Cherry Blossom-Ornamental Cherry Blossom-Prunus

Jun 10 2010

Cherry Blossom-Ornamental Cherry Blossom-Prunus

Category: Gardening,Ornamental Cherry Trees — Mark Lawton @ 5:21 PM

Cherry Blossom-Ornamental Cherry Blossom-Prunus

Ornamental cherry trees (of the genus Prunus) are deciduous, spring flowering trees which are probably the most popular blossom trees in temperate regions of the world. The flowers are cup shaped with five rounded petals which often open out flat. Some trees flower in late winter while most blossom through March, April and May providing a glorious display of delicate white or pink flowers to banish the winter grey.

In Japan there is great excitement and anticipation generated by the approach of Sakura (The Cherry Blossom Festival) which is a highlight of their calendar. April is the main time for hanami, which are cherry blossom viewing parties when Japanese families gather under the blossom trees to celebrate the coming of spring. Mats are spread out on the ground beneath the flower laden trees where families or groups of friends gather to enjoy tea drinking ceremonies and picnics. Ueno Park is a very crowded and popular blossom viewing spot in the capital Tokyo, another famous garden with over 1,000 cherry blossom trees is at Himeji-jo Castle in the Kinki region. This castle is reckoned to be the finest example of Japanese castles, built in 1346 and is undamaged by war, earthquake or time. The cherry blossom is very susceptible to frost, rain or high winds so can be short lived and when it falls it covers the ground like snow.

Ornamental-Cherry-Blossom-Tree-Stone-Circle-Prunus

Ornamental-Prunus-Dulcis

Young Prunus Dulcis in blossom

Ornamental species of Prunus can be divided into 5 groups.

Almonds, Prunus dulcis (common almond) bears pink blossom on the naked branches in April but rarely are good nuts produced in our climate.
Peaches, Prunus persica (common peach) from China needs full sun or growing against a wall if fruit is to be produced and has pale pink flowers in early April.
Plums, Prunus cerasifera (cherry plum) white flowers crowd the twigs in late February and March, Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii’ is purple leaved with white flowers, both make good hedging plants.
Cherries, Prunus serrulata ‘Fudanzakura and Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis produce white blossom intermittently between November and March. Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ is erect, columnar with soft pink blossom, Prunus avium is laden with double white blossom, Prunus ‘Kanzan’ has double purple-pink flowers in profusion, all these three bloom in April and May. Prunus serrula has the most beautiful smooth, red bark and Prunus x yedoensis is a tree with graceful arching branches and clusters of scented white flowers in late March to early April.
Cherry laurels, this group consists of the waxy-leaved evergreens with insignificant flowers.

Cherries are shallow rooted trees, which do not require special growing conditions. Most soils are suitable provided they do not become too dry or waterlogged. It is advisable to stake newly planted trees, especially in windy positions, until they have become established.

There are many more ornamental cherry trees available I have only listed a few of my own favourites. Now is a good time to visit tree nurseries to buy ornamental cherries as it is possible to see them in blossom giving you the chance to select exactly the blossom tree of your preference.

Prunus-Kwanzan-Cherry-Blossom

I like the Prunus “Stone Circle”, and near Tame Bridge Parkway railway station there are some beautiful examples of these blossom trees, that I managed to capture with my wife Teresa when they were at their best!

The colour of the Stone Circle Prunus is indescribable, as it is such a hint of so many colours. The blossom is so rich, full and perfectly formed, it has to be a real beauty amongst the best blossoming trees.

The detail in the flower blossoms can be clearly seen in the pictures.

Here are the pictures with my wife Teresa, please click on them to enlarge them…