Flowering Cherry Prunus 'Daikoku'
ABOUT
Prunus 'Daikoku', commonly known as a type of flowering cherry or ornamental cherry, is appreciated for its attractive visual appearance. This plant is recognized for its vibrant blossoms that emerge in a showy display. These flowers typically exhibit rich hues that can range from soft pinks to deeper blush tones, often becoming a focal point in any landscape in which they are situated. The leaves of Prunus 'Daikoku' are also a defining feature, usually starting as a bronzy-green color when they first emerge and transforming into a green color as they mature. The foliage may change colors with the seasons, providing aesthetic interest throughout the year. The bark on the branches and trunk of this ornamental cherry is often of a smooth texture, showcasing a subtle coloration that contrasts nicely with the bright bursts of the blooms and the lush green of the leaves. Its elegant branching structure provides an additional layer of visual interest, even when the tree is not in flower. Overall, the appearance of Prunus 'Daikoku' is characterized by its floral display and seasonal foliage changes, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting in gardens and landscapes where its aesthetic attributes can be admired.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Daikoku Plum, Japanese Flowering Cherry
Common names
Prunus 'Daikoku'.
ToxicityTo humans
Prunus 'Daikoku' falls under the category commonly known as cherry trees. Like many plants in the Prunus genus, the seeds, leaves, and stems of cherry trees can contain components that can release cyanide, a toxic compound, when ingested. The fleshy fruit part is generally safe to eat, but the hard pits should not be cracked open and consumed. Symptoms of cherry tree poisoning due to consuming sufficient quantities of the toxic parts can include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, and potentially more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, and even a potentially fatal outcome if left untreated.
To pets
Cherry trees are also toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. The same parts that are dangerous to humans – the seeds, leaves, and stems – can also release cyanide when ingested by animals. The symptoms of poisoning in pets may include panting, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums, as well as shock and possible death if a significant amount of the toxic parts has been ingested. It is important to keep pets away from these parts of the cherry tree and to consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has consumed any toxic part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds ornamental value to gardens with its beautiful flowers and foliage.
- Shade Provider: Can offer shade in garden settings when grown to a suitable size.
- Pollinator Attraction: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round visual interest with seasonal changes in flowers, fruit, and leaf color.
- Privacy Barrier: When planted in a row or hedge, can provide a natural privacy screen.
- Windbreak: When planted in groups, can act as a windbreak reducing wind speed in gardens or agricultural fields.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for various species of wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
- Edible Fruit: Yields fruit that can be used in cooking and baking, adding to the plant's utility.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Garnish: Blossoms and young leaves of Prunus 'Daikoku', commonly known as flowering cherry, can be used as edible garnishes for their aesthetic appeal on plates.
- Woodworking: The wood of the Prunus 'Daikoku' can be used in woodworking for its attractive grain and color once properly treated.
- Photography Backdrop: The vibrant blooms provide a picturesque backdrop for portrait and macro photography during the spring season.
- Floral Arrangements: Cut branches of flowering cherries are used in large floral arrangements, especially during celebrations of spring.
- Artistic Inspiration: The tree and its blooms have inspired countless works of art, from traditional Japanese paintings to modern photography.
- Cultural Events: Prunus 'Daikoku' is often featured in cherry blossom festivals which are popular for their cultural significance and beauty.
- Dye Production: The bark and fruit can be processed to produce natural dyes for fabric or craft projects.
- Bonsai: Certain enthusiasts cultivate Prunus 'Daikoku' as a bonsai plant for its aesthetic branching patterns and seasonal color changes.
- Beekeeping: Flowering cherry trees provide an important source of nectar for bees, making them beneficial for local beekeeping practices.
- Education: These trees are often used as examples in horticultural education, teaching plant biology and ornamental horticulture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cherry Blossom is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cherry Blossom is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Purity: As a variety of flowering cherry, the Prunus 'Daikoku' is often associated with the ethereal beauty and purity of its blossoms, which is a common symbol for cherry trees in general.
- Impermanence of Life: Cherry blossoms' brief lifespan is emblematic of the fleeting nature of life, emphasizing the importance of living in the present and appreciating the transient moments of beauty.
- New Beginnings: The blooming of cherry trees signals the arrival of spring and is often interpreted as a symbol of new beginnings and fresh starts.
- Love and Affection: In some cultures, cherry blossoms are representative of love and affection, making them popular choices for romantic gestures and celebrations.
WaterThe Japanese Flowering Cherry, commonly known as the Prunus 'Daikoku', should be watered deeply at the base to ensure the soil is moist. During the growing season, watering should occur once a week with about 10 gallons per session for established trees. Newly planted trees need more frequent watering, about 2-3 times per week, ensuring the root ball remains moist. Adjustments should be made during periods of rain or drought, and less water is required during the dormant season, typically providing 10 gallons every two to three weeks if there has been no substantial rainfall.
LightJapanese Flowering Cherry thrives in full sun conditions where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It should be planted in a location where it is exposed to unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. Avoiding shaded areas can ensure maximum flowering potential and overall plant vigor.
TemperatureJapanese Flowering Cherry prefers temperate climates and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8. This plant can withstand winter temperatures down to around -20°F and is comfortable in summer temperatures up to 85°F. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 75°F.
PruningThe Japanese Flowering Cherry should be pruned to maintain shape, remove any dead or diseased branches, and to promote air circulation within the canopy. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts but after the threat of extreme cold has passed. Pruning every year or every two years can help maintain the plant's health and aesthetic appeal.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Flowering Cherry prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend with compost and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingThe Flowering Cherry, being a tree, is typically not repotted but may need transplanting every few years until it reaches maturity.
Humidity & MistingThe Flowering Cherry does best in average outdoor humidity. It does not have specific humidity requirements but should not be too dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and spacious room to grow.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cyclePrunus 'Daikoku', commonly known as Daikoku cherry, begins its life as a seed which, under favorable conditions, germinates to produce a small sapling. The sapling stage is characterized by rapid vertical growth and the development of a strong root system. As the tree matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it focuses on leaf and branch development, during which it also forms flower buds in preparation for the next phase. The reproductive stage follows, marked by the blossoming of characteristic cherry flowers that attract pollinators necessary for fruit set. After pollination, the plant develops fruits which house the seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. The mature tree then enters a period of dormancy during colder months, dropping leaves and temporarily halting growth, only to renew the cycle again with the return of favorable growing conditions in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Prunus 'Daikoku', commonly referred to as a cherry tree variety, is typically propagated through grafting as it ensures the genetic clone of the parent tree is maintained. Grafting is ideal to perform during the late winter or early spring when the tree is still dormant but nearing the end of its dormancy period. In this process, a piece of the parent tree that includes a bud, known as a scion, is attached to a rootstock, which is typically a seedling or a young tree with a strong root system. The scion is carefully cut at an angle to match a corresponding cut on the rootstock. The two pieces are then fitted together and bound with grafting tape or a similar material to hold the joint in place. The join must remain secure to ensure the exchange of nutrients and water between the scion and rootstock until the graft heals and the scion begins to grow on its new host.
