Celebrate cherry blossom season by planting a tree

NOTHING says spring quite like the white and pink of cherry blossom against a bright blue sky. Revered in Japan, where the prolific Japanese cherry (sakura) are a huge hanami (“flower viewing”) attraction and meteorologists forecast when the hotly anticipated blooms will begin, the cherry blossom season in the UK typically starts towards the end of March, with great clouds of colour appearing.

As part of the nationwide Sakura Cherry Tree Project (japanuksakura. org) symbolising UK-Japan friendship and cooperation, RHS gardens are among 160 sites planting flowering cherry trees.

The trees, donated by the Japanese private sector, are of three varieties chosen for colour variance, blossom timing and historical significance: the pink blossomed Beni-yutaka (pictured right); the great white cherry Tai-haku, once reintroduced to Japan from the UK after becoming extinct; and the pale pink-flowered Yoshino cherry Somei-yoshino.

Emma Allen, garden manager at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey, shares some tips on how to grow these beautiful trees and choose a suitable cultivar.

WHERE TO PUT A CHERRY TREE

Despite their delicate-looking blooms, these tough trees can tolerate a variety of soil types, especially chalky (alkaline) soils, although they do best in full sun and sheltered from strong winds to protect the blossom. They prefer a moist, well drained soil, so although they don’t want to sit too wet, they don’t like to dry out in summer, especially in the first few years when they are establishing their roots.

WHEN TO PLANT

Trees are usually planted bare-root between November and March, but you can plant container-grown trees any time of year. Summer is best avoided as you will need to ensure they are adequately watered in dry, warm weather.

HOW TO PLANT

Dig a hole larger than the root system of the tree and add a layer of organic matter such as manure or compost to the base of the hole. Ensure the tree is planted at the same level it was originally growing – that is, the top of the root system where it joins the stem should be level with the soil surface. Then backfill the hole with the removed soil and mix with more organic matter.

If the tree is larger than an unbranched whip (a small, unbranched tree), support it with a strong stake and tree ties. If planting in a lawn, you could remove a circular piece of lawn around the tree so you don’t need to mow too close. You can mulch this with compost or wood chippings.

SIZE AND SHAPES TO CONSIDER

Some ornamental cherries eventually form a medium to large spreading tree. One of the best is Prunus x juddii, which can reach more than 12m in height and 8m broad in time and has single pale pink flowers, or Prunus Ichiyo, which can reach 8m and has double shell pink flowers borne in pendulous clusters.

Others have an upright columnar form, such as Prunus Amanogawa, which would suit a smaller garden. Although it can reach 4-8m height, it won’t get broader than 3m and carries delicately fragrant semidouble pale pink flowers.

EARLY AND LATE BLOSSOM TYPES

Some of the earliest blossom actually starts in late autumn or early winter, with the pale pink semi-double flowers of Prunus x subhirtella Autumnalis Rosea.

However, we usually think of cherry blossom appearing between March and April. Earlier flowering cultivars (mid-late March) include the stunning Prunus Accolade, which has dark pink buds opening to profuse semi-double pink flowers; Prunus The Bride, which is a small rounded tree with large petalled pure white single flowers; and the pale pink/white flowering Prunus x yedoensis.

You can extend the cherry blossom season with late bloomers (mid-late April), including the stunning Prunus Shogetsu, which is smothered in showy double pure white flowers, or the pale pink blossom of Prunus Shizuka.

For more information visit rhs. org.uk/gardens.