Yoshino Flowering Cherry
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Spacing: 25-35'
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Show more ›
Yoshino Flowering Cherry is a soul-stirring tree in spring when it becomes a sparkling cloud of white or light pink blooms. The delicate but profuse blossoms have made this tree dear to Japanese hearts and to American hearts as well—Yoshino is one of the big players in our capital’s famous Cherry Blossom Festival each year. Plant this photogenic tree in your front yard and passersby will slow down to take in its beauty. This tree’s lovely peachy-yellow fall color is rarely mentioned, but is another reason to give this tree a premium viewing spot in your garden.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Spacing: 25-35'
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Show more ›
The Story
Upon learning of First Lady Taft’s desire to plant Japanese Cherry trees in Washington, Japan offered to donate 2000 trees on behalf of the city of Toyko. The trees arrived in 1910, but much to the disappointment of all were infested with insects and disease. President Taft had no choice but to have the trees destroyed and burned. This incident led to the U.S. Congress of the Plant Quarantine Act of 1912, which was the first action taken to prevent the introduction of pests to the United States.
In response to this, Japan graciously sent another 3,000 trees to Washington. Recent investigations have discovered that some of the original 1910 shipment may have been spared for quarantine and observation. Today at what is now the East Potomac Golf Course stand 18-20 old, large Yoshino Cherry trees, deliberately planted 50 apart. This spacing is typical of a quarantine project. These trees show insect damage which would make sense and genetic make-up does not match the trees later planted by the first lady in 1912. If this is the case then these Cherry trees would be the oldest and join other historically significant trees in the United States.
The Details
You may think that this tree is covered in cotton candy in the spring, but let me assure you - those are really flowers. Tufts of white/pink blooms appear in late April, followed by glossy dark green foliage throughout summer. Foliage changes to a nice golden yellow in fall along with round, black fruit that the birds love! And excellent choice for a street or specimen tree.
How to Grow
Yoshino Cherries tend to live fast and die young, but they sure turn some heads along the way. They typically live about 20 years, though the many centenarians in the Capitol prove that Flowering Cherries can survive much longer with intensive care. Give this tree full sun, regular irrigation, and soil that drains well to afford it the best chance of living a longer-than-normal life. Take care to never damage the bark with lawnmowers or string trimmers. This fast growing tree is actually a hybrid, and it sizes up quickly.
More Info
Size Guide
Scale
Size A
Size B
This graphic shows the approximate size and form of the Tree you are viewing.
Size A Trees:
5-6' Tall. Grown in our #7 tree container. The hard work has been done for you. You will enjoy watching this tree grow throughout the years.
Size B Trees:
8-10' tall. Large and tall with caliper over 1 1/2". Wide canopy. Grown in our #15 tree container.
Customer Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
