Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
IF YOU DON’T ALREADY HAVE A YOSHINO CHERRY TREE IN YOUR GARDEN, by all means acquire one. This Prunus x yedoensis is the tree of Washington, D.C. fame, and the subject of a wildly-popular festival in Macon, Georgia. But it cheerfully thrives in my cold, zone 5-b garden in upstate New York, too. Well before the first crabapples bloom, the Yoshino adorns itself in luxurious, white-to-pink, almond-scented blossoms. Here are the keys to success with this deciduous tree of Japanese origin:
For optimum health, the Yoshino has two requests: full sun and well-draining soil. My tree thrives on a sunny, south-facing slope in the Serpentine Garden. Make the planting hole twice the size of the root ball, but no deeper. A wide hole, of course, permits roots to establish themselves very quickly. Back-fill the gap between hole and roots. Then build a 4-inch berm of soil around the tree, as a reservoir for water. Water weekly during the first spring and summer. Thereafter, deep watering will only be required during times of prolonged drought. Remove the berm after the first year.
A marvelous spring picture is achieved when the Yoshino is planted among other spring-flowering trees, such as dogwoods, redbuds, and crabapples. But be sure to allow at least 20 feet between each tree. For this flowering cherry has a potential height and spread of 35-40 feet.
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Adele says
I once lived on a Yoshino-lined street in Baltimore. When the trees bloomed (sometimes as early as mid-March, depending on weather), the beauty was breathtaking.
Too bad the tree isn't hardy in zone 4, where I now live and garden!
Phoebe says
This is a great tree for shade, too. I have one in my front yard.
Sally says
This might be a silly question, but does the yoshino bear fruit?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Sally – Although the Yoshino Cherry tree produces an abundance of flowers, it does not produce cherries. It is strictly ornamental.
James says
I'd like to have this cherry tree, but I worry about insects. My crab apple tree gets little worms (maybe they are caterpillars) that skeletonize the foliage in mid-summer. Have you noticed any insects on your yoshino tree?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
James – my tree has not been bothered by pests. Even the Japanese beetle leaves it alone.
Glory Jasper and Hiroshi Hashiguchi says
I will visit my three Yoshino trees in Accord NY this year hopefully to see them bloom. I’ve seen them bloom once in the 10+ years I’ve had them as I spend most of my time in Singapore. This year I was determined to catch them, especially since I’ve been investing in pruning and coddling the trees by a Cornell graduate tree man. I booked a flight on the 22nd of April but the weather has been really off this year. I cant find any real cherry watch online like what they have in Japan. Do you know when the Yoshino cherries will bloom in the Catskills? Do I have to re-arrange my trip? I also want to invite my family and neighbors to a real Hanami. Washington DC is predicting very early, March 24-31 for the peak. Catskills being so much colder may wait for me yet. What is your advice, with thanks, Glory
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Glory Jasper and Hiroshi Hashiguichi – Thanks for visiting.
Of course you want to see your Yoshino cherry trees in bloom! I live not far from the Catskills, and I can tell you that my tree — for the past 4 years — has always bloomed in early April.
Hope to “see” you here soon again.
Gene says
My purely ornamental “yoshino” cherry tree just got planted two weeks ago and today, I noticed it has cherries on it. Most are green but some are red and are maybe a litte smaller than a dime. What do you all think this really is? I bought it from a knowlegeable nursery. I haven’t called them because I’m not complaining, but I am curious. Any thoughts?
Lee Huddleston says
Losing my 12 year old Yashino. The arborist says these trees only last about 10 to 12 years.
Stacey Gallagher says
I planted mine Yoshino in the fall in October and it is still not budding/blooming. Something wrong?
Hillary says
My Yoshino Cherry that I plant 2 seasons ago has little cherries on it–most are green, some a mix of green/red. Very strange. My tree is in TN
Judy Chan says
I would love to have it planted in my driveway but cannot find a supplier to take the order for delivery to my country in Malaysia. Any recommendation of supplier here??
Kim says
Hi there! I just bought two Yoshino Cherry trees. We live 2hrs north of Syracuse zone 4a. Do you think they will survive? It says zone 5 on the tag, I didn’t know my zone until I looked it up online (after I bought them). Also, is there anything I need to do to prep for winter? Thanks!