As spring bursts into bloom, a flowering cherry tree becomes the star of the garden. From late March into April, these ornamental trees are covered in clouds of pink or white cherry blossom.
If you’ve ever admired their beauty in parks or along city streets, why not bring that charm to your own garden? With the right care and variety, flowering cherry trees offer year-round interest and timeless elegance.
Note: If you’re hoping to grow cherries for eating, you’ll need fruiting varieties such as Prunus avium or Prunus cerasus. This guide focuses on ornamental flowering cherry trees, which are prized for their blossom, not their fruit.
Watch my latest video looking at some beautiful flowering cherry trees:
Cherry Blossom: Beauty and Symbolism
Cherry blossom isn’t just pretty — it holds deep meaning across the world. In Japan, cherry trees are called sakura and symbolise the fleeting nature of life. Their brief, breathtaking display reminds people to live in the moment and appreciate beauty while it lasts.
The Japanese celebrate with hanami — a tradition of gathering under cherry trees with friends and family to enjoy the blooms. Inspired by this, the UK has its own cherry blossom festivals.
Places like Kew Gardens and RHS Garden Wisley host springtime displays that draw thousands each year. Even in Washington D.C., cherry trees gifted by Tokyo in 1912 are now part of an annual festival.
In Chinese culture, cherry blossom represents strength, beauty and the renewal of life. Everywhere, these delicate flowers remind us that life is short — and that’s what makes it so beautiful.
Why grow a flowering cherry tree?
A flowering cherry tree brings more than just springtime charm. These trees are easy to grow and provide seasonal interest all year long.
Here’s what you can expect through the seasons:
Spring
This is the main event — a cloud of blossom in pink or white. Some varieties are even lightly scented.
Summer
Glossy green leaves fill the tree, providing shade and structure.
Autumn
Foliage transforms with rich hues of red, bronze and gold, depending on the variety.
Winter
Even without leaves, cherry trees add interest. Varieties like Prunus serrula show off smooth, coppery bark that gleams in low light. Some types, such as Autumnalis Rosea, even flower again during mild winters.
So, you’ll enjoy something special in every season.
How to grow a flowering cherry tree
Flowering cherry trees are hardy and low-maintenance once established.
Where to plant
Pick a spot that gets full sun and is sheltered from strong winds. Avoid frost pockets, especially for early-flowering varieties. The soil should be fertile and well-drained. Improve heavy soils by adding compost or grit to help drainage.
Planting tips
- Plant in spring or autumn when the soil is moist but not frozen.
- Dig a wide hole, about twice the width of the root ball.
- Position the tree with the top of the roots level with the ground.
- Backfill and firm the soil gently, then water thoroughly.
- Apply mulch around the base to keep moisture in and weeds down — but don’t let it touch the trunk.
Watering and feeding
Water well during dry spells, especially in the first couple of years. Once established, most trees are drought-tolerant. Use a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy foliage and flowers.
Pruning and general care
These trees don’t need much pruning. Only remove dead, damaged or crossing branches. Prune after flowering — ideally in early summer — to avoid diseases like silver leaf. Look out for pests such as aphids. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds.
Best Flowering Cherry Tree Varieties for UK Gardens
There’s a flowering cherry tree for every garden, whether you’ve got a balcony, courtyard, or wide-open lawn. Here are some of the best, offering different sizes, shapes, and cherry blossom colours:
Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’
- Height: Up to 2.5m
- Style: Zigzag branches, compact
- Flowers: Blush-pink in early spring
Perfect for patios and small spaces. Lovely autumn colour too
Prunus ‘Amanogawa’
- Height: Up to 8m
- Style: Columnar
- Flowers: Pale pink, fragrant, semi-double
Ideal for narrow spaces or smaller gardens.
Prunus ‘Kanzan’
- Height: Up to 12m
- Style: Vase-shaped and spreading
- Flowers: Deep pink, double
A showstopper that suits larger plots.
Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’
- Height: Around 8m
- Style: Upright, rounded crown
- Flowers: Deep pink with purple-bronze foliage
Great for colour contrast and structure.
Prunus ‘Accolade’
- Height: 6–8m
- Style: Wide and arching
- Flowers: Rosy pink, semi-double
Early-flowering and beautifully shaped.
Prunus x yedoensis (Yoshino Cherry)
- Height: 6–10m
- Style: Broad, open canopy
- Flowers: Pale pink to white, highly floriferous
Famous for lining streets in Japan — and now appearing in UK parks and gardens.
Prunus pendula ‘Pendula Rosea’
- Height: Up to 5m
- Style: Weeping branches
- Flowers: Soft pink, early to mid-spring
A compact weeping cherry ideal for lawn centrepieces or small gardens.
A flowering cherry tree is more than just a spring showpiece. It teaches us to enjoy the moment — because cherry blossom, like life, doesn’t last forever. With just a bit of care and the right choice, your tree will flourish and lift your garden year after year. There’s no better time than now to plant one and enjoy your own blossom-filled spring.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1 – When is the best time to plant a flowering cherry tree?
The ideal times to plant flowering cherry trees are during spring and autumn when the soil is warm and moist. For bare-root trees, the dormant season from November to March is preferable.
2 – Do flowering cherry trees require full sun?
Yes, most flowering cherry trees thrive in a sunny, sheltered spot. Strong winds can strip a tree of its blossom, so choosing a protected location is beneficial. However, varieties like the Morello cherry, which produce sour edible fruits, can tolerate some shade.
3 – How should I prune my flowering cherry tree?
Flowering cherry trees generally require minimal pruning. It’s best to prune after flowering, ideally in early summer, to reduce the risk of diseases like silver leaf. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain the tree’s health and shape.
4 – Are flowering cherry trees suitable for small gardens?
Yes, many flowering cherry tree varieties are perfect for small gardens. They come in various shapes—upright, spreading, rounded, or weeping. For instance, Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ is a compact, upright ornamental cherry that produces an impressive show of pink flowers from late March.
5 – What common pests and diseases affect flowering cherry trees?
Flowering cherry trees may be susceptible to pests such as caterpillars, leaf-mining moths, and bullfinches. They can also be affected by diseases like peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt, and honey fungus. Regular monitoring can help manage these issues.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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