Satonishiki cherry Prunus 'Shosar'
ABOUT
The Prunus 'Shosar', commonly known as the 'Pink Cloud' cherry, is a visually captivating ornamental plant. It is renowned for its stunning floral display, which typically occurs in early spring. The blossoms are a soft, pastel pink, which blanket the tree in a dense, fluffy cloud of color, reminiscent of pink cotton candy. Each flower consists of five delicate, rounded petals that encircle a central cluster of darker pink stamens. The combined effect of these numerous blossoms creates a breathtaking spectacle of pink radiance. The leaves of the 'Pink Cloud' cherry emerge after the blooms with a glossy, vibrant green hue. Their shape is oval to lanceolate with edges that can be serrated or smooth, and they often possess a pointy tip. In the fall, the foliage may change to exhibit warm autumnal colors, adding an additional layer of visual interest to the plant. The bark of the tree provides a contrasting backdrop to its softer floral elements. It tends to be a dark brown color, with a texture that can appear smooth when the tree is young but often becomes more rough and fissured as it matures. The 'Pink Cloud' cherry may also produce small fruits, although these are generally considered inedible for humans. However, they can be a source of food for local wildlife, such as birds, which adds to the plant's ecological value. Overall, the appearance of the Prunus 'Shosar' is characterized by its mesmerizing springtime floral display, attractive summer foliage, and pleasing autumn colors, making it a cherished addition to landscapes and gardens where it captivates all who see it.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Pink Perfection Cherry, Japanese Flowering Cherry
Common names
Prunus 'Shosar'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Prunus 'Shosar', commonly known as the Pink Flowering Cherry, is part of the genus Prunus, which includes a variety of trees and shrubs that can be toxic due to components such as amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside found mainly in the seeds, leaves, and stems. Ingesting these parts of the Pink Flowering Cherry in sufficient quantities can cause cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning include difficulty breathing, dizziness, headaches, confusion, seizures, and potentially lead to coma or death if consumed in large amounts. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of this plant other than the fruit flesh itself.
To pets
The Prunus 'Shosar', known as the Pink Flowering Cherry, contains cyanogenic glycosides, primarily in its leaves, stems, and seeds (pits). If pets such as dogs or cats ingest parts of the plant, they can experience cyanide poisoning. Symptoms in pets may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock, which, if not treated promptly, could be fatal. It is crucial to prevent pets from having access to the potentially toxic parts of the Pink Flowering Cherry.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Prunus 'Shosar', commonly known as the 'Pink Shell Cherry', has a picturesque display of pink blossoms that enhance any landscape or garden setting.
- Seasonal Interest: This cherry tree provides seasonal interest with its spring blooms and autumn foliage color changes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The blossoms attract pollinators such as bees, and the tree can provide shelter for birds and other small fauna.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Pink Shell Cherry can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for various climates.
- Low Maintenance: The tree is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once it is well-established in a suitable location.
- Screening: With its canopy of foliage and blossoms, it can serve as a natural privacy screen or windbreak.
- Urban Tolerant: Prunus 'Shosar' can withstand urban conditions like pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city environments.
- Compact Size: Its moderate size makes it suitable for smaller gardens or spaces where a full-sized cherry tree would be too large.
- Adaptability: The plant is adaptable to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The cherry wood from the plant can be used for fine woodworking projects, as it has a rich color and attractive grain patterns.
- Crushed leaves and branches may serve as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a soft, yellowish hue.
- Cherry blossoms can be used in flower arrangements or as a natural confetti for weddings and other celebrations.
- The hard pits of this cherry, once cleaned and dried, can be utilized in crafts, including jewelry-making.
- When fermented, the fruit yield from this plant could potentially be used to make a unique, small-batch fruit wine.
- The blossoms are sometimes used to flavor honey, providing it with a delicate floral note that is highly valued in gourmet markets.
- Young cherry wood twigs can be fashioned into smoking chips to infuse meats with a subtle cherry flavor during grilling.
