Hi there! Kwanzan flowering cherries are quite spectacular in full bloom! If I may recommend something rather drastic: You might have to re-plant the tree to another location--preferably one that is facing east. Should you decide to do this, it would be a good idea to inoculate the exposed roots with mycorrhizal fungi. The mycorrhizal fungi provide beneficial bacteria that increase the uptake of essential nutrients for the strengthening of the root system and the tree as a whole. I would first dip the exposed roots in the liquid form of the fungi and then just before covering the roots, rest at least four packets of the solid form of the fungi upon them. Garden Gro http://www.thegreengro.com/ sells the liquid form and Xtreme Gardening http://www.ebay.com/itm/Xtreme-Gardening-Mykos-10-gram-Root-Paks-20-ct-/150964902917?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0amp;hash=item2326359c05 sells the solid form of the fungi. Then again you might be placing too much stress on the tree by transplanting it. In that case, i recommend using the powdered or liquid form of the mycorrhizal fungi by green gro and inoculate the tree's roots simply by adding it to the top soil. Also, you might want to think about purchasing another variety of cherry blossom that is better suited to thrive in your climate zone. "Pink cloud" is a type of cherry blossom whose flowers are similar to that of the Kwanzan and seems to tolerate heat and humidity better than most flowering cherries. http://www.lecooke.com/cms/component/content/article/88-ask-the-grower/367-pink-cloud-flowering-cherries.html I truly hope this info helps. Cheers! Best.

A Bing cherry tree growing in southern California will do reasonably well the first several years, just enough to get your hopes up. After that, it will start dwindling away, more & more each year. And will eventually look so sad you'll remove it. If you want a tree that will grow and produce cherries, ask at your nearest independent garden center which cherry will do well where you live. Several will. But only if you obtain the correct kind. Ask when it/they will be available. (In SoCal, bareroot tree fruits are generally available during Jan. & Feb; sometimes in Dec.) As for the flowering cherries and other trees that require substantial amounts of chill -- total hours between 32 and 45 during Dec, Jan & Feb, but subtracting all hours above 65F -- will grow but will bloom erratically & will leaf out erratically. So save yourself a lot of grief and grow "low-chill" fruit tree(s) suited to your region. The large garden centers know which ones they are. But you need to ask. One big problem: Just because a garden center in your region sells a specific fruit tree doesn't mean it will thrive there. Jean, who gardened in Long Beach, CA, for 30-some years.

Oh Wow! Very beautiful and nice done! Wish my asian pear has that many flowers or even at least one! So far, it's still in dormant. I think it's hybernating a bit too long...

Thw Washington Post Metro section gives a forecast each year for the peak of blooms. Having lived in the area for 6 yrs and seen the blossoms at varying levels, I think it's best to aim a little early than late. PLACES TO STAY - I visited as a tourist several times before moving here and previously stayed in the Crystal City area, near the Rosslyn metro. The metro is probably the easiest way for out-of-towners to get around. Now that I live here, I know little tricks for getting around and parking, but it can still be very frustrating. If you are driving, you might consider the Bowie, MD area. It's a straight shot out Rt 50, is close to the New Carrollton metro and also another 20 min. to Annapolis, which is definitely worth visiting. The northern VA area has gotten extremely congested and I would not recommend driving there if you are unfamiliar with the area - especially anywhere near the Pentagon. There are more road closures and less street parking in the whole area post 9/11. SEEING THE CHERRY TREES- My husband and I were at the Tidal Basin at dawn a couple of years ago. Parking was wherever we wanted, since we beat the crowd. We walked around the basin, had a picnic breakfast, then went to Arlington since they opened at 8 am. We like to do these touristy things even though we live here. Everyone should make it to Washington at least once. It's a beautiful city and there's so much to see and do. Keep in mind the cherry blossoms bring the biggest crowds of the entire year. Plan some things off the beaten path so you're not dealing with crowds the whole time. There are plenty of things that fit that description and will not make you feel so tired from the press of other tourists.