Spring is on the horizon, which means it’s that time of year when we can start getting excited about Cherry Blossom season. Known as ‘Sakura’ in Japanese, Flowering Cherry trees, especially the Somei Yoshino variety, are commonly associated with Japan. Each year, the Japanese Meteorological Corporation publishes its eagerly anticipated Cherry Blossom forecast, helping residents and visitors in Japan to plan their travels and enjoy the Cherry trees at peak bloom.
But you don’t need to travel the globe to enjoy these beautiful trees in all their glory. In the coming weeks the UK can expect to enjoy its Flowering Cherry trees in full bloom – from dainty white petals to giant pink powder puffs.
As we’re celebrating all things Sakura, we’ve listed six things we love about these trees (including a few things you may not have known).
1. Hundreds of unique varieties guarantee a spectacular floral display
Albeit an obvious one, Flowering Cherry trees provide a beautiful springtime floral display. Each variety (of which there are over 400) can bring something unique to your garden whether that be in terms of shape, colour or form. Petal colour, for instance, varies from deep pink with our Japanese apricot 'Beni-chidori', to pure white with our Prunus Tai-haku (AKA Great White Cherry). Flowers come in single, double and semi-double forms and can have anything from 5 petals to over 40! For Flowering Cherries that are jam-packed with petals, Prunus 'Kiku-shidare-zakura' is a firm favourite.
 |
 |
 |
|---|
2. Cherry Blossom trees add value to property
Thinking of selling your home someday? Consider planting a Flowering Cherry tree in your garden! Did you know that certain species of tree are known for adding value to property, and the Cherry Blossom is no exception. In fact, Flowering Cherry trees are among the most valuable of trees – once they’re mature they can increase a property’s value by £1,800, making them a worthwhile financial investment.¹
3. There are Cherry Blossom varieties suited to outdoor spaces of all sizes - including small gardens and patios
If you have a small garden then you’re not exempt from enjoying Flowering Cherry trees in all their glory. It’s an easy mistake to associate Cherry Blossoms with requiring a sizeable outdoor space, but this isn’t the case! There are species of all shapes and sizes with several being suited to pot-growing. We recommend Prunus incisa 'Kojo-no-mai' (AKA Fuji Cherry), Prunus mume 'Omoi-no-mama', and Prunus 'Kursar' for smaller gardens.
4. Cherry Blossom trees are low-maintenance and easy to grow
Compared to other flowering trees, Flowering Cherries are fairly easy to grow and look after. Cherry Blossom trees can handle most soil types, positions and conditions, including polluted areas. They require only light pruning if you wish to establish a more balanced branch structure, although they can be left to their own devices for a more natural look.
5. Flowering Cherries have beautiful features that can be enjoyed outside of springtime
They’re known for their blossom and floral displays, but Flowering Cherries have other lesser known features that can be enjoyed outside of springtime, including beautiful foliage. One such tree is the Prunus ‘Accolade’ whose leaves turn a lovely, warm shade of orange in the autumn. Some Cherry trees boast attractive bark as well, including our Prunus serrula. Also known as the Tibetan Cherry, this tree provides year-round interest with its magnificent, polished, maroon-coloured bark.
6. Cherry Blossom trees make for beautiful photos
Flowering Cherry trees make for stunning photographs, especially when they’re grouped together in lines or clusters. They also provide an irresistible backdrop for portrait photography – here is a photo of Katie, Senior Digital Marketing Executive for Ornamental Trees, enjoying the spring Cherry Blossoms on the Stray in Harrogate.
