Kwanzan cherry trees are some of the most gorgeous flowering trees that you can plant in your garden. The trees reach heights of up to twenty-five feet, and their bright pink flowers are incredibly fragrant and beautiful. Let’s take a look at how you can grow kwanzan cherries at home.
Choose the Right Place
When growing kwanzan cherries, the first step to success is to pick the right spot in your garden. Ideally, kwanzan cherries need full sun to partial shade, and they should be planted in a sheltered place. Be sure to give them enough space too, as the tree will spread up to fifteen to twenty-five feet wide. Also, make sure that the soil will allow good drainage.
Planting and Care
When planting kwanzan cherries, start by digging a hole large enough to contain the tree’s roots. Put some organic and nutrient-rich fertilizer or compost into the hole and mix it with the soil. Place the tree’s roots into the hole and cover them up with soil. Water it deeply and add two to four inches of mulch on top to keep the soil moist and cool.
When the tree is established, you need to water it on a regular basis–about once a week if the weather is hot. Prune and deadhead the flowers regularly to keep the tree healthy. Young trees will need to be staked until they grow strong and stable.
Diseases and Pests
Kwanzan cherry trees are generally quite resilient, but they can be affected by certain pests and diseases. Some common problems include cankers, borers, aphids, and dieback. Keeping an eye on the tree is the best way to catch these diseases early. Spraying with a pesticide should stop the spread and help the tree recover from the disease.
Using Kwanzan Cherry Trees for Landscaping
Kwanzan cherry trees are an excellent choice for landscaping, as they can form a beautiful canopy. Create a backdrop with tall evergreen trees, and then add kwanzan cherry trees in the front to add color and structure. The flowering season of kwanzan cherry trees is also very long–it begins in late spring and lasts until mid-summer, making it a great option for parks.
Harvesting Kwanzan Cherries
If you want to harvest kwanzan cherries, you will have to wait up to five years for the tree to reach maturity. Once the flowers start to bloom, you can pick the cherries–always make sure you leave some behind, so that the tree can pollinate and bear fruit next season. Kwanzan cherries are sweet and delicious, and can be used in jams, pies, and other treats.
Types of Kwanzan Cherry Trees
There are several types of kwanzan cherry trees available for purchase. You can choose between different varieties for different growth habits and features. For example, the ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ kwanzan cherry tree offers colorful foliage along with flower buds that bloom in deep pink. The ‘Grandview’ variety has a more upright growth habit and white flowers with dark pink centers.
Design Tips for Kwanzan Cherry Trees
When designing a garden with kwanzan cherry trees, try to create a blend of different textures and shapes. Plant tall evergreens in the back to create a background, and add kwanzan cherry trees in the front for color. Add smaller flowering shrubs in between, and place groundcover plants at the base of the kwanzan cherry trees to add texture and interest. Include winding paths and benches to provide a place to sit and enjoy the view.
Maintenance Tips for Kwanzan Cherry Trees
Kwanzan cherry trees require some regular care and maintenance in order to stay healthy and beautiful. Prune the kwanzan cherry trees during the winter months to shape them and encourage strong growth. Use a good pruning saw or shears to remove dead branches and stems. Make sure to fertilize the tree with organic fertilizer twice a year–once in the spring and once in the fall. Finally, keep an eye out for pests and disease and treat them as soon as they are spotted.
Creating a Melancholy Garden with Kwanzan Cherry Trees
Kwanzan cherry trees are a great choice for creating a calm and peaceful garden. Plant the kwanzan cherry trees on their own, with plenty of space in between to create a sense of solitude. Add stones and gravel around each tree to evoke the feeling of walking in a tranquil Japanese garden. Finally, add a stone bench underneath the trees and use it as a quiet place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Creating a Burst of Color with Kwanzan Cherry Trees
Kwanzan cherry trees are great for adding a bold and vibrant pop of color to any garden. Plant several kwanzan cherry trees in a row and prune them to create a gorgeous flowering fence. Because the blossoms of kwanzan cherry trees last for several weeks, you will be rewarded with a long period of stunning color. Plant other flowering plants and trees around the kwanzan cherry trees to create a beautiful and colorful garden.
Flower Arrangements with Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms
Kwanzan cherry blossoms are a sight to behold and make for stunning floral arrangements. Carefully pick the flowers while they are still in bud and then arrange them with some fresh greenery. You can also make a trendy cherry blossom bouquet with kwanzan cherries and other pink-hued flowers. For an added touch of elegance, add some scented flowers like jasmine or gardenias to complete the bouquet.
Using Kwanzan Cherry for Bonsai
Kwanzan cherries are excellent choices for bonsai trees because of their compact size and resilient nature. Plant the tree in a pot and use pruning and wiring to shape the branches and foliage. Fertilize the tree on a regular basis and make sure it receives plenty of sun and water. The kwanzan cherry bonsai can be a centerpiece indoors, or it can be planted in the garden and enjoyed during the summer months.
