Japanese Flowering Cherry Prunus 'Beni-yutaka'
ABOUT
Prunus 'Beni-yutaka' is commonly known as the ornamental cherry or flowering cherry tree. It is celebrated for its stunning floral display. The plant has a rounded canopy with branches that may sweep outwards, creating a gracefully spreading silhouette. These branches bear lush, green leaves that are oval with serrated margins, providing a fresh backdrop for the blossoms. The most remarkable feature of the Beni-yutaka is its profusion of flowers. The blossoms burst forth in early spring, before the tree has fully leafed out, making the floral display particularly striking. The flowers are rich pink, with a deeper hue at the bud stage that lightens as they open. The petals are slightly ruffled, contributing to a fluffy, cloud-like appearance when viewed from a distance. The blooms are commonly five-petalled and can appear both singly and in clusters, enveloping the tree in a wash of color. After the flowering period, the ornamental cherry produces small, inconspicuous fruit that is typically not a highlight as it is not prominent or widely recognized for its culinary qualities. As the seasons change, the foliage may turn to warm autumnal shades before falling, leaving the branches bare in winter. This affords the tree a different kind of beauty, with its stark, sculptural form against the winter sky.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Beni-Yutaka Cherry, Pink Cloud Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry
Common names
Prunus 'Beni-yutaka'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Prunus 'Beni-yutaka' is Japanese flowering cherry. Generally, the tree itself is not toxic to humans. However, like other members of the Prunus genus, the seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when damaged or ingested. Eating sufficient quantities of these parts of the plant can lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, such as headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and potentially death if enough is consumed. The fruit flesh of cherries is typically safe to eat, but care should be taken not to ingest the pits.
To pets
Japanese flowering cherry, or Prunus 'Beni-yutaka', may pose a risk to pets if they consume the seeds, leaves, or stems, as these parts contain cyanogenic glycosides. When chewed or digested, these compounds can release cyanide, which can be toxic to pets. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets include panting, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and shock, which can ultimately be fatal if ingested in large enough quantities. Pet owners should ensure that their pets do not have access to chew or ingest these parts of the Japanese flowering cherry tree.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Prunus 'Beni-yutaka' or Japanese Cherry is renowned for its exquisite pink blossoms that add aesthetic value to any landscape.
- Shade Provider: As it grows, it offers shade in gardens and parks, creating comfortable outdoor spaces.
- Pollinator Attraction: Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Edible Fruits: Some Prunus varieties can produce cherries that are edible and can be used in various culinary dishes.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers seasonal interest with its spring blossoms and autumn leaf color change.
- Cultural Significance: In Japan, cherry blossoms have traditional significance and are celebrated during hanami festivals.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in rows, it can act as a natural privacy screen while enhancing the environment.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood of the 'Beni-yutaka' cherry can be used for crafting small decorative items or furniture, offering a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing material with fine grain.
- Dye Production: The bark and fruit of the cherry tree may be used to produce natural dyes for textiles or artisan crafts.
- Culinary Experiments: The petals and young leaves of the cherry plant can be pickled or used as a flavoring in innovative dishes, adding a floral touch.
- Photography: The stunning blossoms of 'Beni-yutaka' provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor photography sessions, especially in spring.
- Craft Materials: Dried branches and blossoms can be used in crafting, such as for making homemade wreaths or dried flower arrangements.
- Bonsai: 'Beni-yutaka' can be cultivated as a bonsai, providing a challenge for enthusiasts to create miniature landscapes.
- Educational Tools: These cherry trees can be included in educational programs about plant growth, phenology, and botany studies.
- Artistic Inspiration: The vibrant flowers serve as a muse for artists, inspiring paintings, poetry, and other artistic works.
- Cultural Festivals: Cherry trees, including 'Beni-yutaka', may be planted in public spaces for cherry blossom festivals that celebrate spring and cultural traditions.
