groups of three to five flowers. This tree is one of the most elegant of the Japanese cherry trees.
The clusters of pink, but beautiful large and bright flowers of the ornamental cherry tree are stunning to look at. They also attract spectators and critics wherever they grow.
That is one fact backed by truth. The Kwanzan cherry tree has always been a fan favorite in every cherry blossom festival around the world. You can only imagine the stunning beauty of this ornamental cherry tree in spring.
2. Yoshino cherry tree
The second ornamental cherry tree in this comprehensive list has beautiful white flowers that grow in groups of two to five. Given its full and rich-looking appearance, the Yoshino Cherry Tree in bloom is a beautiful sight indeed!
The flowers of the Yoshino Tree are delicate and white. Enough, as most viewers feel, to calm and soothe ruffled nerves and win admirers.
Adding a Yoshino cherry tree to your garden soil will definitely help give that beautiful, bridal touch to your garden. The best part of all, the Yoshino cherry, like any other cherry tree, blossoms early.
Within a year to three of being planted in the soil, you should expect your cherry blossoms! The flowers of the cherry blossom tree are beautiful. With petals that are white or pink in color, they add a dash of color to any landscape.
The fresh leaf cover will emerge after the peak flowering season is past. This means the flowers get to display themselves in all their beauty during the peak season.
3. Akebono cherry tree
The special thing about this Ornamental Cherry Tree is that its flowers change colors. The flowers of Akebono Cherry Tree have a pale pink color that turns bright white during spring.
Akebono is a hybrid of Yoshino cherry. The cultivar was developed in the late 1800s. So both types are called ‘Prunus x yedoensis’. According to North Carolina State University, W.B. Clarke Nursery created this variety in San Jose California in 1925.
The aesthetics it brings with the changing color of its flowers is what makes this tree among the most beautiful ones. The awe-inspiring flowers of the Akebono Cherry Tree are single blossoms that grow in groups of two to five.
Unfortunately, the Akebono Cherry Tree is losing popularity to newly evolved cherry blossoms, despite having so much beauty to offer.
4. Autumn Flowering Cherry Tree
Its name is based on a special trait of this tree. The Autumn Flowering Cherry Tree (Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’) is famous for its off-season blooming.
During the part of the year in which every other tree is losing every single leaf, this ornamental cherry tree is in full bloom.
The tree blooms twice every year, once in fall and then again in early spring. Also, in the Aichi prefecture of Japan, you can see Shikizakura cherry blossom which blooms twice a year.
5. North Japanese Hill Cherry Tree or Sargent Cherry
A single blossom, deep pink colored, clustered flower cherry tree, popularly associated with the Japanese Cherry Blossom. This Ornamental Cherry tree is native to both Japan and Korea.
People may associate this type of cherry tree with a single variety although that is not the case. Several cherry trees share the same aspect.
Its height gives the North Japanese Hill Cherry tree or Sargent Cherry tree an edge over other cherry blossom trees. Most other flowering cherry trees grow up to a maximum height of 40 feet.
This ornamental cherry tree, however, can easily grow up to a height of 60 feet in the wild. Its Latin name is Prunus sargentii. It is named after the American botanist Charles Sprague Sargent.
6. Fugenzo or Shirofugen Cherry Tree
There is a huge, running debate on which is the exact country where cherry blossoms originated from. South Korea, Japan, or China, this debate seems to have no end in sight.
However, one thing may not be denied… The cherry blossom trees have certainly originated from Far East Asia.
The Fugenzo or Shirofugen cherry tree originated in Japan. It is one of the oldest cherry trees that were cultivated in Japan. The flowers are double blossoms with 30-40 petals each.
These flowers have a wide range of colors in their petals; from rose pink to light or nearly white color. Interestingly, these colors portray the age of the flower. The beautiful flower blooming on the Fugenzo Cherry Tree honors hundreds of years of Japanese tradition.
7. Okame Cherry Tree
It is a hybrid developed from ‘Prunus campanulata’ and ‘Prunus incise’.
The Okame cherry tree earns its praise for being the earliest Cherry Blossoms to bloom in the spring. Being the earliest, this ornamental cherry tree takes the spotlight before any of the other cherry blossom trees.
