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Flowering Cherry Care Guide for BC 

How to Plant, Grow & Care for Flowering Cherry Trees 

Flowering cherry trees (Prunus species and cultivars) are beloved for their spectacular spring blossoms that create clouds of pink or white flowers. These ornamental trees are iconic in many British Columbia landscapes and signal the arrival of spring each year. 

While flowering cherries are relatively easy to grow, proper placement, pruning, and soil care will help ensure long-term health and beautiful blooms. 

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Choosing the Right Flowering Cherry 

Flowering cherry trees vary in size, shape, and bloom colour. 

Upright Flowering Cherries 

  • Classic vase-shaped trees 

  • Excellent as feature or specimen trees in lawns or gardens 

Examples include: 

  • Yoshino Cherry (Prunus × yedoensis) 

  • Akebono Cherry 

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Weeping Flowering Cherries 

  • Graceful cascading branches 

  • Beautiful focal points in garden beds or landscape plantings 

Examples include: 

  • Weeping Higan Cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’) 

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Double Flowered Cherries 

  • Showy, multi-petalled blossoms 

  • Often bloom slightly later in spring 

Examples include: 

  • Kwanzan Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’) 

Visit your local GARDENWORKS Garden Centre for varieties suited to your landscape size and conditions. 

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How to Plant Flowering Cherries 

Proper planting helps establish strong, healthy trees. 

Sun Requirements 

  • Full sun (minimum 6 hours daily) 

  • Best flowering occurs in bright, open locations 

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Soil Requirements 

Flowering cherries prefer: 

  • Well-drained soil 

  • Moderate fertility 

  • Slightly acidic to neutral pH 

Avoid poorly drained sites or areas where water may collect after rainfall. 

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Planting Steps 

  1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. 

  1. Loosen surrounding soil to encourage root growth. 

  1. Plant at the same depth as the tree was growing in its container. 

  1. Water thoroughly with GARDENWORKS Transplanting Fertilizer 5-15-5 after planting to encourage strong root development.  

  1. Apply a 2–3 inch (5-7cm) mulch layer around the root zone. 

  1. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk. 

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Watering Flowering Cherries 

Young trees need regular watering to establish. 

  • Water deeply during the first growing season 

  • Maintain consistent moisture during dry periods 

  • Established trees tolerate moderate drought but benefit from occasional deep watering during extended dry weather. 

  • Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. 

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Fertilizing Flowering Cherries 

Flowering cherries typically require minimal feeding. 

  • Apply compost in early spring. We recommend Sea Soil, Gardenworks Composted Mushroom Manure, or Cattle Manure. 

  • Use a balanced fertilizer if soil is poor. We recommend Gardenworks All Purpose Plant Food 6-8-6. 

  • Avoid excessive fertilization, which encourages leafy growth rather than flowers 

 

Pruning Flowering Cherries 

Pruning helps maintain tree health and structure. 

  • Prune in late summer after flowering has finished. 

  • Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches 

  • Avoid heavy pruning during winter or early spring 

Proper pruning improves airflow and can help reduce the risk of disease. 

 

Growing Flowering Cherries in South Coastal BC 

South Coastal BC provides ideal conditions for many flowering cherry varieties. 

Climate Advantages 

  • Mild winters 

  • Moderate summer temperatures 

  • Coastal humidity 

These conditions support healthy growth and consistent spring flowering. 

 

Coastal Considerations 

  • Ensure good drainage in clay soils 

  • Provide adequate spacing for airflow 

  • Protect young trees from strong coastal winds 

Many flowering cherries thrive in coastal British Columbia gardens and urban landscapes. 

 

Growing Flowering Cherries in Penticton & the Okanagan 

Flowering cherries can grow inland but require some adjustments. 

Climate Challenges 

  • Hot, dry summers 

  • Colder winter temperatures 

  • Greater temperature fluctuations 

 

Inland Care Adjustments 

  • Provide deep watering during summer heat 

  • Mulch to conserve soil moisture 

  • Protect young trees from winter wind exposure 

  • Choose cold-hardy varieties when possible 

 

Common Flowering Cherry Problems & Solutions 

While beautiful, flowering cherries can occasionally face health issues. 

 

Brown or Dying Branches 

Possible causes: 

  • Fungal diseases 

  • Branch canker 

  • Winter damage 

Solutions: 

  • Prune out affected branches 

  • Improve airflow through proper spacing 

  • Sterilize pruning tools between cuts to prevent spreading disease. 

 

Leaf Spot or Leaf Drop 

Possible causes: 

  • Fungal leaf diseases 

  • Prolonged wet foliage 

Solutions: 

  • Avoid overhead watering 

  • Remove fallen leaves in autumn 

  • Maintain good air circulation around the tree canopy 

 

Poor Flowering 

Possible causes: 

  • Insufficient sunlight 

  • Excess fertilizer high in nitrogen (N)  

  • Improper pruning 

Solutions: 

  • Ensure full sun exposure 

  • Avoid heavy fertilizing 

  • Prune only after flowering to avoid removing developing flower buds 

Short Lifespan 

Flowering cherries are naturally shorter-lived trees compared to many shade trees. 

Tips for longevity: 

  • Plant in well-drained soil 

  • Avoid root disturbance 

  • Prune only when necessary and maintain overall tree health through proper watering and soil care 

 

Seasonal Flowering Cherry Care Calendar 

Early Spring 

  • Enjoy flowering 

  • Inspect for winter damage 

Late Spring 

  • Apply compost 

  • Monitor for pests or disease 

Summer 

  • Water deeply during dry periods 

  • Light structural pruning if needed 

Fall 

  • Clean up fallen leaves 

  • Maintain mulch layer 

Winter 

  • Protect young trees from wind exposure 

 

Flowering Cherry FAQs 

Do flowering cherries grow well in BC? 
Yes. Many varieties thrive in South Coastal BC and can also grow inland with proper care. 

How long do flowering cherry trees live? 
Many ornamental cherries live 20–40 year spans depending on growing conditions. 

When should flowering cherries be pruned? 
Light pruning should be done in late summer after flowering. 

Do flowering cherry trees produce fruit? 
Most ornamental varieties produce very small fruit that is typically not used for eating, but may be enjoyed by birds and wildlife