- In wood turning, the dense cherry wood from this plant is favorable for creating elegant, smooth-textured wooden bowls and vases.
- Culinary artists may use the cherry petals to create a visually appealing edible decoration on desserts and specialty dishes.
- Petals and leaves can play a role in the creation of natural potpourris, offering a pleasant fragrance to living spaces.
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 'Shosar', also known as the 'Pink Shell' cherry, is renowned for its captivating beauty, with delicate pink blossoms that symbolize the aesthetic and fleeting nature of beauty.
- Spring: The blooming of cherry blossoms heralds the arrival of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the end of winter.
- Transience of Life: In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms are a reminder of the ephemeral nature of life; their short-lived bloom resonates with the concept of mono no aware, the awareness of the impermanence of things.
- Renewal: The annual bloom of the 'Pink Shell' cherry represents renewal and the cyclical nature of life, encouraging people to embrace fresh starts.
- Purity: The delicate and unblemished flowers convey a sense of purity and innocence.
- Love: The soft, pink blossoms of the cherry tree can also be associated with love and affection, often used to express romantic feelings.
WaterThe Okame Cherry Tree (Prunus 'Shosar') requires regular watering, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering should be done once a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water which is approximately 15-30 gallons for mature trees. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During the hot summer months or periods of drought, watering frequency may need to increase to twice a week.
LightThe Okame Cherry Tree prefers full sun for the best blooming and growth. This means that it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot for this tree would be in an open landscape away from larger buildings or trees that could create significant shade.
TemperatureThe Okame Cherry Tree flourishes in a wide range of temperatures but prefers temperate climates. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F and is comfortable in the heat up to about 90°F. The optimal growing temperatures for the Okame Cherry Tree are within the range of 50°F to 75°F.
PruningPruning the Okame Cherry Tree is essential for maintaining its shape and health and should be done after the tree has finished blooming in late spring or early summer. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and thin out the canopy to allow light and air to penetrate. Pruning is also an opportunity to shape the tree and encourage new growth. It's recommended to prune the tree annually.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Japanese Cherry, or 'Shosar', prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A soil mix of loam, compost, and sand in equal parts can be ideal, ensuring it is rich in organic matter to support healthy growth.
RepottingJapanese Cherry 'Shosar' generally doesn't require frequent repotting and can be done every 3 - 5 years, depending on growth rate and root development, to ensure it doesn't become root-bound.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Cherry 'Shosar' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to various outdoor conditions. Protect it from excessively dry air, especially during hot summers.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth; requires full sun, well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Needs full sun, well-drained soil, and space to accommodate mature size.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cyclePrunus 'Shosar', commonly known as the Japanese flowering cherry, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed that requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination in early spring, it develops a root system and shoots that will form its trunk and branches. As the tree matures, it enters the vegetative stage, characterized by the growth of leaves and a more extensive root system that supports the tree’s overall growth and prepares it for flowering. Flowering typically occurs in spring, when the tree is covered in blossoms, which, if pollinated, will develop into fruit containing seeds to continue the life cycle. The fruit ripens in summer, and seeds are then dispersed by various means, including animals and gravity. As temperatures drop in autumn, the Japanese flowering cherry enters a period of dormancy, shedding its leaves and conserving energy for the next cycle of growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Prunus 'Shosar', more commonly known as the 'Pink Flair' cherry, is typically propagated through grafting. This method is preferred because it maintains the characteristics of the cultivar. Grafting is commonly done in late winter or early spring when the tree is still dormant, which may vary depending on the local climate. In this process, a scion of the 'Pink Flair' cherry, usually a 4 to 6-inch piece (10 to 15 cm) with several buds, is cut and joined to a rootstock that has been selected for its hardiness and compatibility. The cut surfaces of both scion and rootstock are matched up and held together with grafting tape or similar material until they heal and grow as one tree.
