Kanzan Cherry Prunus 'Kanzan' (d)
ABOUT
The 'Kanzan' cherry, often celebrated for its striking spring blossoms, exhibits a broad, vase-shaped growth habit with a spreading canopy that provides a graceful and elegant structure even when not in bloom. This ornamental cherry is most well-known for its profuse clusters of deep pink to purple double flowers, each comprised of many delicate petals that create a full, ruffled effect. These extravagant blossoms densely line the branches, creating a vibrant floral display that heralds the arrival of spring. Foliage on the 'Kanzan' cherry emerges in tandem with or shortly after the flowers, starting as bronze-toned leaves that mature into a rich green as the season progresses. The leaves are elliptical with serrated edges and come to a subtle point. In the autumn, the foliage provides a secondary display of color, with the leaves turning to warm hues of orange, bronze, and sometimes a reddish-purple. The bark of the 'Kanzan' cherry tree is smooth and has a glossy appearance with a dark brown to gray coloration. As the tree matures, the bark may develop more texture, gaining a slightly rough quality with prominent lenticels. The 'Kanzan' cherry is a deciduous tree, meaning it sheds its leaves annually in the fall, revealing an intricate branching structure that possesses its own stark beauty during the winter months. Each year, as the temperature begins to rise announcing the end of winter, this ornamental cherry generously renews its magnificent floral spectacle.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Kanzan Cherry, Kwanzan Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Oriental Cherry, Sekiyama Cherry.
Common names
Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan', Prunus serrulata 'Sekiyama'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Prunus 'Kanzan', commonly known as the Kanzan cherry, does contain components that can be toxic to humans if ingested in large quantities. The plant's seeds, leaves, and stems have cyanogenic glycosides which can release cyanide when digested. Eating these parts can lead to symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and potentially more severe symptoms of poisoning such as convulsions, and even coma in extreme cases.
To pets
The Kanzan cherry is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides found mainly in the seeds, leaves, and stems. If these parts are ingested by pets, it may result in poisoning. Symptoms can include drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious issues such as seizures, coma, and even death if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
25 feet (7.62 meters)
Spread
25 feet (7.62 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers striking pink double blossoms in spring, enhancing the beauty of landscapes.
- Shade Providing: Mature trees create shade in gardens and parks, making them cooler and more comfortable in hot weather.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides food in the form of nectar and habitat for various insects and birds.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a spectacular display of autumn foliage, contributing to seasonal landscape interest.
- Urban Tolerance: Adapts well to urban conditions, including pollution and compacted soil.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used as a natural screen to create privacy due to its dense foliage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Decorative woodworking: The wood of Kanzan cherry trees can be used for crafting decorative items, such as vases or picture frames, due to its beauty and workability.
- Photography backdrop: Kanzan cherry trees with their magnificent bloom are often sought after by photographers as a stunning natural backdrop for portraits and events.
- Bonsai: Kanzan cherry trees can be cultivated as bonsai, offering a miniature version of their spectacular spring display for enthusiasts.
- Educational tool: The tree can be used in educational settings to teach students about botany, particularly the life cycle of cherry trees and their importance in different cultures.
- Wildlife habitat: Although not their primary use, these trees can offer a habitat for birds and other wildlife when planted in a garden setting.
- Dye production: The bark, leaves, and flowers of the Kanzan cherry could potentially be used to produce natural dyes for textiles or artwork.
- Cultural festivals: Kanzan cherry trees are a centerpiece in cherry blossom festivals which celebrate spring and bring communities together.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists might use the sight of a blooming Kanzan cherry tree as inspiration for paintings, poems, and other art forms.
- Culinary garnish: While not a common practice, the petals of the Kanzan cherry, if non-toxic, could serve as ornamental garnishes for high-end cuisine.
- Landmark planting: These trees can be planted as commemorative landmarks or living memorials in public spaces or private gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Kanzan cherry tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Kanzan cherry tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Prunus 'Kanzan', commonly known as the Kanzan cherry tree or Japanese flowering cherry, is often associated with beauty due to its showy, pink blossoms that bloom profusely in spring.
- Transience of Life: Similarly to other cherry blossom trees, it symbolizes the ephemeral nature of life, as the blossoms are short-lived, reminding viewers to appreciate the fleeting beauty of moments.
- Renewal: The Kanzan cherry's blossoms appear in spring, a time often associated with renewal and the start of a new life cycle.
WaterThe Kanzan cherry tree should be watered deeply to ensure the water reaches the root zone, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. After establishment, watering frequency can be reduced. Generally, providing about 1.5 to 2.5 gallons of water per week is sufficient, but this can vary depending on climate conditions and soil type. During hot, dry periods, increase the amount as needed to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Withhold watering in the winter when the tree is dormant.
LightThe Kanzan cherry tree thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this tree is in an open landscape where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting it in heavily shaded areas as this can impede its growth and flower production.
TemperatureThe Kanzan cherry tree is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature range for this cherry tree is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit where it can flourish and produce the best blossoms.
PruningPrune the Kanzan cherry tree to remove any dead or broken branches, to shape the tree, and to promote air circulation which helps to prevent disease. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the tree breaks dormancy. Young trees may require more frequent pruning to establish a strong structure, while mature trees typically only need pruning every 2 to 3 years.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Japanese Flowering Cherry should be well-drained, fertile, and moist. A mix of loamy soil with compost and perlite can ensure good drainage and fertility. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingJapanese Flowering Cherry trees do not require frequent repotting as they are typically planted outdoors. However, if grown in a container, young trees should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent root-bound conditions and to replenish nutrients.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Flowering Cherry trees, as outdoor plants, are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth; requires full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Prunus 'Kanzan', commonly known as the Kanzan cherry, starts with the germination of the seed, often after a period of cold stratification which mimics winter dormancy. After germination, the seedling emerges and begins to establish a root system and grow its first set of true leaves. As it enters the juvenile phase, the plant increases in size and develops branches, foliage, and a stronger root system. Once it reaches maturity, which can take several years, the Kanzan cherry enters the reproductive stage, characterized by abundant pink blossom production in the spring, followed by the development of small cherries containing seeds that can be dispersed for new plants. After its flowering period, the tree focuses on energy storage and growth throughout the summer and into the fall, when the leaves turn color before abscission. The Kanzan cherry, being a perennial, repeats this reproductive cycle annually until the end of its lifespan, which can extend to several decades under favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The 'Kanzan' cherry, a popular ornamental flowering tree known for its lavish pink blossoms, is often propagated through grafting. This method is chosen because it ensures the cloned trees maintain the exact characteristics of the parent 'Kanzan' cherry, such as its flower color and growth habits. Grafting is usually carried out in late winter to early spring before the tree starts to actively grow, taking advantage of the dormant period. A scion, which is a young shoot or twig from the 'Kanzan' cherry, is cut and joined to the rootstock, which is often a seedling or a rooted cutting of a different but compatible cherry species. The scion is carefully joined with the rootstock so that their cambium layers (the actively growing tissue) are in contact with each other, and then it is bound and sealed to prevent drying out and to encourage the two pieces to grow together as one plant.
