Ornamental cherry trees with white blossoms are a gorgeous addition to any garden. When they bloom in spring, they create a stunning floral display that looks like fluffy white clouds or gently falling snow. Cherry blossoms have been celebrated for centuries in art and poetry for their ethereal beauty. Read on to learn more about these enchanting trees and which varieties are best for your landscape.
Overview of Ornamental Cherry Trees with White Blossoms
Ornamental cherry trees belong to the genus Prunus and produce flowers in shades of white, pink, and red. The most popular varieties for white blossoms come from the species Prunus serrulata, Prunus incisa, Prunus subhirtella, and Prunus avium.
When choosing an ornamental cherry tree, factors like mature size, growth habit, bloom time, and hardiness should be considered. Small varieties like Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ max out under 10 feet tall, while larger types like Prunus ‘Taihaku’ reach up to 25 feet at maturity. Growth habits include upright, spreading, weeping, and fastigiate or columnar forms.
Bloom times range from early to late spring, with a few varieties that offer autumn flowers as a bonus. Most ornamental cherries thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, though individual species and cultivars vary in their cold hardiness.
10 Great Varieties of Ornamental Cherry Trees with White Flowers
Here are 10 fantastic options for ornamental cherry trees that produce gorgeous white blossoms
1. Taihaku Cherry (Prunus ‘Taihaku’)
This award-winning cherry tree is covered in large, double white flowers in mid to late spring. It has an upright growth habit and reaches 15-25 feet tall at maturity.
2. Shirofugen Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Shirofugen’)
‘Shirofugen’ blooms later than most cherries, extending the spring display into early summer. Its flowers emerge pink then fade to white. This variety grows up to 25 feet tall with a spreading canopy.
3. Snow Fountains Weeping Cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Snow Fountains’)
The gracefully cascading branches of this weeping cherry tree give it a romantic, fairytale look. In spring, it is smothered in small white flowers. Mature height is 8-15 feet.
4. Autumnalis Cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’)
As its name suggests, this unique cherry tree blooms twice – once in spring and again in fall. The semi-double white flowers appear before the leaves emerge. It reaches 20-35 feet tall at maturity.
5. Shirotae Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Shirotae’)
The horizontal branching habit and mounded form of this cherry make it perfect for Asian-style gardens. Its fragrant, semi-double white blooms appear in early spring. Mature height is 15-20 feet.
6. Snow Goose Cherry (Prunus ‘Snow Goose’)
Valued for its compact size and pure white blossoms, ‘Snow Goose’ cherry grows up to 20 feet tall in an upright, columnar shape – excellent for small spaces. Its flowers have a light sweet almond fragrance.
7. Double White Weeping Cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula Plena Rosea’)
This graceful weeping cherry is smothered in double white flowers in spring. Its long, arching branches can reach 20 feet but only grow 10 feet wide, making it ideal for smaller yards.
8. Pink Perfection Cherry (Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’)
While technically a pink variety, ‘Pink Perfection’ fades to near white as its double blossoms mature, creating a striking effect. This rounded tree reaches 15-20 feet tall at maturity.
9. Kojo-no-mai Cherry (Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’)
Valued for its compact size, ‘Kojo-no-mai’ is perfect for containers or bonsai. It grows to just 6-8 feet tall and produces light pink flowers that fade to white in early spring.
10. Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis)
This classic cherry tree blooms prolifically with lightly fragrant, pale pink flowers that look almost white. ‘Yoshino’ grows quickly when young, reaching 20 feet high and wide at maturity.
Tips for Planting and Caring for Ornamental Cherry Trees
Ornamental cherry trees thrive when provided with the right growing conditions. Here are some tips for success:
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Choose an appropriate variety for your USDA zone and available space. Account for the tree’s mature size.
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Select a site with full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and well-draining soil. Avoid soggy spots.
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Give young trees regular watering for the first 2 years. Mature trees are quite drought tolerant once established.
