How to Plant a Kwanzan Cherry Tree

The Kwanzan cherry tree, also known as a Japanese flowering cherry tree, is named after a mountain in Japan. It is native to Japan, as well as China and Korea. The Kwanzan cherry tree is a popular landscaping tree in North America, with it's fairly-compact size reaching heights up to 20 feet. It's fluffy, double-pink flowers bloom in late spring and resemble a carnation. After the flowers stop blooming, the tree continues to give a colorful show with reddish-copper colored foliage into the late spring. The tree has a life span of 15 to 25 years.

Things You'll Need

• Peat-based potting soil Fertilizer (2-24-12)

Instructions

1. Choose an area that receives full sun with well-draining soil. Partial shade in late afternoon is tolerated. If needed, mix in peat-based potting soil to the planting area.

2. Dig the hole as deep as the root ball, and twice as wide. Set the plant in the hole. Look for the original soil-line mark, and do not plant deeper than this line. Plant in early spring.

3. Fill the hole halfway with dirt, and water well. Let the water drain before filling in the hole the rest of the way with dirt. Do not put dirt over the original soil line on the tree's trunk.

4. Water well after planting. Water every day for the first couple of weeks to help the roots get established. After that, only water every couple days.

5. Fertilize once a month. Choose a fertilizer with a high potassium and phosphorus ratio--the last two numbers on the bag. After the blooming stage is over, fertilize in the fall, and again in early spring.

References

• Arbor Day Tree Guide
• About Cherry Trees
• About Planting Cherry Trees