The Japanese cherry tree, whose scientific name is Prunus serrulata, is one of the most well-known, especially if you enjoy Japanese culture. One of its names is sakura, due to its beautiful blooms that cover the branches with pink or white flowers, giving it a fleeting touch when the season arrives. But to achieve this, do you know what characteristics and care you need to provide it?
Below, we'll tell you all about it so you'll have no trouble recognizing it and enjoying this tree in your garden. Shall we begin?
Characteristics of the Japanese cherry tree
Image - Flickr / Jungle Rebel
Prunus serrulata is a tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to East Asia, especially Japan, China, and KoreaBut the truth is that, given the right conditions, it can adapt to other parts of the world. It's known worldwide thanks to Japanese films and series, especially anime, as it's a symbol of Japan, and the beauty of its blossoming attracts many tourists to the country to see them. In fact, you can also find some cherry trees in Spain whose spectacle is striking, although they're not the same as sakura.
It is characterized by being a deciduous tree, meaning it loses its leaves in the winter. It can easily reach 5-12 meters in height, depending on the variety and growing conditions. However, if potted, they typically do not exceed two meters in height.
In general, the The trunk of the Japanese cherry tree is thin and its bark is usually reddish brown, with some horizontal marks.
The leaves of the Japanese cherry tree, on the other hand, are oval. You'll notice they have serrated edges and are bright green, especially in spring and summer. However, like maples, the leaves of the Japanese cherry tree turn orange and reddish in the fall, predicting their fall.
As for the flowers, These usually appear between March and April and are their greatest attraction. They can be white or pink and form in clusters of a maximum of six flowers per branch. These flowers can be single, double, or semi-double and last only one or two weeks. This is why this flowering season attracts many people.
Finally, you have the fruit, the cherries. But we must warn you because if you think you'll be able to eat them, you're mistaken. The cherries they produce are very small and bitter. They are not eaten by humans, although some birds and wild animals do enjoy them.
Japanese Cherry Tree Care
Now that you know the characteristics of the Japanese cherry tree, the next step is to consider its care. If you're planning to plant it in your home, whether in a pot or in the garden, keep the following in mind:
Location and temperature
The Japanese cherry tree prefers cool, temperate climates. So if you live in a climate where you have cold winters and mild summers, it'll be perfect.
You should plant it in a sunny location, as this helps it bloom abundantly. However, if summers are very hot where you live, it's best to place it in partial shade.
As for the temperature, it is ideal that it is between 5 and 25 ºC. It doesn't have any problems with frost, tolerating it well if it's not prolonged or extreme. However, when it comes to high temperatures, this tree doesn't fare well at all.
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The best soil for a sakura tree is, without a doubt, one that is very loose. If possible, choose soil that is slightly acidic or neutral. If you plant it in the ground, it is advisable to add plenty of organic fertilizer and ensure the soil is well aerated, for example, with perlite or similar.
When the soil is too compact or too moist, the tree suffers because it can trigger root diseases.
Irrigation
Watering a Japanese cherry tree is one of the most important aspects of care. When the tree is growing, which is usually during the spring and summer months, needs the soil and earth to be slightly moistBut in autumn and winter, it's not as necessary because the tree goes dormant. This means you won't have to water it as much during that time.
The water is intended to be free of chlorine and lime to avoid problems with changes in the properties of the soil.
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To ensure this tree has all the nutrients it needs, you'll need to fertilize it well. In late winter or early spring, you should add organic fertilizers or those that are rich in phosphorus and potassium.
Avoid those with excess nitrogen as much as possible because that will only cause more leaves to develop, but not more flowers.
Image - bonsaitreegardener.net
Pruning
Pruning, like all trees, can be for training, when you're giving it the shape you want it to have, or for maintenance, to remove dead, diseased, or poorly oriented branches.
It's not a tree that tolerates extreme pruning well, so try to cut it back a little from time to time.
Plagues and diseases
Finally, you'll need to be careful with the pests and diseases that often attack them. As for pests, you have to deal with the aphids, which will feed on the tree sap and cause the leaves and shoots to weaken; as well as the caterpillars and beetles.
Meanwhile, the monilia and powdery mildew fungi They are very dangerous for Japanese cherry trees and appear in humid climates. You'll notice them because a white powder appears on the leaves, and the flowers also rot.
Now that you know everything you need to know about the Japanese cherry tree, are you ready to have one at home to appreciate its beauty?