Weeping Higan Cherry Prunus pendula 'Pendula Rosea'
ABOUT
The 'Pendula Rosea', commonly known as the Weeping Japanese Cherry, is a visually captivating plant that epitomizes grace and beauty in the landscape. Its most distinguishing feature is its dramatic cascading branches that swoop elegantly toward the ground, akin to a waterfall of pink blossoms in the spring. As the season progresses, these branches become adorned with clusters of delicate, pink flowers that softly contrast against the dark bark of the tree. The flowers exude a light, pleasant fragrance and are composed of five petals, which together create a round, cup-like shape. The foliage of the Weeping Japanese Cherry undergoes a striking transformation throughout the year, first appearing as green leaves that blend seamlessly with the abundance of pink flowers. As the blooms fade, the foliage asserts its presence, turning to vibrant shades of orange and red, providing a second show of color in the autumn. The plant's overall shape is characterized by a graceful, rounded canopy that sweeps down from the central trunk, adding an element of serenity and picturesque charm to any setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Weeping Japanese Cherry, Pendula Plena Rosea Cherry, Weeping Higan Cherry.
Common names
Prunus pendula 'Pendula Rosea'.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Prunus pendula 'Pendula Rosea' is weeping cherry. The weeping cherry tree is generally considered to have parts that are toxic to humans. The seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be converted into cyanide when ingested. If a person ingests a large quantity of these parts of the plant, poisoning can occur. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning from weeping cherry include difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness, confusion, vomiting, and possibly even seizures, coma, or death in severe cases.
To pets
The weeping cherry is also toxic to pets. Similar to humans, the toxic components are found primarily in the seeds, leaves, and stems, and encompass cyanogenic glycosides that can be metabolized into cyanide. Pets that consume a substantial amount of the tree's parts may show signs of cyanide poisoning, which include panting, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, frothing at the mouth, convulsions, and in severe circumstances, could lead to coma or death. It's important for pet owners to prevent pets from chewing on weeping cherry trees.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Spring Blossoms: The Weeping Cherry produces an abundant and beautiful display of pink flowers in early spring, offering a stunning visual spectacle.
- Landscape Aesthetics: This ornamental tree has a graceful weeping form that adds elegance and a point of interest to landscaping designs.
- Seasonal Interest: With changing seasons, the Weeping Cherry offers a variety of visual interest from spring blossoms, summer foliage, fall color, and the architectural form in winter.
- Urban Tolerance: Adapted to a range of urban conditions, it can be used in city environments where it can tolerate pollution and confined spaces.
- Wildlife Attraction: The blossoms provide nectar for pollinators like bees and the tree can also attract birds that enjoy the cover and the small fruits.
- Shade Provision: As it matures, the Weeping Cherry can provide a significant amount of shade, creating a cool area beneath its canopy during sunny days.
- Compact Size: It's a suitable choice for smaller gardens where space is limited due to its relatively small size and contained growth habit.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography and Art Subject: The elegant weeping form and pink blossoms of the weeping cherry make it a stunning subject for photographers and artists, especially during spring bloom.
- Bonsai Specimen: With proper care and pruning, the weeping cherry can be cultivated as a bonsai tree, providing a miniature landscape feature with its delicate branches and leaves.
- Cultural Symbolism: In Japan, the weeping cherry symbolizes the transience of life due to its short blooming period, and is often used in cultural festivals such as Hanami.
- Garden Sculpture: When devoid of leaves and flowers, the intricate and twisted branches of the weeping cherry can function as a natural sculpture in a garden setting during winter.
- Weddings and Events Decor: Branches from the weeping cherry are sometimes used to create elegant and romantic decor for weddings and other celebratory events.
- Nature Therapy: Known for their serene and calming presence, weeping cherry trees are used in therapeutic gardens and environments to facilitate relaxation and stress relief.
- Education and Learning: The weeping cherry, with its distinct growth habit and seasonal changes, serves as an excellent species for educational purposes in botany and horticulture classes.