- Wildlife Habitat: While not their primary use, 'Beni-yutaka' cherry trees can provide a habitat and food source for pollinators and birds when planted in a garden or natural setting.
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: The Prunus 'Beni-yutaka' is commonly known as the Cherry Blossom tree. Cherry blossoms are widely recognized for their delicate and stunning floral displays, symbolizing beauty and the ephemeral nature of life.
- Renewal: As cherry blossoms are among the first to bloom during spring, they are often associated with renewal and the fresh start that comes with this season.
- Transience: The fleeting lifespan of the blossoms, which typically bloom for only a couple of weeks, also serves as a potent symbol of transience, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and our experiences.
- Life: In many cultures, particularly in Japan, cherry blossoms represent life and its cyclical nature, marking the rhythm of time and the progression from birth to death.
WaterThe Japanese Flowering Cherry, or 'Beni-yutaka', should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, with about 1.5 to 2 gallons per week for young trees, and 3 to 4 gallons per week for established ones. Watering frequency largely depends on soil type, weather, and tree maturity; it's best to water this cherry variety when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During the growing season in spring and summer, water once a week if there hasn't been significant rainfall. Reduce watering in the fall and further in the winter when the tree is dormant. Provide enough water to soak the root zone without making the soil waterlogged.
LightThe Japanese Flowering Cherry requires full sun to produce the best blooms, so it should be planted in a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid planting in deep shade, as this will reduce flowering and can lead to disease. The ideal location offers morning sunlight, which helps to quickly dry dew off the leaves and thus reduces the risk of fungal infections.
TemperatureThe Japanese Flowering Cherry is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, though it thrives in moderate conditions. It generally can survive winter temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growing temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the tree, and proper watering becomes even more crucial in hot climates.
PruningPruning the Japanese Flowering Cherry helps maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and improve air circulation. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thin out crowded branches and cut back limbs that have grown too long. Pruning every two to three years is generally sufficient unless the tree is damaged or grows too vigorously, in which case more frequent pruning may be necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Japanese flowering cherry tree, Prunus 'Beni-yutaka', is one that is well-draining and fertile, with a mix of loam, compost, and organic matter. The ideal pH for this tree ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, about pH 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingJapanese flowering cherry trees, Prunus 'Beni-yutaka', don't require frequent repotting and are generally planted directly in the ground. If grown in containers, repot every 3-5 years to refresh the soil and prevent root crowding.
Humidity & MistingJapanese flowering cherry trees, such as Prunus 'Beni-yutaka', can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels and do best in outdoor conditions where natural humidity is present.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing indoors is challenging; they require cold dormancy.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and provide space for growth.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Prunus 'Beni-yutaka', commonly known as the flowering cherry or ornamental cherry, begins its life with seed germination, which requires stratification to break dormancy. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a young sapling, especially when given proper light, water, and nutrients. As the sapling matures, it undergoes vegetative growth annually, developing branches and leaves, and establishing a strong root system. The tree typically reaches flowering maturity after several years, at which point it produces blossoms every spring; these blossoms are often pink and attract a variety of pollinators. Once pollinated, the flowers may form small fruits, although the fruit of ornamental cherries is generally not cultivated for consumption. The tree continues to go through cycles of growth and dormancy until it reaches old age, after which it will eventually decline and die.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The Prunus 'Beni-yutaka', commonly known as the Beni-yutaka Cherry, is typically propagated by grafting, which is the most popular method for this plant. Grafting involves taking a scion, which is a piece of a stem with leaf buds, from the Beni-yutaka cherry and attaching it to a rootstock, usually from a hardier cherry variety. The best time to graft is in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant but just before it begins its active growth. The scion should be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long with two or three buds. It is joined to a similar sized cut on the rootstock and bound with grafting tape or wax to hold them in place and protect the wound until the graft has healed and the two parts have fused, which generally takes several weeks. Successful grafting results in the desirable traits of the Beni-yutaka cherry like its fruit quality and blossom being exhibited on a robust root system.
