Caring for Kwanzan Cherry Trees
by Lee Wyatt
(last updated September 12, 2014)
Kwanzan cherry trees are so beautiful, that they have become a symbol of a nation, a treasured gift, and immortalized in song an poem for generations. These beautiful trees typically grow to a minimum of 15 feet, and have the potential to grow up to twice that high with the proper care. With their beautiful double-pink flowers, there can be no mistaking them when they are seen. Caring for Kwanzan cherry trees is actually fairly easy to do, so if you want to add this gorgeous tree to your landscape design here is what you need to do.
- Soil requirements. A Kwanzan cherry tree can tolerate clay, loam, sandy, acidic, alkaline, occasionally wet, and well drained soils. That being said, this tree thrives in soil that is loose, and plenty of moisture. This tree is not one that is ideal for planting along an exposed street or a parking lot. Ideally speaking, the soil will have very good drainage, as well as plenty of humus, and has a low salt content.
- Sunlight. These cherry trees require a lot of sunlight. In fact, these trees should be planted in full sunlight and not in the shade. These trees do not deal well with excessive shade, and typically need at least six hours a day of full sunlight.
- Watering. On the average, a Kwanzan cherry tree is moderately drought resistant. However, if you want to see your tree really thrive, then provide a regular watering. Typically, means that you only need to water the tree deeply once a week. You can tell if you need to water your tree again, if the top three inches of soil around the tree are dry. Ideally, the Kwanzan cherry tree requires between 1/2 an inch to 1 inch of water each week.
- Nutrition. This tree doesn't really require a whole lot of attention throughout the year to ensure proper growth. Typically all you will need to do is mix in a slow releasing complete fertilizer, that has been designed for flowering trees, once a year to meet all of the tree's nutritional requirements.
- Climate. The Kwanzan cherry tree is not native to the United States, but does enjoy some decent life here. Originally, this cherry tree is from the Japanese islands, and from the Chinese mainland. That being said, the tree will thrive in the USDA hardiness zones of 5B through 9A. It can also put up with temperatures as low as 15 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit).
- Pruning. Pruning of this tree should be accomplished in the early summer, after the first blossoming has been experienced. This will allow you to identify the dead or diseased tree branches that need to be removed. Also remove any branches that appear to be crowded or growing back inwards towards the trunk.
- Common pest problems. The Kwanzan cherry tree is susceptible to aphids, mites and caterpillars