Which pink-flowering cherry trees to choose for an enchanting garden?

Why choosing a pink-flowering ornamental cherry tree for your garden?

Ornamental cherry trees, or flowering cherry trees, are shrubs or small trees of the genus Prunus absolutely remarkable in every garden. Planting one of these pink-flowering cherries is, above all, to enjoy a spectacular natural display at the start of spring. Their lush flowering period, which lasts from late March to May depending on species and varieties, marks the end of winter and the arrival of warmer days. Overall, the flowering of cherries reaches its peak from early to late April. Even if some offer early flowering as early as March.

These trees are very attractive, with their branches covered in flowers in delicate shades, ranging from pale pink to deep pink. Blooms, which, in general, appear before the foliage.

The magic of the pink blossoms of ornamental cherry trees

In addition to their charm, they provide light shade and help attract pollinators such as bees, thereby playing a beneficial role in the biodiversity of the garden. Their adaptability to different soils and climate conditions makes them an interesting choice for many gardens.

Moreover, some varieties offer flamboyant autumn colour in their deciduous foliage, thereby prolonging their decorative appeal throughout the year. Not to mention their horizontally striped bark, which adds an extra decorative touch.

Which pink-flowering cherry varieties should I choose?

Among the numerous varieties of ornamental cherry trees, some stand out for their abundant flowering, their distinctive habit or adaptability to different spaces.

Cherry trees with dark-pink flowering

The Prunus serrulata ‘Kanzan’ is one of the best known, renowned for its double flowers in a rich pink and its elegant habit. This Japanese cherry, which reaches 6 m in height at maturity and a 4 m spread, is suitable for large gardens where it can grow freely. But it is certainly its flowering, edging towards raspberry pink, that catches the eye, as it is so abundant from late February to April depending on the region. After the prolific flowering the leaves emerge, shifting from bronze to mid-green, before taking on red-orange hues in autumn.

The iconic Prunus serrulata ‘Kanzan’

In the same vein, the Prunus subhirtella ‘Fukubana’ stands out with its semi-double flowering in a vibrant pink, certainly the most vivid of the small-statured flowering cherries. It does not exceed 3.50 m in height with a mature width of 2.50 m. Its autumn foliage also sports yellow, orange and red tones.

As for the variety of flowering cherry ‘Royal-Burgundy’, it features a double flowering in a magnificent purplish-pink that creates a true harmony with green and red foliage. Relatively late, these flowers open from April to May. Finally, one cannot overlook the variety of Japanese cherry Pink Perfection with its flower buds almost red, which open into very bright pink double flowers in late May. Or ‘Accolade’, a safe bet with its red buds that open into semi-double flowers of bright pink. The Prunus serrulata ‘Okame’ variety is also particularly floriferous, as its flowering lasts over a long period from March to April. As for the flowers, they are bright pink with carmine highlights.

Cherry trees with softer pink flowering

Those who prefer roses that are less intense can indulge in varieties with softer flowering. Thus, the Prunus hullieri ‘Spire’ forms a handsome tree that bears in April small single pale pink flowers. In small gardens, the Prunus glandulosa ‘Rosea Plena’ makes its presence felt with clusters of flowers with pastel-pink petals. It does not exceed 1.5 m in any direction. As for the variety of Prunus incisa ‘Oshidori’, it stands out with its very pale-pink double flowers, followed by small black cherries, and foliage with pretty red-orange autumn tones.

Fleurs du Prunus incisa ‘Oshidori’, du Prunus hillieri ‘Spice’ et du Prunus glandulosa ‘Rosea Plena’

Cherry trees with pink flowers and unusual growth habits

For lovers of weeping forms, the Prunus ‘Pink Cascade‘ offers a graceful silhouette with drooping branches covered in delicate flowers. As its name suggests, the branches of this ornamental cherry literally brush the ground, forming a cascade of bright pink, very fragrant flowers. The Prunus serrulata ‘Kiku Shidare Zakura’ also offers a weeping habit. Its bare branches, clothed with pom-pom flowers in a very fresh pink, droop into a fountain.

The Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’ stands out for its columnar habit, which widens with age. It forms a small tree, reaching 6 m tall at maturity, bearing semi-double flowers of a pale pink along its branches.

As for the Prunus incisa ‘Kojo No Mai’, it benefits from a tortuous habit with zigzag branches, a small size (2.5 x 2 m) and pale pink flowering.

Cherry trees with unusual habits

How to plant and care for flowering cherry trees?

To ensure beautiful flowering and harmonious growth, it is essential to plant an ornamental cherry in optimal conditions. That said, it is a shrub, fairly easy to grow.

Planting of Japanese flowering cherries

The ornamental cherry prefers a well-drained, fertile, deep soil, and preferably neutral to slightly calcareous. And if this soil is fresh, not wet or waterlogged, it is even better. Never forget that stagnant moisture is a vector for disease. When planting, in heavy soils, it is recommended to add gravel to ensure good drainage. An application of compost is also essential for soil fertility.

The ideal exposure is a sunny or partly shaded location, in regions where the sun’s rays are scorching. The ornamental cherry should also be planted in shelter from prevailing winds that can damage the flowers.

Depending on the region, planting takes place in autumn or early spring, with careful watering during the first years to encourage rooting.

Care of ornamental cherries

In the years following planting, watering should be regular

Thereafter, extra watering during hot periods will be sufficient.

Mulching at the base helps retain moisture and limits weed growth. Ramial chipped wood (RCW) is ideal.

Pruning is limited to removing dead wood and thinning of branches in late winter to maintain a good structure.

These trees are generally resistant to diseases, but monitoring is advised to prevent the onset of diseases, cankers or aphid attacks.

What should you pair a pink-flowering ornamental cherry with?

Regardless of its size, a pink-flowering ornamental cherry tree thrives when planted as a solitary specimen, for its flowering is magical. Especially if it has a weeping habit that gives it a striking silhouette, ideal at the centre of a lawn.

Nevertheless, pink-flowering cherry trees fit perfectly into numerous landscape compositions. To enhance their spring flowering, they can be planted in association with magnolias or ornamental crabapples (crabapples (Malus)), which bloom at the same time. Thus, the very floriferous Magnolia x denudata ‘Lolanthe’ can be planted not far from a pink-flowering cherry, provided you incorporate heather soil at planting.

At the back of the bed, evergreen bushes such as Photinia or laurustinus (Viburnum) create an interesting contrast. For a more natural garden, spring bulbs such as daffodils, the crocuses or the hyacinths can be planted at their bases, adding an extra splash of colour.

In borders, perennials such as hostas or hardy geraniums continue to provide visual interest after flowering has finished.

Finally, for a Japanese-inspired garden, planting Japanese maples creates a zen and harmonious atmosphere around the cherry tree.