Japanese Flowering Cherry Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki'
ABOUT
The Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki' is a stunning ornamental plant commonly known for its striking floral display. It is characterized by a profusion of pink, white, and sometimes bicolored blossoms that cover the branches densely, creating a spectacular springtime show. The flowers typically have five petals and are often frilled or slightly ruffled at the edges, exuding a delicate and romantic charm. Apart from the blooms, the foliage of this plant is equally attractive. The leaves emerge as a bronze or red tone, mature into a fresh green, and then transition to warm autumn hues before they fall. This gives the plant seasonal interest, providing a changing palette throughout the year. Structurally, this plant tends to have a graceful appearance, with branches that might spread or cascade, depending on the type. The bark itself often has a smooth texture and a color that contrasts nicely with the flowers and leaves. The fruit of the Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki', if it develops, may be small and ornamental, often in shades of red or purple, although the plant is typically more noted for its flowers than its fruit. Overall, the plant's appearance conveys an aesthetic beauty, making it a popular choice for ornamental purposes in gardens where seasonal color and decorative appeal are desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Sato-zakura, Village Cherry, Double-Flowered Cherry
Common names
Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki'
ToxicityTo humans
The Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki' is commonly known as cherry. Like other members of the Prunus genus, the seeds, leaves, and stems of the cherry plant contain compounds that can be toxic to humans. These parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide into the body when ingested. If someone consumes a large enough quantity of these plant parts, it may lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of this poisoning can include difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, headache, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, convulsions, coma, or even death. It is important to note that the fruit's flesh is edible, but care should be taken to avoid ingesting the pits.
To pets
The Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki', or cherry, is toxic to pets due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in the seeds, leaves, and stems. When these parts of the plant are ingested, they can be metabolized into cyanide in the pet's body. Symptoms of cherry poisoning in pets can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, red gums, and shock. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, resulting in hyperventilation, convulsions, paralysis, coma, and potentially death. Pet owners should ensure that their pets do not have access to the pits, leaves, or stems of cherry plants to prevent accidental poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki', commonly known as the Flowering Cherry, offers spectacular spring blossoms that enhance visual interest in landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: With its vibrant spring flowers, the Flowering Cherry provides a seasonal focal point in gardens and parks.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The blossoms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing a source of nectar.
- Shade Provider: As a deciduous tree, it can offer shade in summer, creating comfortable outdoor spaces.
- Cultural Significance: Flowering Cherries have traditional importance in many cultures, particularly in Japan, where they symbolize beauty and the transient nature of life.
- Variety in Landscaping: With its unique pink and white variegated flowers, the Flowering Cherry adds variety and contrast to monochromatic landscaping palettes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki', commonly known as a flowering cherry, can be used in bonsai art due to its beautiful blossoms and manageable size.
- The wood of the flowering cherry can be used for crafting small wooden items like jewelry boxes, showcasing its fine grain and texture.
- Flowering cherry branches can be used as natural indoor decorations, especially when the branches are in bloom to add a splash of color.
- The blossoms of the flowering cherry can be pressed and included in artisanal paper-making for decorative purposes.
- Petals of the flowering cherry can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a subtle pink hue.
- Dried flowering cherry blossoms can be included in potpourri mixes for a gentle, sweet fragrance.
- The tree can serve a ceremonial role in festivals celebrating spring, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.
- Flowering cherry wood can be used in the manufacturing of musical instruments such as flutes, providing a unique aesthetic.
- The tree can be planted in memorial gardens as a living tribute to loved ones, thanks to its poignant beauty and seasonal blooms.
- Flowering cherry trees can be used in urban landscaping to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, helping to maintain local ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Flowering Cherry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Flowering Cherry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: As a member of the cherry blossom family, the Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki' represents beauty with its eye-catching pink and white flowers.
- Impermanence of Life: Cherry blossoms are often a symbol of the fleeting nature of life due to their short blooming period, reminding us to appreciate the beauty in the present moment.
- Renewal: The blossoming of cherry trees signals the arrival of spring, suggesting themes of rebirth and new beginnings.
- Purity: The delicate and pure appearance of the blooms is commonly associated with purity and innocence.
WaterThe Flowering Cherry Tree thrives when watered deeply but allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season, watering approximately once a week with about 5 gallons of water is adequate, depending on the size of the tree and the climate. Less frequent watering is necessary during the dormant season. Ensure the water penetrates the soil deeply to encourage root growth. Watering frequency may need to be increased during periods of extreme heat or drought.
LightThe Flowering Cherry Tree prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering. Planting it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. They can tolerate light shade, but the amount of flowers may be reduced. Avoid overly shaded areas to prevent poor blooming and potential susceptibility to pests and diseases.
TemperatureThe Flowering Cherry Tree can withstand winter temperatures down to approximately -20°F and summer temperatures well into the 90s°F. The ideal growing temperatures for this tree are between 50°F and 75°F. Ensure that you plant the tree in an area that does not experience frequent temperature fluctuations to avoid stressing the plant.
PruningPruning the Flowering Cherry Tree is important to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or diseased wood. Prune immediately after it has finished flowering to avoid cutting off next year’s buds. Prune young trees to establish a strong structure, and only minimally prune mature trees to maintain their shape. The best time for substantial pruning is late winter to early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki') thrives in well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, compost, and aeration materials like perlite. The best soil pH for this cherry is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Amending the soil with organic material will help improve fertility and structure.
RepottingYou should repot a Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki') every 3-5 years or when it has outgrown its container. The repotting is best done in the late winter or early spring before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingThe Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki') prefers average outdoor humidity levels. There are no specific humidity requirements for this plant as it is adaptable to the ambient humidity found outdoors in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth due to size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki', commonly known as the 'Beni-tamanishiki' flowering cherry, begins its life cycle when the seed germinates in suitable soil and climatic conditions. The seedling then develops into a young sapling, establishing a root system and a set of true leaves to start photosynthesis. As a juvenile, the plant gradually matures and increases in height and branch complexity over the years. Once mature, the 'Beni-tamanishiki' reaches its flowering stage, producing showy, ornamental blossoms that attract pollinators and signify the onset of reproductive maturity. Following pollination, the flowers develop into fruit with seeds, which, once dispersed, have the potential to grow into new plants. This cherry tree species typically exhibits a regular annual cycle of growth, flowering in spring, and may become dormant in winter depending on its climatic zone.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Prunus 'Beni-tamanishiki', commonly known as the flowering cherry, is most commonly propagated by grafting. This method involves taking a piece of a branch, known as a scion, from a mature cherry tree that exhibits the desired characteristics and fusing it onto the rootstock of another tree. The best time to graft flowering cherries is in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to rise and the buds begin to swell. During grafting, a clean diagonal cut is made on both the scion and the rootstock to ensure that the cambium layers, which are crucial for growth, align properly. The graft is then secured with grafting tape and sealed with grafting wax or compound to prevent disease and desiccation until the graft union is completely healed, which usually takes several weeks.