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Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a few inches from the trunk.
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Prune selectively in summer after blooms fade to shape the canopy and remove dead or damaged branches.
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Fertilize in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer to support flowering and growth.
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Monitor for common pests like aphids and caterpillars, treating promptly with organic methods if found. Most disease issues can be avoided with proper site selection and care.
Enjoy the Charm and Beauty of Ornamental Cherry Trees
The gorgeous white blooms of ornamental cherry trees can turn any garden into a breathtaking spring wonderland. Their relatively compact size makes them ideal for yards of all dimensions. With so many fantastic varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find your perfect match! Plant one of these enchanting trees this season and enjoy the floral magic they bring to your landscape.
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How to Prune Flowering Cherry Trees
When pruning a Flowering Cherry Tree be sure to disinfect your pruners prior to and after using them. Remove any suckers or growth from the base of your tree. Pruning cuts should not go back farther than the branch collar. Heading cuts should be done about ¼ inch above a bud that is facing outward. Branches can be thinned back to the main trunk to help with air and light penetration on an over-crowded tree.
Top 4 Flowering Cherry Trees | NatureHills.com
FAQ
What cherry tree has white blossoms?
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.
What is white cherry blossom called?
Prunus ‘Taihaku’ is a splendid ancient variety of flowering Cherry tree from Japan. After becoming extinct in Japan, a single variety was found in a garden in Sussex which has allowed this marvellous ornamental tree to live on. Prunus ‘Taihaku’ has large, icy white, single flowers that emerge from pink buds in April.
How tall do white cherry blossom trees grow?
| Mature Height: | 20-30 ft. |
|---|---|
| Mature Width: | 15-25 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun |
| Bloom Season(s): | Spring Blooming |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate Growing |
How long do white cherry blossoms last?
The best viewing of the cherry blossom trees typically lasts four to seven days after peak bloom begins, but the blossoms can last for up to two weeks under ideal conditions. For more tips to help plan your visit, make sure to check out our list of things you need to know about the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
What is a cherry blossom in Japan?
In Japan, however, the most popular cherry blossom is the Yoshino (Prunus × yedoensis), which has five white petals and is treasured for its delicate, simple form. The flowering cherries on sale at home improvement stores are Franken-trees. You see these around a lot—they look like mops or umbrellas or octopus trees.
What is a cherry blossom tree?
Cherry Blossom trees are part of the genus Prunus which is a large group of around 430 species that covers various ornamental and fruiting trees. There are many different types of Prunus trees, some of which are native to Japan, China, the US and even the UK.
Which cherry blossom tree has the most flowers?
For the largest number of petals per flower, choose Prunus ‘Kiku-shidare-zakura’. Cherry blossom comes in a range of colours from bright white through to vibrant pink and some flowers are highly scented, whilst others bloom in winter. There’s more to Cherry Blossom trees than their flowers though.
Are cherry blossom trees purple?
There’s more to Cherry Blossom trees than their flowers though. Several varieties of Flowering Cherry and Plum have wonderful purple foliage and other varieties of Cherry have fantastic autumn colour. The Tibetan Cherry tree, Prunus serrula, is renowned for its wonderful glossy bark.
What kind of cherry tree blooms in spring?
The Accolade cherry (Prunus ‘Accolade’) is a hybrid variety known for its semi-double, deep-pink flowers. This tree grows up to 25 feet tall and wide and has a rounded, spreading form. The Accolade cherry’s blooms appear in early spring, creating a vibrant display that’s sure to draw attention. 15. Pink Perfection Cherry
How many petals does a cherry blossom have?
The pink double blossoms of ‘Kanzan’ have as many as 28 petals each. In Japan, however, the most popular cherry blossom is the Yoshino (Prunus × yedoensis), which has five white petals and is treasured for its delicate, simple form. The flowering cherries on sale at home improvement stores are Franken-trees.