Get to Know These Fabulous Flowering Cherries
Ornamental cherry trees differ in size, form and bloom color. Here’s an introduction to the famed ‘sakura’ varieties
舩村佳織
April 12, 2018
Every year when the weather starts getting warmer, the “cherry blossom front,” as the blooming of ornamental cherry trees across Japan is affectionately known, becomes a hot topic. Early April is peak season for cherry blossom viewing in Japan, so these little pink flowers seem to be everywhere at the moment.
The blossoms you are probably picturing when reading this, and the ones you are likely to see in most photos, come from the Yoshino cherry, the most commonly grown variety of sakura (cherry blossom) tree. The ephemeral beauty of its flowers has captivated the hearts of nature lovers throughout Japan and around the world.
Nonetheless, this is only one of a dazzling number of gorgeous varieties. Let’s take a tour of some flowering cherries you may have missed.
The blossoms you are probably picturing when reading this, and the ones you are likely to see in most photos, come from the Yoshino cherry, the most commonly grown variety of sakura (cherry blossom) tree. The ephemeral beauty of its flowers has captivated the hearts of nature lovers throughout Japan and around the world.
Nonetheless, this is only one of a dazzling number of gorgeous varieties. Let’s take a tour of some flowering cherries you may have missed.
Somei-Yoshino (Yoshino Cherry)
Well-known and well-loved Yoshino cherries (Prunus x yedoensis) were likely all grown from cuttings of a single tree.
Although this variety is beautiful, it is not ideal for a residential garden, as its crown and roots grow very wide. The crown therefore takes up a lot of space, while the roots may damage pavement or nearby structures. That’s why this variety is best suited to larger gardens.
Well-known and well-loved Yoshino cherries (Prunus x yedoensis) were likely all grown from cuttings of a single tree.
Although this variety is beautiful, it is not ideal for a residential garden, as its crown and roots grow very wide. The crown therefore takes up a lot of space, while the roots may damage pavement or nearby structures. That’s why this variety is best suited to larger gardens.
Shidare-Zakura (Weeping Cherry)
The sight of a weeping cherry tree in full bloom is unforgettable. “Weeping cherry” is not a particular variety, but rather a general term for any sakura tree with drooping branches. Stunningly beautiful, weeping cherries never fail to attract big crowds.
The sight of a weeping cherry tree in full bloom is unforgettable. “Weeping cherry” is not a particular variety, but rather a general term for any sakura tree with drooping branches. Stunningly beautiful, weeping cherries never fail to attract big crowds.
Sato-Zakura (Japanese Village Cherries)
A large group of hybrids grown in Japan since the 16th century is collectively referred to as Japanese village cherries (grouped under P. lannesiana or P. serrulata). They start blooming a bit later than the Yoshino cherry, sprouting leaves about the same time. While the Yoshino is a display of nothing but pink, the green leaves and pink flowers of some Japanese village cherries make for a pleasant springlike pastel mix. The plump, round blooms of some varieties give them added charm.
A large group of hybrids grown in Japan since the 16th century is collectively referred to as Japanese village cherries (grouped under P. lannesiana or P. serrulata). They start blooming a bit later than the Yoshino cherry, sprouting leaves about the same time. While the Yoshino is a display of nothing but pink, the green leaves and pink flowers of some Japanese village cherries make for a pleasant springlike pastel mix. The plump, round blooms of some varieties give them added charm.
Asahiyama, Gotenba and Amanogawa Cherries
Asahiyama, Gotenba and Amanogawa cherries are a great fit for smaller spaces. Even the young shoots of the Asahiyama cherry (P. lannesiana Wils. f. asahiyama) sprout flower buds. Because of this, it’s often used for bonsai. When left to grow freely, it reaches a height of only 6½ feet and is quite compact, so it’s perfect for limited spaces.
The Gotenba cherry (P. ‘Gotenba-zakura’) is similar.
The Amanogawa cherry (P. serrulata ‘Amanogawa’) grows tall, but its crown keeps close to the trunk, so it’s also a good fit for a small garden. Literally translating to “river of heaven,” Amanogawa is the Japanese name for the Milky Way.
Asahiyama, Gotenba and Amanogawa cherries are a great fit for smaller spaces. Even the young shoots of the Asahiyama cherry (P. lannesiana Wils. f. asahiyama) sprout flower buds. Because of this, it’s often used for bonsai. When left to grow freely, it reaches a height of only 6½ feet and is quite compact, so it’s perfect for limited spaces.
The Gotenba cherry (P. ‘Gotenba-zakura’) is similar.
The Amanogawa cherry (P. serrulata ‘Amanogawa’) grows tall, but its crown keeps close to the trunk, so it’s also a good fit for a small garden. Literally translating to “river of heaven,” Amanogawa is the Japanese name for the Milky Way.
Jugatsu-Zakura (Jugatsu Cherry)
The Jugatsu cherry (Prunus x subhirtella ‘Jugatsu-zakura’) flowers twice a year: usually in October with smaller blossoms and again in spring. This variety blooms longer than other cherries, with fragile-looking flowers that push through the cold. It’s also popular as a bonsai tree.
The Jugatsu cherry (Prunus x subhirtella ‘Jugatsu-zakura’) flowers twice a year: usually in October with smaller blossoms and again in spring. This variety blooms longer than other cherries, with fragile-looking flowers that push through the cold. It’s also popular as a bonsai tree.
Kanhi-Zakura (Taiwan Cherry)
The distinguishing feature of the Taiwan cherry (P. campanulata) is its deep color. This variety blooms early, with bewitching blossoms that face down at an angle.
The distinguishing feature of the Taiwan cherry (P. campanulata) is its deep color. This variety blooms early, with bewitching blossoms that face down at an angle.
Kawazu-Zakura (Kawazu Cherry)
Yet the truly iconic example of dark pink cherry blossoms is the Kawazu cherry (Prunus x kanzakura ‘Kawazu-zakura’). It’s another early-blooming species, with the flowers usually opening in mid-February.
Gyoiko Cherry
The Gyoiko cherry (P. serrulata f. tricolor) is rather different, because its flowers are light green when they first bloom and turn reddish over time. Its name refers to the colors of the kimonos of Japanese nobility. The Gyoiko cherry starts blooming a little later than the Yoshino.
Yet the truly iconic example of dark pink cherry blossoms is the Kawazu cherry (Prunus x kanzakura ‘Kawazu-zakura’). It’s another early-blooming species, with the flowers usually opening in mid-February.
Gyoiko Cherry
The Gyoiko cherry (P. serrulata f. tricolor) is rather different, because its flowers are light green when they first bloom and turn reddish over time. Its name refers to the colors of the kimonos of Japanese nobility. The Gyoiko cherry starts blooming a little later than the Yoshino.
Sakura trees have long been loved in Japan, having been bred at least since the Muromachi era (14th to 16th centuries). This long history of cultivation has resulted in a huge number of varieties.
The Yoshino cherry is believed to have originated in the late Edo period (19th century), which makes it quite a new addition to the list of sakura varieties. Despite this late arrival’s huge subsequent popularity, its many dazzling cousins are not to be missed.
The Yoshino cherry is believed to have originated in the late Edo period (19th century), which makes it quite a new addition to the list of sakura varieties. Despite this late arrival’s huge subsequent popularity, its many dazzling cousins are not to be missed.
And if you’re lucky enough to have cherry blossoms in your backyard, consider incorporating these beautiful blooms into your home’s design.
More: 7 Spectacular and Practical Spring-Flowering Trees
More: 7 Spectacular and Practical Spring-Flowering Trees
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