Yoshino Cherry
Native to the Asian continent and its islands of kin, the Yoshino Cherry is the most notable and sought after weeping cherry variety in North America. The breathtaking display of solid blossoms on the fully matured tree is beyond description, and is usually one of the very first floral shows of the spring season. This lovely ornamental tree doesn’t need much room to grow, as it reaches only 20’ in height and 15’ diameter at full maturity. The possibilities for this addition to your home garden are endless.
In 1912, Japan gifted The United States with 3,000 of their precious native Yoshino Cherry Trees, and they were planted in Washington D.C. This region is now famous for its cherry blossom shows, as the entire district has become captivated by the pure beauty of these small, profusely flowering trees. The state of Georgia was heavily inspired by these glorious springtime shows to the north, and is now the home to popular cherry blossom festivals in honor of the Yoshino Cherry.
The Yoshino Cherry is available in an ever growing variety, as the demand for this ornamental tree has heightened so greatly over the past two decades. This tree has a pretty short life span, usually around 15 years, and is highly desirable to most wood borers and a few diseases. Their removal and replacement are quite easy, however, so there is no reason to be discouraged from enjoying this wonderful beauty in your own yard.
For optimum growth and bloom abundance, the Yoshino Cherry required very moist, well drained soil. It will also benefit from full sunlight. Pruning is optional, as the tree looks beautiful whether trimmed or left to its own devices. Should you choose a variety of this tree which weeps, such as the Ivensii, some pruning during the earliest signs of spring may help train it to grow as you wish.
During the first year of transferring this tree, whether from the ground in a nursery or from a pot, it will need plenty of consistent watering. To avoid washing out the delicate root structure, however, you will want to be sure that the soil is firm around all of the roots.
There is a very interesting Yoshino Cherry Tree called the Pink Shell. Though quite popular, many do not take the time to watch the blossoms change gradually from a cheery pink color to a pale white. If you have a difficult time choosing between them, as we all do, there are no rules against planting one of each. The more the merrier in the case of these gorgeous trees, as the show that they put on for us is most certainly worth the small amount of effort that we put in.