- Shadow Casting: On sunny days, the distinctive shape and dense foliage of the weeping cherry cast interesting shadows that can be used in landscape design for creative effects.
- Habitat Support: Despite not being a native species, when planted in compatible environments, weeping cherry trees can offer habitat support for local fauna, such as birds and insects.
- Sensory Gardens: Weeping cherry trees are also incorporated in sensory gardens, for their visual beauty, the soft texture of their leaves, and the rustling sound they make in the breeze.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Weeping Higan Cherry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Weeping Higan Cherry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: The 'Pendula Rosea', more commonly known as the Weeping Cherry, is renowned for its stunning pink blossoms, symbolizing beauty and the aesthetic grace of nature.
- Transience of Life: Like many cherry blossoms, the Weeping Cherry epitomizes the fleeting nature of life due to its short blooming period, reminding us of the impermanence of beauty and life.
- Romance: The Weeping Cherry's delicate flowers are often associated with love and romance, making them a frequent choice in gardens and ceremonies that celebrate these themes.
- Renewal: Blooming in the spring, the Weeping Cherry represents renewal and the beginning of new life, symbolizing the cycle of growth and rebirth.
- Purity: The Weeping Cherry's strikingly pure color stands for innocence and simplicity, often connected with the purity of intention or thought.
WaterThe Weeping Higan Cherry should be watered deeply and slowly to ensure the soil has been thoroughly saturated. In the absence of rain, watering once a week is typically adequate. Young trees especially benefit from roughly 10 to 15 gallons per week, while established trees may need more during prolonged dry spells. It's vital to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, so allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions. During winter months, water less frequently, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry.
LightThe Weeping Higan Cherry thrives in full sunlight, needing at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. The ideal spot would be an open space away from larger trees or buildings that could cast shade on it. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light may impede its flowering and overall growth.
TemperatureWeeping Higan Cherry trees can withstand a range of temperatures, from cold winters to warm summers. They're hardy to a minimum temperature of roughly -20 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate heat well into the 90s. Optimal growth and blooming occur when the temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning the Weeping Higan Cherry is important for maintaining its shape and removing any dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Prune occasionally to maintain its weeping form and to encourage more flowering, but avoid excessive pruning which can lead to stress for the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Weeping Higan Cherry requires well-draining, loamy soil with moderate fertility. An ideal soil mix would include equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand to ensure good drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is optimal for this variety of cherry.
RepottingThe Weeping Higan Cherry, being a larger landscape tree, does not undergo repotting. Instead, it should be planted in a location where it can grow undisturbed as it does not perform well with transplantation or repotting.
Humidity & MistingThe Weeping Higan Cherry is tolerant of a broad range of humidity levels and does not require any specific humidity conditions, making it suitable for many outdoor environments where it can receive natural air circulation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth due to size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleWeeping Higan Cherry (Prunus pendula 'Pendula Rosea') begins its life as a seed that can be dispersed by wind or animals. Once it germinates, it develops into a seedling with basic root, stem, and leaf structures. As it grows, the seedling evolves into a young sapling, characterized by a slender trunk and branches, which continue to expand through the juvenile phase. Over several years, the sapling matures into a flowering tree, capable of producing pink blooms each spring. After successful pollination, the flowers develop into small fruits, containing seeds that complete the cycle when dispersed. The mature tree may live for decades, going through repeated cycles of growth, flowering, and seed production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating the 'Pendula Rosea', also known as the Weeping Higan Cherry, is by grafting. This is primarily due to the plant's unique weeping form which is best ensured through this technique. Grafting is usually done in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. A piece of stem, called a scion, from a healthy 'Pendula Rosea' is attached to the rootstock of a compatible cherry species. The scion should contain two to three buds and be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length. The cut surfaces of both the scion and the rootstock are matched and bound together, allowing the tissues to grow and fuse. Once the graft has taken, which may be indicated by new growth emerging from the scion, the binding can typically be removed.
