Japanese Flowering Cherry Prunus 'Pink Perfection'
ABOUT
Pink Perfection is a striking ornamental cherry tree, revered for its breathtaking spring display. It boasts an abundant profusion of deep pink, double flowers that cluster along the dark branches of the tree. These blossoms burst into a radiant show of pink petals, which resemble tiny, delicate roses due to their layered and ruffled texture. As spring progresses, these flowers envelop the tree, contrasting beautifully against the shiny green foliage that follows the floral fanfare. The leaves, which emerge a coppery-red color, turn a lustrous green as they mature, providing a fresh backdrop for the summer months. The foliage often changes to fiery shades of orange and red before falling in the autumn, completing a year-round cycle of visual interest. Pink Perfection is a beacon of color and beauty, bringing a touch of elegance and romance to any garden it graces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Pink Perfection Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry, Ornamental Cherry
Common names
Prunus serrulata 'Pink Perfection'
ToxicityTo humans
Cherry trees, which include the ornamental 'Pink Perfection' cultivar, can be toxic if certain parts are ingested. The seeds, leaves, and twigs of cherry trees contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when the plant material is damaged or chewed. Ingestion of sufficient quantities of these materials can lead to poisoning. Symptoms of cherry poisoning may include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, breathing difficulties, increased heart rate, convulsions, and potentially can be lethal if enough cyanide is released in the body.
To pets
Cherry trees are also toxic to pets for the same reasons they are to humans. The seeds, leaves, and twigs of the 'Pink Perfection' cherry tree contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful to pets if ingested. When pets chew these plant parts, they may potentially release cyanide into their bodies, leading to cherry poisoning. Symptoms in pets may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, if a large amount is consumed, it can lead to coma or death. It is important to keep pets away from the plant, especially when there are fallen leaves or branches that pets might chew on.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
20 feet (6 meters)
Spread
15 feet (4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Prunus 'Pink Perfection', commonly known as Cherry Blossom, offers stunning ornamental value with its cascading clusters of double pink flowers during springtime.
- Shade Provider: As a medium-sized tree, it can provide a pleasant shade in gardens and parks, making outdoor spaces more comfortable during sunny days.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Cherry Blossom trees can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in the environment.
- Seasonal Interest: With its vivid spring blooms, fresh summer foliage, and sometimes colorful autumn leaves, it adds seasonal interest to the landscape.
- Emotional Wellbeing: The beautiful blossoms are often associated with tranquility and renewal, which can have a positive impact on emotional well-being and stress reduction.
- Cultural significance: Cherry Blossom has strong cultural importance in many countries, particularly in Japan where it symbolizes the transient nature of life and is celebrated annually during Hanami festivals.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Prunus 'Pink Perfection,' with its delightful pink blossoms, serves as an enchanting backdrop or subject for photographers, especially during spring.
- Wedding Decorations: The branches and flowers can be used to create romantic and whimsical arrangements for weddings or other special events.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the 'Pink Perfection' cherry tree as a muse, capturing its beauty through various mediums such as painting or sketching.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not typically grown for edible fruit, the flowers can occasionally be used as edible decorations on sophisticated desserts.
- Educational Tool: Biology teachers may use the Pink Perfection cherry to demonstrate concepts such as plant growth, reproduction, and seasonal changes.
- Bonsai: With appropriate techniques, the Pink Perfection cherry can be cultivated as a bonsai tree, offering an aesthetic miniature version of the tree.
- Habitat Support: While not its primary purpose, this cherry tree variety can offer shelter and support for local wildlife, such as birds and beneficial insects.
- Beekeeping Support: In bloom, they provide a source of nectar to bees, supporting local beekeeping activities and promoting honey production.
- Craft Projects: Fallen blossoms and small branches may be collected and used in a variety of craft projects, from scrapbooking to homemade wreaths.
- Festivals and Cultural Events: The striking appearance of the Pink Perfection cherry in full bloom can be the centerpiece of flower viewing festivals and other community events celebrating spring.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant named Cherry Blossom is often associated with Feng Shui for its symbolism of good fortune and renewal. To use it according to Feng Shui, place the Cherry Blossom in the east part of your garden to promote health, or in the southeast to enhance wealth and abundance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cherry Blossom is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Elegance: The 'Pink Perfection' cherry blossom is renowned for its striking beauty and elegantly-formed double pink flowers, symbolizing life's transient beauty.
- Renewal and Optimism: Cherry blossoms are a herald of spring, representing new beginnings and the renewal of nature, which translates to a feeling of optimism and rejuvenation.
- Impermanence: The brief blooming period of cherry blossoms is often linked to the concept of impermanence, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and to cherish every moment.
- Love and Affection: In some cultures, cherry blossoms are given as a symbol of love and affection, representing the soft and delicate nature of emotions.
- Female Beauty and Strength: In Japanese culture especially, cherry blossoms are a symbol of feminine beauty and strength, as well as the power and resilience of women.
WaterThe Japanese Cherry 'Pink Perfection' requires regular watering, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Water the tree once a week, providing about 1.5 to 2.5 gallons of water each time, depending on the soil moisture and climate conditions. During hot, dry periods, increased watering may be necessary. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. In the winter, reduce watering but do not allow the root ball to dry out completely.
LightThe Japanese Cherry 'Pink Perfection' thrives in full sun conditions. Planting in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal to ensure vigorous growth and optimal flowering. Avoid locations where buildings or other large plants could cast excessive shade on the cherry tree.
TemperatureThe Japanese Cherry 'Pink Perfection' can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers a temperate climate. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8, enduring minimum winter temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum summer temperatures typical of these zones. Ideal growing conditions are between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and bloom performance.
PruningPrune the Japanese Cherry 'Pink Perfection' to maintain its shape and remove any dead or broken branches. The best time to prune is after the cherry has finished blooming in late spring to early summer. Pruning every year or every other year will help to encourage healthy growth and more prolific blooms for the following season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilFor Pink Perfection cherry, a well-draining loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal. A mix of garden soil, compost, and some sand or perlite for drainage will support healthy growth.
RepottingPink Perfection cherry, being a tree, is typically not repotted but planted in a permanent outdoor location. Ensure it's planted in a suitable spot where it can grow without the need for repotting.
Humidity & MistingPink Perfection cherry prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the lower humidity levels typically found in a temperate outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growing; needs full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Cherry Blossom 'Pink Perfection' begins with germination, where the seed sown in well-drained soil emerges as a seedling, often requiring stratification to break dormancy. As it enters the vegetative stage, the seedling grows into a young tree, producing leaves and branches as it establishes a root system. Following vegetative growth, the cherry blossom enters the flowering stage annually in spring, showcasing its stunning pink, double flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination and petal fall, the tree enters the fruiting stage, where it develops small cherries which ripen and are either harvested by wildlife or fall to the ground, potentially to germinate new trees. Throughout its life, the tree goes through cycles of dormancy in the winter, where growth slows and the tree conserves energy for the coming spring. The tree can live for decades, continuously cycling through these growth stages each year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Prunus 'Pink Perfection', commonly known as the flowering cherry, is typically propagated through grafting, which is the most popular method. The ideal time for grafting flowering cherries is in late winter when the plant is still dormant. This involves taking a piece of a branch called a scion, approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, from a healthy 'Pink Perfection' cherry tree and attaching it onto the rootstock of a different but related cherry species. The two pieces are joined together until they fuse and grow as one. To ensure a strong union, the scion and rootstock must be firmly wrapped and sealed to prevent drying out. Grafting is favored because it combines the desirable characteristics of 'Pink Perfection' with the vigorous root system of the rootstock, resulting in a more resilient plant.
