Prunus serrulata "Kwanzan"
Kwanzan Cherry
Of all the flowering trees, none is as romantic as the ornamental cherry "Kwanzan," (Prunus serrulata "Kwanzan"). Like many cherries, it has a lovely, graceful vase-shape form, attractive bark and good fall color, but is best known for its stunning display of showy, double pink flowers that envelop the tree in late Spring, covering the tree in what look like tiny floral dresses. After flowering is another spectacular show as millions of petals shower down from the trees in a pink, whisper-soft snowfall.
I'll never forget the first time I saw this breathtaking tree in flower. I had rented my first ever house and knew nothing about the two trees out front except that they were enormous, nearly fifty feet tall. A friend identified them as flowering cherries, so as the rest of the neighborhood trees bloomed, I waited and waited. By the end of April, when other trees were finished and leaves began to appear, I gave up on having flowering trees.
A few warm days later, as I drove up the road to the house, I nearly wrecked my car. The two trees, which I now know were two of the largest "Kwanzan" I had ever seen, had bloomed in entirety, creating a canopy of pink frills. Later, when the bloom was finished and the snowfall of petals covered the yard in pink, I spent the entire weekend watching this unbelievable, straight-from-a-fairytale show, waiting for the elvish lady or medieval princess that was sure to appear at any moment. Those trees won my heart that year and I have loved them ever since.
Details
- USDA Zone: 5-9
- Mature Height: 30'-40'
- Mature Spread: 30'-40'
- Bloom Time: late Spring
- Fruit: None
- Habit: Vase-shaped with spreading, rounded crown.
- Growth rate: Medium
- Exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Tolerant of many soils, but prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Water: Somewhat drought tolerant; should not need supplemental water once established
Though the "Kwanzan" has a reputation for being easily stressed, relatively short lived and susceptible to disease, its spectacular show makes it worth these possible limitations. Crowns of this tree are very similar, making it an excellent candidate for lining walks or drives. It is also an excellent specimen tree and can be planted in containers or used for Bonsai. "Kwanzan" flowering cherry blooms in late Spring, up to two weeks later than other cherries. New leaves are bronze colored, then turn to dark green for the summer and yellow to copper in fall.
Comments (22)
Hi Angela,
Thank you for sharing the stunning cherry tree! I just love it, what a site to see, and you discribed it beautifully. I would love to be under it's canopy breathing in the perfumed air and petals falling on my head and shoulders...
I am still planning on doing the yellow challenge, haven't had time to post it yet but you will see me there!
Kindredly, Lynne Laura
Posted by Lynne Laura | April 30, 2008 11:14 PM
Posted on April 30, 2008 23:14
Gorgeous! I planted one last year and of course it is no where near that pretty yet, but I am still enjoying it.
Posted by Jen @ The Cottage Nest | May 1, 2008 7:45 AM
Posted on May 1, 2008 07:45
Beautiful! I've seen a few of these around town and never knew what they were. Thanks for the info!
I'm going to try to get my yellow pictures taken today! Oh, and I was so sad to see Brooke go home last night. Poor thing.
Posted by Mrs. B | May 1, 2008 10:07 AM
Posted on May 1, 2008 10:07
Wow, not only is the tree beautiful but your photographs of it are breathtaking! I really love that first photo!
Posted by cindy~my romantic home | May 1, 2008 11:50 AM
Posted on May 1, 2008 11:50
I need one of those trees, they are stunning. As always I love visiting your blog. Hummm the yellow challenge, I think I can do that. Does it have to be just yellow or can other colors in the same room be in the picture?
Posted by RoseMarie | May 1, 2008 5:31 PM
Posted on May 1, 2008 17:31
Absolutely stunning! And what beautiful photography.
Posted by Marlene | May 1, 2008 6:05 PM
Posted on May 1, 2008 18:05
I love your cherry tree. My life giving one is Mt Fuji which is white and has just struggled through our drought here in Victoria in the land of Oz.
We had the lowest rainfall in 11 years in April and this is the second/third drought year. I think I have lost a variegated tulip tree which takes years to flower, so am watching the Mt Fuji closely. I just adore the hanging clusters of white flowers.
