Different types of Flowering cherry trees for the garden

Flowering cherry trees are a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of colour and beauty to their outdoor space. With so many different species of flowering cherry available, it can be difficult to choose which one is right for your garden. In this article, we will explore the different species of flowering cherry trees, their characteristics, and the best ways to incorporate them into your garden.

• Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) The Yoshino cherry, also known as the Tokyo cherry, is one of the most popular species of flowering cherry trees. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 40 feet and has a broad, spreading canopy. The Yoshino cherry produces fragrant, pale pink flowers in early spring, and its leaves turn yellow and orange in the fall. This species is a great choice for small gardens, as it does not take up too much space.
• Kwanzan Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’) The Kwanzan cherry is a popular choice for gardeners looking for a show-stopping display of pink, double flowers in spring. This species is a medium-sized tree that can reach a height of up to 30 feet, with a rounded canopy. The Kwanzan cherry isalso known for its attractive bark, which peels to reveal a shiny, copper-coloured layer. This species is a great choice for adding drama to your garden.
• Weeping Cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’) The weeping cherry is a stunning tree with a graceful, weeping habit. It produces delicate, pink flowers in spring that hang from the branches, creating a beautiful cascade of colour. The weeping cherry is a small tree that typically grows to a height of around 20 feet, making it a great choice for small gardens or as a specimen tree.
• Snow Goose Cherry (Prunus ‘Snow Goose’) The Snow Goose cherry is a hybrid species that produces beautiful, double white flowers in early spring. It is a small tree that grows to a height of around 20 feet, with a rounded canopy. The Snow Goose cherry is also known for its attractive foliage, which turns a deep red in the fall. This species is a great choice for adding contrast to your garden.
• Autumn Cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’) The Autumn cherry is a unique species of flowering cherry tree, as it produces pale pink flowers in both spring and fall. This tree is a small, spreading species that typically grows to a height of around 20 feet. The Autumn cherry is a great choice for adding interest to your garden throughout the year.

In conclusion, there are many different species of flowering cherry trees available, each with their own unique characteristics and beauty. Whether you are looking for a show-stopping display of pink flowers, a graceful weeping habit, or year-round interest, there is a flowering cherry species that will fit your garden perfectly. When selecting a species for your garden, be sure to consider the size of the tree, its growing requirements, and how it will fit into your overall garden design. With the right choice, a flowering cherry tree can be a stunning centrepiece in your garden for many years to come.

Best type of soil for flowering cherry trees

Cherry trees, like most plants, require specific soil conditions to grow and thrive. The best type of soil for cherry trees is a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Cherry trees prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5. Here are some tips for choosing and preparing the best soil for your cherry trees:

● Choose a loamy soil: Cherry trees grow best in loamy soil, which is a combination of sand, silt, and clay. Loamy soil provides good drainage while retaining moisture and nutrients.
● Test your soil: Before planting cherry trees, it’s important to test your soil to
determine its pH level and nutrient content. You can purchase a soil test kit at
a garden centre or have your soil tested by a professional. This will help you
determine if your soil needs amendments before planting.
● Amend your soil: If your soil is too alkaline, you can amend it with sulfur or
aluminum sulfate to lower the pH level. If your soil is too sandy, you can add
compost or well-rotted manure to improve its water-holding capacity. If your
soil is heavy with clay, you can add sand or gypsum to improve drainage.
● Provide organic matter: Adding organic matter to your soil will help improve
its structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient content. You can add compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold to your soil before planting cherry trees.
● Avoid compacted soil: Compacted soil can prevent water and oxygen from
reaching the roots of your cherry trees. To avoid compaction, avoid walking or
driving over the soil around your trees, and consider adding a layer of mulch to
help protect the soil.

In summary, the best type of soil for cherry trees is a loamy soil that is slightly acidic, well-draining, and rich in organic matter and nutrients. By testing your soil and making amendments as needed, you can create the ideal growing conditions for your cherry trees and ensure they thrive for many years to come