The species is so diverse that it contains weeping trees like the 'Shidare Yoshino', compact trees like the Snow Showers', ornamental barked trees like the 'Tibetica' and large spreading trees like the 'Yedoensis'. Some varieties, like the Autumnalis Rosea, flower over winter which adds a very welcome burst of floral colour to a sleeping winter garden.
The Japanese flowering cherry trees are a large group within the genus of 'Prunus', and these have the Latinate name of 'Sakura'. The Japanese sub-species are in many respects as varied as the rest of the genus, but they are all bound by the collective trait of their large semi-double flowers.
Flowering cherry trees have a multitude of uses, and some are planted in containers on sunny patios, whilst others are planted as ornamental specimens in the middle of a lawn, and others are planted along avenues. No matter what requirements you may have, there is certainly a flowering cherry tree that is suitable for every garden.
Weeping cherry trees are one of our best-selling ornamental varieties and for a very good reason too; these delightful trees have elegantly arching branches that are embellished with a mass of heavenly pink or white blossom. Weeping cherry trees make an unrivalled garden focal point, particularly when they are in full bloom. These beautiful trees are native to Japan, where they are known as ‘Sato-zakura’ which means ‘village cherries’. Although weeping cherry trees do fruit, they are principally grown for their outstanding floral display which far overshadows the small dark fruits. The flowers are white or pink in colour and usually appear in March- April. The intricate branches arch over and hold a blanket of flowers that gracefully cascade towards the ground.
As with most trees, the botanical names have a meaning to them; weeping cherries are no exception and they have the name Prunus subhirtella 'Pendula'. The 'Prunus' part means 'plum' in Latin and the term later extended to apricots and cherries too. The 'subhirtella' part means 'slightly hairy undersides', referring to the leaves. Finally, 'pendula' translates to pendulous, which is of course referring to the weeping branches.
By planting a flowering cherry tree in your garden, you will be inviting an array of wildlife to come and enjoy the tree with you; popular culprits include bees, which are drawn in by the sweet scent of the flowers, and birds, which swoop in to snack on the fruits. These trees are a great choice for planting by water as their beautiful 'umbrella like' shape is even more impressive when mirrored at the water's edge. Due to their dwarf nature, weeping cherry trees are suitable for planting in confined spaces and will happily live in a large pot on a sunny patio. Full sun is an essential component for a healthy flowering cherry as it allows the beautiful flowers and luscious leaves to thrive and grow.
Although the flowers are the main attraction, the foliage is another great feature. The leaves usually appear after the flowers and emerge as a healthy green colour and hold that colour throughout summer. As autumn approaches, the leaves begin a beautiful transformation and produce a fantastic autumnal display of deep reds, burnt oranges and crisp yellows. Even in winter after the leaves have fallen, this charming tree adds structural beauty to your garden as the weeping branches become masked in snow.
Weeping cherry trees are true specimen trees that can bring a wealth of colour and life to even the smallest of gardens. A highly recommended variety that will not disappoint
