In the United States, nothing signals the arrival of spring in our nation’s capital like the blooming of the Japanese Cherry Trees and the three-week-long National Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the occasion. There are over three thousand cherry trees in Washington DC. The brilliant blossoms attract as many as 1.5 million visitors each season. This year the festival runs from March 20th to April 14th, 2019. Events are primarily free and open to the public. For additional information visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival Website.
The Washington DC event dates back to 1912 when Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees were gifted to the United States by Tokyo’s mayor. In return, the U.S. government reciprocated with a gift of flowering Dogwood trees to the people of Japan. Today, the National Cherry Blossom Festival honors the close ties between the Japanese and American Governments. During full bloom, these beautiful trees create an unforgettable sea of pink and white as pictured here surrounding the Jefferson Memorial.
Add A Magnificient Tree To Your Gardenscape
Like our national festival, celebrations around the world surrounding the blooming of the Cherry trees are common. This tree is planted not only because of its beauty but because it represents to us the changing seasons that symbolizes the spring, summer, fall, and winter of human life. The homeowner who chooses to plant a Japanese Cherry tree will be rewarded time and time again with its billowing light pink to ivory white flowers.
Japanese cherry trees include several varieties; however, the most common cultivar is the Japanese Flowering Cherry, Prunus serrulata, or the Yoshino Cherry tree. Cherry trees belong to the Rose family. In the United States, these trees prefer USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. Plant this tree in a variety of sun exposure regions, including full sun to partial shade. Minimal pruning is needed for this cultivar, which naturally produces a rounded shape.
Ornamental Cherry trees are tolerant of a variety of acidic soil conditions from sandy and loamy to clay soils which will all support this tree. As long as there is adequate drainage your tree should do well however, standing water should be avoided. These cherry trees are mildly drought tolerant; however, if you live in a location prone to severe droughts, consider planting it in partial shade to reduce water evaporation. When first planted and during the first summer trees should receive thirty minutes of water to encourage the development of a deep root system. Additionally, using mulch can help conserve water and disperse the water more evenly.
Interesting Facts About Yoshino Cherry Trees:
- This amazing tree is a clone of a single tree and propagated by grafting.
- The gorgeous Yoshino Cherry is native to Japan
- The Yoshino grows quickly, especially when it is young, up to 3 to 4 feet per year
- These trees do not produce edible fruit
- Beware, this tree is prone to diseases and pests
- Its reddish bark is marked with prominent lenticels
This tree is a winner for any temperate garden. Plant your own Japanese Cherry Tree and enjoy your own everlasting festival.