If you miss the spring bloom of Yoshino cherry trees, don’t worry — another stunning display is just around the corner. Kwanzan cherry trees burst into color with rich pink, double-layered blossoms about two weeks later than their single-bloom counterparts. While these trees have relatively short lifespans, they’re easy to care for and offer year-round visual interest as their foliage changes with the seasons. In this article, we’ll explore how to care for Kwanzan cherry trees, how long they typically live, and what to expect as they grow and change throughout the year.
Kwanzan Cherry Trees at a Glance
- Double blossoms – Kwanzan cherry trees are known for their striking double blossoms, which create a full, fluffy appearance with layers of rich pink petals.
- Don’t bear fruit – Unlike some cherry varieties, Kwanzan trees do not bear fruit, making them ideal for ornamental purposes without the mess of fallen cherries.
- Low maintenance – These trees are low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established, making them a popular choice for home gardeners and landscapers alike.
- National Cherry Blossom Festival staple – As a beloved feature of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., Kwanzan cherry trees contribute to the city’s iconic springtime scenery.
- Leaves change color year-round – Their leaves provide visual interest throughout the year, starting as bronze in spring, turning green in summer, and transitioning to vibrant shades of orange and red in the fall.
- Short-lived – Kwanzan cherry trees have a relatively short lifespan, typically living 15 to 25 years, but they make a lasting impression with their bold seasonal beauty.
Appearance
Kwanzan cherry trees grow in a lovely vase shape, with serrated leaves that grow to roughly 4–5 inches in length. Their leaves emerge reddish-copper before turning a glossy, deep green in the summer to yellow and bronze in the fall. The trees grow to be 30–40 feet tall with a 30–40 foot spread, and have a moderate growth rate of 12–24 inches per year.
Kwanzan Cherry Tree Specifications
| Specification | Definition |
|---|---|
|
Appearance |
Vase shape, leaves change throughout the year from red-copper to green and yellow. Double blossoms are deep pink and bloom in large clusters of three or five. |
|
Height |
30–40 feet |
|
Hardiness Zones |
Zones 5–9 |
|
Type of tree |
Deciduous |
|
Sunlight requirements |
Full sun to partial shade |
|
Soil composition |
Moist, well-drained, loamy, sand and clay soils |
|
Lifespan |
15–25 years |
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones indicate the determined regions where different types of plants will thrive. Kwanzan cherry trees flourish in Zones 5–9, across the country as far north as Nebraska and south as Texas.
Planting Tips
Kwanzan cherry trees can be planted as stunning specimen trees in rows, along buffer strips and driveways, or even as a bonsai in a container. When planting your cherry tree, choose a location with well-draining soil and full sunlight. If you plant several, space them 12–15 feet apart from the center of the trunk.
Kwanzan cherry trees’ roots have a difficult time competing with grass, so plant them in a raised mound bed, especially if you’re worried about poor drainage. The mound should be 12–18 inches above the surrounding soil. If your climate is hot, spread a layer of mulch that is 3–4 inches deep.
Make sure it’s moist after planting by poking your finger into the soil and checking the moisture. If it feels moist, you don’t need to water. If it feels dry, water deeply.
Growing Conditions
Kwanzan cherry trees are relatively low-maintenance, able to grow in a range of sunlight hours and soil. However, they are short-lived due to their susceptibility to pests and disease.
- Sun and Shade: Kwanzan cherry trees thrive in full sunlight, with at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. However, they can also tolerate partial shade.
- Soil: The key aspects of soil for these cherry trees are well-draining and moist. Other than that, Kwanzan cherry trees aren’t too picky. They will do well in loamy, sand, or clay soils, and can tolerate both acid and alkaline pH levels.
- Watering: Water your Kwanzan cherry tree deeply but irregularly, one to two times per week. If the top 2 inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water.
- Fertilizing: You won’t need to fertilize your Kwanzan cherry tree for the first year or two, but after that, fertilize with a slow-release, nitrogen-rich blend in the spring to boost growth.
- Pruning: Kwanzan cherry trees do not require pruning unless you see diseased or dying limbs, which should be cut immediately. However, you can prune cherry trees to shape and cut off any limbs that are growing too heavy for the base of the tree. Only prune after the tree has flowered for the season.
- Pests and Diseases: Troublesome pests that target Kwanzan cherry trees include aphids, caterpillars, borers, scale, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Common diseases include powdery mildew, root rot, leaf curl, and fireblight.
Common Problems with Kwanzan Cherry Trees and How to Fix Them
- Fungal Diseases (e.g., cherry leaf spot, powdery mildew): These can cause premature leaf drop and weaken the tree. Improve air circulation with light pruning and avoid overcrowding. Apply fungicide in early spring if infections are frequent.
- Root Rot: Often caused by poor drainage or overwatering. Ensure the tree is planted in well-draining soil and water only as needed to prevent soggy roots.
- Pests (aphids, scale insects, Japanese beetles): These insects feed on leaves or sap, potentially stunting growth. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations and attract natural predators like ladybugs to your garden.
- Bark Splitting or Cracking: This can occur from rapid temperature changes or mechanical injury. Protect young trees with tree wraps during harsh winters and avoid damaging the trunk with lawn equipment.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Yellowing leaves or poor growth can signal a lack of nutrients. Conduct a soil test and amend with a balanced fertilizer as needed, especially in early spring.
Our Conclusion
Japanese flowering cherry trees show off pink blooms and vibrant leaves every season. With a short lifespan of 15–20 years, they thrive in direct sunlight but do well in partial shade gardens too. We recommend you water your tree deeply one to two times per week and fertilize in the spring. If you live in Hardiness Zones 5–9, you can plant Kwanzan cherry trees in containers or in the ground and enjoy their double-blooms every spring without having to make the trek to the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
FAQ About Kwanzan Cherry Trees
How fast do Kwanzan cherry trees grow?
Kwanzan cherry trees grow at a moderate rate of 13–24 inches per year.
Do Kwanzan cherry trees bear fruit?
Kwanzan cherry trees are sterile and do not bear fruit.
How big do Kwanzan cherry trees get?
Kwanzan cherry trees grow to be about 30–40 feet tall.
How do you care for a Kwanzan cherry tree?
Make sure Kwanzan cherry trees receive adequate irrigation and full sunlight, and that their prevalent pest and disease issues are dealt with.