Shizuka apple Prunus 'Shizuka'
ABOUT
Prunus 'Shizuka', commonly known as ornamental cherry, is a visually striking plant known for its delightful and showy appearances. This particular variety boasts a profusion of flowers, which are often double or semi-double, meaning they are packed with numerous overlapping petals that create a lush, full look. The blossoms are typically very fragrant, exuding a sweet, pleasant aroma that can infuse the nearby air. The flower's colors can range from pure white to soft pinks, sometimes with a gradient that blends the hues elegantly from the center of the flower out towards the tips of the petals. As for the foliage, the ornamental cherry presents leaves that are green and glossy, with a serrated edge that adds texture to its appearance. In the fall, the leaves often change to vibrant colors, providing a show of oranges, reds, and yellows that signal the changing seasons. The tree itself typically develops a graceful form, with branches that may spread outwards, creating a canopy effect that can be quite picturesque. The bark on the trunk and branches is usually a dark brown, with textured patterns that provide visual interest even in the absence of leaves or flowers. Overall, the Prunus 'Shizuka' is valued and admired for its aesthetic qualities, with seasonal changes that offer varied and captivating displays throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Shizuka Apple Blossom Cherry, Shizuka Flowering Cherry
Common names
Prunus 'Shizuka'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Prunus 'Shizuka', commonly referred to as a hybrid ornamental cherry, is considered to have parts that are toxic to humans. The main concern is with the seeds, leaves, and stems that contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when damaged or ingested. Ingesting these parts in significant quantities can lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which include difficulty breathing, dizziness, headaches, confusion, and potentially can be lethal if enough is consumed. It is generally safe to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms, but be cautious not to ingest any seeds or leaves.
To pets
Like in humans, the hybrid ornamental cherry, commonly known as the Prunus 'Shizuka', is also toxic to pets. The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, primarily in its leaves, stems, and seeds. If pets chew or ingest these parts of the plant, they may experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning. These symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, difficulty breathing, and dilated pupils. In severe cases, it can lead to coma or death. It is crucial to prevent pets from ingesting any part of this plant to avoid the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Prunus 'Shizuka' is known for its beautiful blossoms that provide ornamental value to any garden, particularly in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
- Shade Provider: As a medium to large sized deciduous tree, it can provide ample shade in garden landscapes, parks, or streets, making it a good choice for sunny areas.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The tree offers food and shelter to a variety of birds and insects, thereby enhancing biodiversity in its vicinity.
- Seasonal Interest: Prunus 'Shizuka' offers year-round interest with flowers in spring, green leaves in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and a pleasing form in winter after the leaves have fallen.
- Pollinator Friendly: The blossoms are attractive to bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial for the pollination of plants in the area.
- Improves Landscape Diversity: With its unique characteristics, it adds diversity to the landscape, which can be aesthetically pleasing and ecologically beneficial.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in rows or groups, it can serve as a natural privacy screen, while also adding greenery to the environment.
- Cultural Significance: As a cherry blossom tree, it may hold cultural significance, particularly in Japanese culture where cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is a popular activity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Prunus 'Shizuka', commonly known as the Shizuka apple, can provide food and shelter for various wildlife species, including birds and insects, which are attracted to its fruits and flowers.
- Woodworking: The wood from Shizuka apple trees can be used in woodworking and crafting, particularly for items like small wooden tools or decorative pieces due to its strength and workability.
- Natural Dyes: The leaves and bark of the Shizuka apple can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering a range of colors based on different mordants and processing techniques.
- Culinary Decoration: The blossoms of the Shizuka apple can be used as an edible decoration on desserts or in salads, adding a touch of elegance and a mild flavor.
- Photography Subject: With their beautiful blossoms and striking fruit, Shizuka apple trees are popular subjects for photographers, especially in the spring during the flowering season.
- Learning Tool: Shizuka apple trees can serve as an educational tool in teaching about plant life cycles, pollination, and fruit development in schools and community programs.
- Bonsai: The Shizuka apple can be trained as a bonsai tree, making it an artistic and long-term hobby for enthusiasts who appreciate miniature tree cultivation.