It was gifted by Japan to Washington DC, USA in the early 1900s. Moreover, it is an essential part of Washington DC’s “Cherry Blossom Festival” each spring.
The semi-double blossoms and bright pink color flowers are a visual treat for spectators. The spectators for their part can’t seem to get enough of viewing these beautiful blossoms.
8. Weeping Cherry Tree
When it comes to uniqueness, Weeping Cherry Trees are among the ones taking the proverbial piece of cake. As the name suggests, the lovely pink flowers have a hanging cascading look making it amongst the most unique cherry trees around.
Nowadays, people also call it Pendula Rosea. (Pendula means weeping and rosea is for pink). The Weeping Cherry tree or Weeping Higan tree was originally cultivated by grafting one cherry tree onto another.
9. Kanhizakura
This cherry blossom originated in Taiwan, although it is also widely grown in Okinawa, Japan. These cherry blossoms’ beautiful and exotic appearance is due to their bell-like form and translucent pink hue.
Kanhizakura blossoms bloom on Honshu Island in the first weeks of March.
Mount Yaedak in Okinawa is a gorgeous site to visit in February, which also happens to be the peak season for Kanhizakura blooming.
10. Oshima Sakura
The flowers of Oshima Sakura consist of big petals of pure white hue. The Oshima Sakura species originated on Japan’s Izu Oshima Island.
However, nowadays the tree has spread to other areas such as Tokyo. The flowers usually bloom in April.
11. Yaezakura
Typical cherry blossom species have five petals. However, Yaezakura flowers are called “double-flowered cherry blossoms” because of their specialty. Each flower of this variety usually has 10 to 50 petals.
In addition to the variation in the quantity of petals, Yaezakura amazes us with the color collage of its flowers, which range from white to vibrant pink.
The two most magnificent Yaezakura places in Japan are Nara Park (Nara Prefecture) and Osaka Mint (Sakura no Toorinuke).
Furthermore, the peak blossom season for Yaezakura normally begins in mid-April and ends in mid-May.
12. Kawazu Sakura
Most people believe this is Japan’s earliest flowering sakura (it normally blooms in early February). Furthermore, these flowers remain on the trees for longer periods than other sakura.
As a result, visitors may readily observe cherry blossom bunches throughout the entire month. Kawazu Sakura has five bright pink petals, which is a pretty and distinctive feature as compared to other Sakura kinds.
The Kawazu Sakura festival is held annually in the little Kawazu village of Izu Hanto from mid-February to March. During this season, Izu Hanto, an area known for its hot spring resorts, draws a large number of sightseers for cherry blossom viewing.
13. Edohigan
Edohigan, like Yamazakura, is a wild sakura species that is mostly found in Japan’s three islands: Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The onset of Edohigan blooming seasons may vary between late March and early April depending on the meteorological conditions. Edohigan trees yield a large number of exquisite five-petalled pinkish-white blossoms each year.
Edohigan trees are cherry blossom trees with the longest lifespan in the Sakura range. Yamataka Jindai Sakura, an Edohigan type , is Japan’s oldest sakura, dating back 2,000 years.
In addition, Emperor Keitai planted an Edohigan tree in Usuzumi Park (Gifu Prefecture) during the sixth century. So this makes the tree about 1500 years old! This royal sakura tree is undeniably one of Japan’s oldest sakura trees.
14. Gyoiko
Gyoiko is also another of the “double blossom” types, with 15-20 petals in a flower.
Still, the most unique quality of a Gyoiko blossom is its yellowish-green shade, as opposed to pink or white color like regular sakura flowers.
Furthermore, the fresh green petals and pink stamens add elegance to clusters of Gyoiko cherry blossoms.
However. The Gyoiko flower has a unique trait. The shade of the blossom is yellowish-green., in contrast to the pink or white hues of regular sakura flowers.
The flowering season of Gyoiko stretches from mid-April to the end of the month.
Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto and Mitoya River Bank in Shimane Prefecture are recommended among over a hundred suitable sites to observe superb Gyoiko flowers.
The meaning of its name is colored court robes because of the pretty color of its blossom which resembles the court robes worn in the emperor’s palace. The white cherry tree blooms are tinged with purple and green, hence it is sometimes marketed as ‘Tricolor’.
It was introduced in Washington D.C. in 1914. Moreover you can read up on the history of The Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees of Washington, D.C here.
