The yoshino cherry is native to Japan and produces small black fruits and characteristic white-pink blooms in the spring that give off a peculiar faint almond fragrance. A batch of these trees were famously gifted to the United States by the government in Tokyo and now stand in Washington D.C.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Prunus × yedoensis (synonym Cerasus × yedoensis) is a hybrid cherry tree between Prunus speciosa (Oshima cherry) as father plant and Prunus pendula f. ascendens (syn. Prunus itosakura, Prunus subhirtella var. ascendens, Edo higan) as mother. It is a hybrid born in Japan and one of its cultivars, Prunus × yedoensis ‘Somei-yoshino’ or Yoshino cherry (Japanese: 染井吉野 ソメイヨシノ Somei Yoshino), is one of the most popular and widely planted cherry cultivars in temperate regions around the world today. ‘Somei-yoshino’ is a clone from a single tree, and has been propagated by grafting all over the world.
‘Somei-yoshino’ inherits Edo higan’s quality of blooming before the leaves unfold and it grows into a large-sized tree. It also inherits the characteristics of the Oshima cherry, which grows rapidly and has white flowers. These characteristics are favored and have become one of the most popular cultivars of cherry trees.
Prunus × yedoensis is a small, deciduous tree that grows to be 5 to 12 meters (16–39 ft) (rarely 15 meters (49 ft)) tall at maturity. It grows well in hardiness zones 5–8, and does well in full sun and moist but well-drained soil. The leaves are alternately arranged, 6 to 15 centimeters (2.4–5.9 in) long and 4 to 7 centimeters (1.6–2.8 in) broad, with a serrated margin; they are often bronze-toned when newly emerged, becoming dark green by summer.
The flowers emerge before the leaves in early spring; they are fragrant, 3 to 3.5 centimeters (1.2–1.4 in) in diameter, with five white or pale pink petals. The flowers grow in clusters of five or six together.
The fruit, a small cherry, is a globose drupe 8 to 10 millimeters (0.31–0.39 in) in diameter; they are an important source of food for many small birds and mammals, including robins and thrushes. Although the fruit contains little flesh, it contains much concentrated red juice which can stain clothing and bricks. The fruit is only marginally sweet to the human palate.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Yoshino cherry likes sunshine. As a fruit tree, ample sunlight for photosynthesis is necessary for its growth and to provide sufficient nutrition to develop fruit. It should be planted in a spot that ensures it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight, and ideally no less than 8 hours of sunlight.
Temperature
Yoshino cherry is fairly good at surviving in low temperatures. The temperature it can tolerate ranges from -22 ℃ to 42 ℃. It is also not very picky when it comes to water. It does not need a lot of water and is resistant to both drought and flood.
Watering
Originating from regions with distinct seasons, yoshino cherry has adapted to a moderate watering regime, thriving in well-drained soil that allows it to withstand periods of dryness. Its water habits are characterized by an ability to cope with less frequent hydration, aligning with its preference for slight moisture retention without becoming waterlogged. Accordingly, yoshino cherry benefits from a watering schedule of once every three weeks. As a deciduous plant commonly grown outdoors, yoshino cherry’s flowering is influenced by water availability, requiring careful management during its growing season to ensure a spectacular bloom.
Soil
When planting yoshino cherry, you should select a sandy loam soil or loam that is thick, rich in organic matter, and with a slight to medium alkaline pH of 7-8.5. Avoid planting it in a place where salt and alkalis are concentrated. Additionally, make sure that the soil is moist but drains well. It is best not to grow yoshino cherry in clay soil.
Fertilizing
For yoshino cherry, prioritize balanced nutrition fertilizers, rich in nitrogen for foliage, phosphorus for root growth, and potassium for flower production. Apply in early spring and mid-fall, targeting the root zone; a standard dose is 1 cup per year of age, maxing at 4 cups. Fertilization bolsters vigor, maximizes blossoming, and supports overall health. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn and environmental harm. Use a slow-release formula to ensure steady nutrient delivery and adhere to recommended quantities for optimal results.
Planting Instructions
Pruning
Yoshino cherry sprouts on branches that have strong budding capabilities. However, the branches can easily become overcrowded and need frequent pruning to maintain the shape, air circulation, and light exposure within the tree. This also helps to prevent pests and diseases while at the same time helping the leaves receive more sunlight.
Yoshino cherry can generate a large amount of fruit without any artificial pollination. Because yoshino cherry can produce a large number of flowers with a high yield of fruit, to maintain its growth and the quality of fruit, it is recommended that some flowers and fruit be removed to concentrate the nutrients for the remaining fruit. As a result, there will not be a large amount of fruit, but those left will be of higher quality and have an improved flavor.
Propagation
Yoshino cherry, known for its beautiful spring blossoms, is commonly propagated through cutting. This method involves taking semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, disease-free branches. For successful rooting, these cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil medium under appropriate humidity and light conditions. Ensuring adequate moisture while avoiding saturation is critical for the development of strong roots. Once established, the young plants require careful transplanting to their final location where they will thrive and contribute to yoshino cherry’s ornamental legacy.
III. Uses and Benefits
With its fragrant, light pink flowers, manageable size, and elegant shape, the Yoshino cherry is often used as an ornamental tree. Many cultivars have been selected; notable examples include ‘Akebono’ (or ‘America’ in Japan), ‘Ivensii’, and ‘Shidare Yoshino’.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
The fruits of yoshino cherry usually ripen in the early fall and can be picked for eating. If the fruit needs to be stored or transported a long distance, it is better to harvest the fruit before it softens, such as during the late summer or early fall. Note that fruit should be handled gently and, ideally, and the twig should remain on the fruit.