Flowering Cherry Varieties: The Ultimate Guide

The Beauty of Flowering Cherries

Spring is finally here, and what better way to celebrate it than by enjoying the beauty of flowering cherries? These stunning trees are known for their delicate pink and white blossoms, which cover their branches in a magnificent display of nature’s beauty. There are many different types of flowering cherry trees available, each with its own unique characteristics and features. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular varieties of flowering cherry trees, so you can choose the perfect one for your garden.

The Best Flowering Cherry Trees

1. Yoshino

The Yoshino cherry tree is one of the most popular varieties of flowering cherry trees. These trees are prized for their large, pale pink blossoms, which appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. Yoshino cherries are also known for their sweet fragrance and graceful, spreading shape. They’re a great choice for any garden and are often used in public parks and gardens.

Yoshino Cherry Tree Care

To care for your Yoshino cherry tree, make sure it’s planted in well-draining soil that gets plenty of sunlight. These trees prefer moist soil, but don’t like standing water, so make sure the area around the tree drains well. Prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape, and fertilize it once a year in the spring.

2. Kwanzan

Kwanzan cherry trees are another popular variety of flowering cherry trees. These trees are known for their large, double-pink blossoms, which appear in late spring. Kwanzan cherries are also prized for their thick, sturdy branches, which make them ideal for use as a shade tree. They’re often used in large gardens and public spaces.

Kwanzan Cherry Tree Care

To care for your Kwanzan cherry tree, plant it in well-draining soil that gets plenty of sunlight. These trees prefer moist soil, but don’t like standing water, so make sure the area around the tree drains well. Prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape, and fertilize it once a year in the spring.

3. Weeping Cherry

Weeping cherry trees are known for their graceful, flowing branches that create a stunning visual display. These trees are often planted near water features or in small gardens, where their unique shape can be appreciated. Weeping cherry trees bloom in early spring with delicate pink blossoms that cover the entire tree.

Weeping Cherry Tree Care

To care for your weeping cherry tree, plant it in well-draining soil that gets plenty of sunlight. These trees prefer moist soil, but don’t like standing water, so make sure the area around the tree drains well. Prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape, and fertilize it once a year in the spring.

4. Pink Perfection

Pink Perfection cherry trees are known for their large, double-pink blossoms that cover the entire tree in early spring. These trees are smaller than some other varieties, making them ideal for smaller gardens or urban areas. Pink Perfection cherries are also prized for their sweet fragrance.

Pink Perfection Cherry Tree Care

To care for your Pink Perfection cherry tree, plant it in well-draining soil that gets plenty of sunlight. These trees prefer moist soil, but don’t like standing water, so make sure the area around the tree drains well. Prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape, and fertilize it once a year in the spring.

5. Autumn Cherry

Autumn cherry trees are unique in that they bloom in the fall instead of the spring. These trees have small, delicate pink blossoms that cover the branches in late September or early October. They’re a great choice for gardens that need a pop of color in the fall.

Autumn Cherry Tree Care

To care for your Autumn cherry tree, plant it in well-draining soil that gets plenty of sunlight. These trees prefer moist soil, but don’t like standing water, so make sure the area around the tree drains well. Prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape, and fertilize it once a year in the spring.

Choosing the Right Flowering Cherry Tree

Now that you know some of the most popular varieties of flowering cherry trees, how do you choose the right one for your garden? Here are some factors to consider:

Climate

Different varieties of flowering cherry trees thrive in different climates, so it’s important to choose a tree that’s suited for your area. Some varieties are more cold-tolerant than others, while others prefer warmer climates.

Size

Consider the size of your garden when choosing a flowering cherry tree. Some varieties can grow quite large, while others are smaller and more compact.

Bloom Time

Some varieties of flowering cherry trees bloom earlier than others, so if you want to enjoy the blossoms for as long as possible, choose a variety with a later bloom time.

Fragrance

If you want to enjoy the sweet fragrance of flowering cherry blossoms, choose a variety known for its scent.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do flowering cherry trees live?

Flowering cherry trees can live for 15-25 years, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

2. Can I plant a flowering cherry tree in a container?

Yes, you can plant a flowering cherry tree in a container, but make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the tree’s roots. You’ll also need to water and fertilize the tree more frequently than if it were planted in the ground.

3. Do all varieties of flowering cherry trees produce fruit?

No, not all varieties of flowering cherry trees produce fruit. Some are grown purely for their ornamental value.

4. When is the best time to prune a flowering cherry tree?

The best time to prune a flowering cherry tree is in late winter or early spring, before the new growth appears.

5. Can I grow a flowering cherry tree from seed?

Yes, you can grow a flowering cherry tree from seed, but it may take several years for the tree to mature and produce blossoms.


Flowering cherry trees are a beautiful addition to any garden, providing stunning blossoms in the spring and sometimes even in the fall. With so many different varieties to choose from, there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your garden. Consider the climate, size, bloom time, and fragrance when choosing a tree, and be sure to care for it properly to ensure it thrives.