Ornamental cherry trees with white blossoms are some of the most beloved and celebrated trees in the world. Their gorgeous flowers have captured the hearts and imaginations of people for centuries. In this article, we’ll explore the history, symbolism, and horticulture behind these iconic trees.
A Brief History of Ornamental Cherry Trees
Ornamental cherry trees originate from Asia, particularly Japan and China. They have been cultivated for over 2000 years, with the first written records dating back to the 7th century AD
In Japan cherry blossoms have profound cultural significance. The flowers represent the transience and beauty of life. For centuries, the Japanese have celebrated the yearly blooming of cherry blossoms with hanami festivals.
Cherry trees were introduced to the West in the 18th century. In 1912, Japan gifted over 3000 cherry trees to the United States as a symbol of friendship. These trees were planted in Washington D.C., kickstarting America’s love affair with ornamental cherries.
Symbolism and Meaning of Cherry Blossoms
In Japanese culture, sakura (cherry blossoms) are richly symbolic. Their fleeting beauty is seen as a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life. The flowers serve as a reminder to appreciate and live in the present.
White cherry blossoms specifically symbolize purity, divinity, and rebirth. The color white evokes innocence and transcendence in Japanese culture.
In China, white cherry blossoms represent feminine beauty and have been admired in art and poetry for ages. They are a frequent symbol in Chinese paintings.
Across cultures, the blooming of cherry trees announces the arrival of spring. It’s a time of renewal and optimism. Cherries represent new beginnings.
Popular Varieties of White-Flowering Cherry Trees
There are over 200 cultivars of ornamental cherry trees. Here are some of the most popular white-blossoming varieties:
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Taihaku Cherry: A Japanese variety with very large, pure white flowers. It has bronze-red leaves when young.
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Shirofugen Cherry: A Japanese cherry with frothy clusters of double white blossoms with a pink tinge. Striking reddish-copper bark.
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Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry: A small weeping cherry tree smothered in white flowers in spring. Gorgeous cascading form.
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Yoshino Cherry: The most common ornamental cherry. Delicate white petals with a hint of pink. Abundant and dramatic flowering.
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Autumnalis Cherry: Flowers twice a year! White blossoms in spring and fall. Reddish-orange leaves.
Growing Ornamental Cherry Trees
Ornamental cherries thrive in zones 5-9. They require full sun exposure (at least 6 hours of direct sun per day). Well-drained soil is essential. Cherry trees are susceptible to fungal diseases in wet conditions.
Most ornamental cherries grow 15-35 feet tall and 10-25 feet wide. Dwarf cultivars are available for small spaces. Weeping varieties have gracefully cascading branches.
Cherry trees should be pruned when dormant to maintain their shape. Remove any dead or damaged growth. Fertilize in early spring. Water during droughts.
Cherries rarely need pest or disease interventions when given proper growing conditions. Japanese beetles can skeletonize leaves; neem oil deters them. Aphids can colonize new growth.
Where to View Spectacular White Cherry Blossoms
Certain cities and locations around the world offer breathtaking viewing of white-flowering ornamental cherries:
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Washington D.C. – The cherry trees gifted by Japan put on a world-famous display along the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park areas every spring. Kwanzan and Yoshino varieties.
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Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Over 42 different types of cherry trees encircle the Cherry Esplanade, including Taihaku, Snow Fountains, and Shirofugen.
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Vancouver, Canada – The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival takes place every April. Over 40,000 cherry trees bloom in parks and public spaces.
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Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan – These cities have countless parks and gardens showcasing weeping white cherries, Yoshino cherries, and more during sakura season.
Add Graceful White Cherry Blossoms to Your Landscape
The flowering spectacle of ornamental cherry trees is unforgettable. Their distinctive horizontal branching provides visual interest year-round. Cherries work wonderfully as standalone specimens, for privacy screens, or in rows.
Select a type suited for your climate and space constraints. Consult local nurseries for the best cultivars for your area. With proper siting and care, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous white blossoms every spring!
The Most Dramatic Showpiece of the SpringBlossom lovers around the world agree on one thing- the Weeping Cherry is one of the most dramatic flowering trees they’ve seen. If you disagree, it’s probably because you haven’t seen one in bloom. This spectacular cherry blossom is known for its graceful downward sweeping branches that are filled with snowy white blossoms. You get an explosion of flowers in early spring and reaches mature height at 20-30 feet. Makes a great focal point! The white weeping cherry is a brilliant flowering tree that will add a unique accent to your landscape. It really attracts attention when its showy white blossoms pop before any leaves appear. Owning one or more of these gorgeous trees will make you the envy of the neighborhood! Weeping cherry trees should be planted in well-drained soil in a sunny area. The recommended planting zone is set for zones 5- Supplies will not last! Our country experienced an extremely mild winter this year. Because of this, pesky insects did not have a chance to die like they normally do. So, you may see spots or holes or other minor issues, no need to worry! These are minor symptoms caused by the natural environment that will not affect the overall health of your plant. We have made incredible strides to stop issues before they occur in our nursery. But sometimes Mother Nature plays a big part with these issues.
| Order Total | Shipping Charges |
|---|---|
| Less than $100 | $24.95 |
| $100.00-$128.99 | $29.95 |
| $129 + | FREE SHIPPING! |
- Mature Height: 20-30 ft.
- Mature Width: 15-25 ft.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Blooms: Spring
- Spacing: 4-5 ft.
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Does Not Ship To: AZ, CA, WA
Top 4 Flowering Cherry Trees | NatureHills.com
Are cherry trees ornamental trees?
Cherry trees are flowering ornamental trees in the shrub and tree genus Prunus and family Rosaceae. Cherry blossom trees are small to medium-sized trees, famous for their spring blossoms. Most cherry blossom trees grow in USDA zones 5 through 9.
What is a cherry blossom tree?
Cherry blossom trees are ornamental deciduous trees that produce masses of stunning white or pink flowers in spring. Flowering cherry trees are ideal for planting in sunny garden landscapes to add spring color to your yard. Growing cherry blossom trees is easy as they require minimal care and reward you with spectacular blossoms.
Why are cherry blossoms white?
Here are a few key factors that contribute to the white coloration of cherry blossoms: 1. Genetic characteristics: Yoshino cherry trees, also known as Somei-yoshino, are a hybrid variety that was first cultivated in Japan. These trees were specifically bred to produce abundant white flowers.
What does a cherry blossom smell like?
The floral scent of cherry blossoms has a delicate aroma of roses. Depending on the species, some sakura (cherry blossoms) have overtones of almond, vanilla, or sweet cherries. The difference between cherry blossom trees and other cherry trees is their fruit. Typically, dwarf cherry blossom trees produce clusters of small cherries.