It is comparable to the larger-flowered ‘Ukon’
15. Yamazakura.
People also call Yamazakura, by the name of Hill Cherry. The literal meaning of this flower is mountain cherry blossom. Yamazakura flowers have five petals, much as Somei Yoshino have and they are pale pink. Many little brown and green leaves are scattered among the cherry blossom bundles.
These wild sakura trees grow naturally in hilly regions. Yamazakura is often found in both the Kanto and southern areas of Japan. Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture is a must-see for anyone who wants to witness a whole mountain of beautiful cherry blossoms. The flowering season for Yamazakura begins in mid-March in Kyushu, but Kyoto and Tokyo must wait until April.
16. Somei Yoshino
The name Somei Yoshino refers to Japan’s most popular springtime blossom. This variety of sakura accounts for around 80% of all cherry trees in Japan. Each Somei Yoshino blossom has five pinkish-white petals of the same size.
The petals of this cherry blossom progressively fade from pink to white during the blooming phase. Somei Yoshino has served as inspiration for several traditional Sakura blossom emblems.
Cherry blossoms often bloom on Shikoku and Kyushu in late March, which is earlier than elsewhere. In different sections of Japan, they often blossom in early April. However, Somei Yoshino can bloom late (around May) in northern Japan, such as Aomori.
Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture is home to Japan’s oldest Somei Yoshino cherry tree. Despite being established in 1882, it remains in superb condition. Nowadays, some of the greatest places to see Somei Yoshino flowers are Ueno Park in Tokyo and Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture.
Cherry blossoms often bloom on Shikoku and Kyushu in late March, which is earlier than elsewhere. In different sections of Japan, they often blossom in early April. However, Somei Yoshino can bloom late (around May) in northern Japan, such as Aomori.
17. Pink Shell.
A compact, attractive cherry blossom tree with wide branches bearing cup-shaped, pale pink, shell-shaped blossoms. The flowers get whiter as they age, and because they are solitary, they are particularly appealing to early pollinators. The charming pale-green, serrated foliage blooms alongside the flowers and turns exquisite hues of orange before dropping in the autumn.
Prunus ‘Pink Shell’, a kind of Prunus × yedoensis, is a popular cherry variety that originated from an unknown seedling. It’s the perfect tree for a lawn or front garden.
18. Tai-haku (Great White Cherry)
The flower of this magnificent white cherry looks stunning when held upright against bronze-green young foliage. It was imported to Japan by Collingwood Ingram, a British cherry tree specialist
19. Shogetsu(Blushing Bride)
This sprawling cherry blossom tree, which is more broader than tall, blooms later than others.
Its light-pink buds, which unfold into white blooms, are commonly compared to little ballerinas. Also sometimes known as ‘Oky-Miyako’.
20. Fujimae
It is a little slow-growing cherry blossom tree. You can also compare it with a bush. It has pale pink buds that turn white in early spring. It becomes orange in the fall and may be cultivated in a plant container.
21. Fudan Zakura
A little tree that, unlike other Japanese cherries, does not bloom profusely all at once. Instead, between November and April, a series of pink buds emerge, eventually developing into blush-white blooms.
22. Umineko
In 1928, the British expert Collingwood Ingram developed this stunning white cross between P. speciosa and P. incisa. The April blossoms are dazzling white on a straight tree, and the meaning of the name is Seagull.
23. Kiki-shibare-zakura
In this type, the pink double cherry flower appears among and in time with new green leaves on branches.
The tree is unique in that its branches stoop downwards so that the tree gives the appearance of an umbrella. Another one-of-a-kind quality is that the tree has green leaves with crimson stalks.
24. Pink perfection
It was developed around 1935 at Waterers Nursery in Surrey. It is believed to be a mix of ‘Shogetsu’ and ‘Kwanzan’. Its rose-pink, double blossoms stay around longer than others. The flowering commences in early May
25. Hokusai.
This pink cherry blossom’s blossoms have a tinge of apricot. A robust, sprawling tree, is covered in huge, semi-double, pale-pink blooms. They show up beautifully against brownish-bronze foliage.
26. Edo-Zakura
It has been cultivated in Japan since the 17th century. It shows its flowers in April.