- Windbreaks: When planted in rows, Shizuka apple trees can act as windbreaks on properties, helping to reduce soil erosion and protect other plants from strong winds.
- Landscape Design: With their attractive spring blossoms and colorful autumn foliage, Shizuka apple trees are often used in landscape design to create visually appealing spaces.
- Biomass Production: The pruned branches and leaves of the Shizuka apple can be used for biomass production, contributing to renewable energy sources or composting systems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe flowering cherry, commonly associated with the Prunus 'Shizuka', is not specifically used in traditional Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe flowering cherry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The Prunus 'Shizuka', also known as the "Shizuka Cherry," is revered for its beautiful blooms that epitomize the aesthetic charm of spring.
- Renewal: Cherry blossoms are emblematic of the arrival of spring and the rebirth of nature, representing new beginnings and rejuvenation.
- Transience: The fleeting nature of the cherry blossoms, which bloom intensely but briefly, is often seen as a metaphor for the transient, ephemeral quality of life.
- Purity: The pristine white blossoms of the Shizuka Cherry can symbolize purity and innocence.
- Life's Fragility: As the cherry blossoms are delicate and short-lived, they can also represent the fragility and preciousness of life.
WaterGreen Japanese plum trees need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Young trees require about 10-15 gallons per week, while mature trees typically need 15-30 gallons, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week to encourage deeper root growth, and adjust the frequency during hot, dry spells or periods of heavy rainfall. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
LightGreen Japanese plum trees prefer full sun conditions, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for the tree is in an open space, away from taller structures or trees that might shade it. Adequate sunlight is crucial for flower and fruit development, so position the tree where it will receive uninterrupted light throughout the day.
TemperatureThe Green Japanese plum tree thrives in a wide range of temperatures but generally prefers temperate to subtropical regions. It can withstand winter temperatures down to about -10°F and is comfortable during the summer when temperatures are below 95°F. The ideal temperature range for this tree would be between 32°F and 75°F, with adequate winter chilling hours for proper dormancy.
PruningGreen Japanese plum trees should be pruned to maintain their shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring before the sap begins to flow. Thin the crown to allow light and air to penetrate, and remove any crossing branches to prevent damage. Prune annually to promote healthy growth and larger, higher quality fruit.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Shizuka apple tree prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The best soil mix can be achieved by combining garden soil, compost, and sand to improve drainage. Mulching with organic materials also helps maintain soil moisture and health.
RepottingYoung Shizuka apple trees should be repotted every 2-3 years to encourage growth. Mature trees generally do not need frequent repotting but should be monitored for soil exhaustion or root crowding.
Humidity & MistingShizuka apple trees are adaptable to a range of humidity levels but thrive best in moderate humidity. They do well in the humidity levels typically found in temperate outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Shizuka in pots need bright light and seasonal temps.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, sheltered from strong winds, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Shizuka apple plant begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in the right conditions, grows into a seedling. As the seedling matures, it develops into a young tree through a period of vegetative growth, where leaves, branches, and a strong root system are established. After a few years, the tree reaches maturity and enters the reproductive stage, characterized by the flowering phase in spring where it produces fragrant white-pink blossoms that are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into fruit, with the Shizuka apples typically ripening in the fall. Once mature, the apples can be harvested, and seeds from the fruit can potentially give rise to new plants, continuing the cycle. Throughout its life, the plant will undergo periods of dormancy during the winter months, preparing it for the subsequent growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Prunus 'Shizuka', more commonly known as Shizuka apple, is typically propagated by grafting. Grafting is done in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow. In this method, a cutting from a Shizuka apple tree, known as a scion, is attached to a rootstock of another apple variety that has a strong and compatible root system. The scion is cut at an angle to expose a large surface area and is then placed onto a matching cut on the rootstock. It's crucial that the cambium layers of both scion and rootstock align well to promote successful growth and vascular connection. The grafting union is then tightly wrapped and sealed to protect it from diseases and drying out, allowing the scion and the rootstock to fuse as the tree grows.