But May has started with rain. Quite a lot of it for us. So I am feeling almost hopeful about Spring at least. Here at the end of Autumn.
Posted by jane | May 2, 2008 6:40 AM
Posted on May 2, 2008 06:40
GORGEOUS! Thank you for sharing these beautiful trees AND photos!
xo,
Kim
Posted by daisy cottage | May 2, 2008 7:01 AM
Posted on May 2, 2008 07:01
Your beautiful trees... and your sweet description won my heart. I so enjoy your blog. I hope to participate in the yellow challenge.. what a pleasure to see the pretty green insulator, my sweet daddy's favorite collectible....
Posted by Gayla Pappenfoht | May 2, 2008 8:35 AM
Posted on May 2, 2008 08:35
What a gorgeous tree! Those double pink blooms are amazing.
"...like tiny floral dresses." Love that description.
Kimberly :)
Posted by Niesz Vintage Home | May 2, 2008 3:04 PM
Posted on May 2, 2008 15:04
Wow that tree is simply stunning, no wonder you fell in love with them.
Cheers Linda
Posted by Linda | May 3, 2008 6:34 AM
Posted on May 3, 2008 06:34
Magnificent photos! The trees are stunning! Warm wishes Eleanor
Posted by Eleanor | May 3, 2008 7:49 AM
Posted on May 3, 2008 07:49
your photos are lovely!
Posted by Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss | May 3, 2008 1:20 PM
Posted on May 3, 2008 13:20
I have never seen such a beautiful tree. It almost doesn't look real. I came here from My Romantic Home. Enjoyed seeing the beautiful pictures of her home.
Posted by Charlotte | May 4, 2008 3:24 PM
Posted on May 4, 2008 15:24
oh your pics and your post brings back such delightful memories. growing up we had a minature right out our dining room window. it was about 4-5 feet high and every may it bloomed. my mom and dad just called it a japanese cherry tree. i loved those blossoms and tho i don't remember any smell i'm sure it was lovely. i had forgotton about the tree til i saw the pics you posted. what a flood of precious memories you brought back for me. thank you!
Posted by gail | May 4, 2008 8:20 PM
Posted on May 4, 2008 20:20
Just found your blog and I love it.
Especially this post on Kwanzaan's. I adore these trees. I have three of them in my front yard. They didn't bloom last year because we got a hard freeze just as the buds were bursting open. I was so disappointed I nearly cried.
This year they bloomed beautifully and it was an amazing sight.
I'll be back!
Kim
Posted by Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land | May 5, 2008 2:19 PM
Posted on May 5, 2008 14:19
Beautiful tree, wish I had room to plant one in my yard.
Posted by Theresa N | May 27, 2008 3:55 AM
Posted on May 27, 2008 03:55
What a beautiful tree, I was so excited to find that this tree will work in our zone, now, I am going to try to find a perfect spot for one in our yard, its sooo pretty!! thanks for sharing! do you know where this can be purchased? thanks again!
Posted by Ashley | May 29, 2008 11:09 AM
Posted on May 29, 2008 11:09
Your pictures make me want to garden in a big way!!! I only have a teeny tiny apartment balcony without much sun. Any ideas?
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
Posted by Michele | May 31, 2008 4:29 AM
Posted on May 31, 2008 04:29
Yes, these trees were in bloom when I decided to purchase the house that I am in. We have a circular drive and one tree on both side of house along the drive. Ah, but for only two weeks. But the pink blanket thereafter that it leaves is also enjoyable! Glad to have run into your site. Stop by and see me some time! Rita
Posted by Rita | January 10, 2009 10:11 AM
Posted on January 10, 2009 10:11
this tree is very lovely. i would like to know where to buy the seeds of this tree.
thanks for help,
MAHMOUD
Posted by MAHMOUD ABDELDAYEM | May 5, 2009 9:47 AM
Posted on May 5, 2009 09:47
Beautiful tree and beautiful photos. We had planted a Kwanzan Dogwood our first year here in the Midwest, but lost it to heavy rains the spring of 2008. Love your post.
Posted by Joanne | June 3, 2009 3:05 PM
Posted on June 3, 2009 15:05