Its name refers to the old name of Tokyo. It is the most well-known of the pink frilly cherry, with an inner tier of nearly white petals.
27. Kiku-Shidare-Zakura
The blossoms unfold slowly. The flowering reaches its peak in May.
They show off splendid tightly packed soft pink petals. It is also known as the chrysanthemum cherry.
28. Horinji
Purplish buds hold the light pink cherry blossom flowers. Thus the dense blossoms on this compact upright tree give off a lovely distinctive two-tone look.
29. Shosar
This is a cross between a P. incisa x P. campanulata hybrid and P. sargentii. Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram developed this type. It bears beautiful pink blossoms in early March.
30. Takasago
‘Takasago’ takes its name from a song linked with an old Japanese card game. The pink cherry blossom tree holds clusters of three to six flowers. It blossoms in April against young bronzed foliage on a slow-growing tree.
31. Shirotae
Shirotae is a robust cherry blossom tree with a distinctive flat-topped spreading habit. It has fragrant, white, semi-double blossoms. It is one of the first cherry trees to blossom in April.
As the flowers fade, pale green, long-toothed leaves appear. These darken during the summer and present a beautiful orange and scarlet show in the autumn before dropping.
Prunus ‘Shirotae’ is ideal for a medium-sized garden or a Japanese-style garden. It also looks great as a specimen tree in a yard.
How to differentiate a Cherry tree from the Ornamental Cherry Tree?
The easiest way to differentiate it would be to do it in spring when the Trees are in full bloom, the type of flowers it has will tell you most of the things you need to know. Apart from that, you can compare the leaves, bark, and other factors to differentiate between them.
While most of the Ornamental Cherry Trees don’t bear fruit, some of them do but they are not edible which is why they fall under the category of the Ornamental Cherry Tree.
Is your homeland environment suitable to grow a cherry tree?
Like every other tree, certain regions have an advantage over others when it comes to growing cherry trees. The best place to look for that information would be to check out the “map of hardiness zones” provided by the USDA.
Some Important factors for Growing and Keeping your Cherry Tree Healthy
The lifespan of cherry trees depends on the species you are growing. Some of them have life spans of around 15 years while others can live up to 20-25 years.
During this lifetime, some factors will help you keep your cherry tree growing experience healthy and delightful.
1. The Right Spot
Picking up the right location can ensure a healthy cherry tree. It is important to pick a spot where it can get the maximum amount of sunlight, fertilized soil, and water.
Crowding up your space with different kinds of plants is no good. None of them will get sufficient sunlight, water, or nutrients. With this species of flowering tree, other plants growing close can also affect the long-term health of your cherry tree.
Some plants absorb more nutrients from the soil than others. That’s why it’s better to plant your cherry tree away from other flowering plants and trees.
2. Fertilize
Just like humans, plants are living organisms and they need their nutrients. After confirming your region from the USDA Hardiness zones, it is important to provide the right amount of mulch and nutrients.
This will ensure that your cherry tree grows healthy and tall with a beautiful, healthy leaf cover and flowers. Choosing the correct fertilizer for your cherry tree will also prove beneficial for the cherry blossom tree’s long-term health.
3. Keep it Hydrated
You need to make sure your cherry blossom tree is getting enough water for it to remain healthy. Water your cherry tree often and provide it special care if you’re in a region with less rainfall.
4. When to prune ornamental cherry trees
Cheery trees are vulnerable to fungal diseases such as black knot, silver leaf, and blossom wilt.
Pruning cherry trees in summer soon after flowering will help to prevent the spread of these diseases. The best time is between April and July.
Pruning helps in keeping the tree in robust health. Moreover, you can find useful tips here.
Starting out…
Hopefully, this will be a helpful starter guide if you’re looking for the perfect Japanese cherry blossom tree for your garden. At this point, do remember that chokecherry and black cherry trees are native to North America.
However, if it is Japanese cherry blossoms that you are looking for, then in Los Angeles, you could try to grow Yoshino trees. Do watch out for the chill though, since these trees are not the most hardy or most resistant to cold.
And if you really want to enjoy looking at blossom trees, head over to San Francisco in early spring. Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan and make it a trip to remember.
Cherry blossom is called “sakura” in Japanese, and the festival is usually celebrated in late March or April. It starts with the flowering period of cherry trees.
