Flowering Cherries have become almost unfashionable as we seek out other, more exotic spring-flowering trees for our gardens. Yet the cherry has much to offer- most are small enough for the urban garden, they are a froth of fairy flowers each spring, provide shade and structure during the summer, glorious autumn colours and a silhouette during the winter months.
Cherries are relatively fast growing trees, giving good structure to your garden in a short time. They are easy to grow, tolerate pollution, suit most soil types, cope with our notoriously windy conditions, and (once established) will stand a dry summer.
A well-deserved favourite flowering cherry is Prunus x yoedensis, a small tree, with a graceful, spreading habit. The arching branches are covered with light-as-air, almond-scented blossoms in white or pale pink that open well before the leaves. In autumn the foliage assumes brilliant colour before falling. P. x yoedensis is a lovely cherry for most gardens, although mature specimens can reach up to 9.0m it is more normally 5.0 to 6.0m in gardens. If you visit Christchurch in spring then you can admire the avenue of these trees along Harper Ave in Hagley Park.
Prunus 'Accolade'
Prunus 'Accolade' is another spreading cherry with masses of pink, semi-double flowers in spring. This is one of the earliest cherries and it will often open a few blossoms in late winter, just to cheer us through those last dismal days! If you place a seat under its branches you can look up into the mass of pink blossom. It has spectacular orange-red autumn foliage. One of the smaller cherries (eventually 5.0-6.0m), it is a wonderful choice for almost any garden.
Plant in full sun to encourage a good flowering display and autumn colour.
Avoid planting next to vigorous trees that will compete for nutrients as the cherries will straggle.
A light friable loam that drains well is best.
Mulch you magnolias each spring will help to conserve moisture and add needed nutrients.
Pruning is not necessary, although you can prune to restrain the ultimate size of your tree. If you will lose the flowering wood for the coming season.
Prune in summer to avoid disease infestations through the wound.
Prunus 'Shirofugen' is a very old cherry - descriptions of this tree that date to the 15th century have been found. P. 'Shirofugen' flowers late in the season, and has purple-pink buds which open white and then fade, again, to purple pink. Emerging with the new coppery leaves it is an attractive combination. It will reach 6.0 to 7.0m.
Another later blooming cherry is Prunus 'Shimidsu-zakura' (also known as P. 'Shogetsu'). A beautiful spreading tree to 4.5 to 5.0m it will fit into the smallest gardens. Hanging clusters of pink buds open to white, double flowers about 5cm across - a beautiful, light and airy cherry with the arching branches covered with blooms. Unfortunately you may suffer some leaf damage as the foliage is tasty to insects but this is a minor drawback for a beautiful and easy tree.
Prunus 'Accolade'
Prunus 'Shimidsu-zakura'
Prunus 'Shirotae'