The Weeping Extraordinaire Cherry Tree – also known as Prunus x ‘Extrazam’ – a stunning addition to any garden or landscape. This beautiful and unique tree features a weeping growth habit, with cascading branches that are adorned with delicate pink flowers in the spring. The Weeping Extraordinaire Cherry Tree is a compact and low maintenance choice, making it perfect for small gardens or even for container growing. Its vibrant display of spring blooms is followed by attractive green foliage throughout the summer months. This show-stopping tree is sure to become a focal point in your garden, providing beauty and interest all season long.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
If you’re looking for an ornamental tree that will have your neighbors saying “wow!”—your search is over. The Weeping Extraordinaire Cherry Tree, Prunus x ‘Extrazam,’ is a spectacular tree that offers three seasons of interest. It begins in spring, when the deep pink, profuse buds open into gorgeous double blossoms of light cherry pink.
The blooms are long-lasting, and they cover the tree in a blanket of color. In summer, attractive glossy dark green leaves accentuate the weeping branches, which arch up and then sweep down until they are nearly touching the ground. In fall, the leaves turn burgundy-red, giving you another colorful show. Even in winter, this cultivar earns its keep with a stark silhouette of twisted, weeping branches.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Plant the Weeping Extraordinaire™ Cherry Tree in full sun, six or more hours of direct sunlight a day.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water your tree when the soil is dry two inches below the surface. In very hot or dry weather, this may mean watering several times a week. Water with a soaker hose if you have one, or build up a low berm of soil around the trunk so that the water pools there and soaks into the root zone. Your tree will not need fertilizer for its first two years. After that, fertilize in early spring with a high-nitrogen product designed for flowering trees and shrubs.
Planting Instructions
Site your tree in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day in loamy soil that drains well. Unpot your sapling and tease out any encircling roots, which can wrap around the root ball and slowly kill the tree. Dig a hole that’s as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the tree in the hole, spreading out the roots. Keep the crown of the root ball about an inch above the surrounding soil level. Holding it upright and steady, fill in around the roots with topsoil, tamping down as you go to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly. Apply a two to three-inch layer of organic mulch such as bark chips around the root zone to conserve moisture and hinder weed growth but keep it from touching the trunk to avoid problems with rot.
Pruning
Unlike fruiting cherry trees, the Weeping Extraordinaire™ Cherry trees need minimal pruning. In early spring before bud break, prune out any branches that rub against each other. When you see them, prune out dead, damaged or diseased branches. If you wish to shape the tree, do so after it is finished flowering.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests that may appear on your cherry tree include Japanese beetles, aphids and leaf miners. A healthy tree should be able to fend off infestations with little help. Although not prone to disease, keep an eye out for brown rot and Leucostoma canker. Prune out any branches where you see signs of these fungal diseases and apply a fungicide in spring, or as per package directions.
III. Uses and Benefits
This cherry is well-suited to front yards and other highly visible locations. Consider planting multiples in a group on a large sloping front lawn, underplanted with shade-loving perennials such as astilbes. It will also work well near the back of a wide perennial bed or lining a walkway or driveway.
