Weeping Cherry

Weeping cherry is among the most dramatic and romantic ornamental trees, with pendulous branches cascading to the ground in a curtain of spring blossoms. Most garden specimens are grafted, with the weeping cultivar grafted onto an upright rootstock at a height of 5 to 6 feet. Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Position the tree as a specimen where the full weeping form can be appreciated from multiple angles.

Plant in spring or fall. Stake newly planted grafted trees for the first year or two until the graft union is well established. Water deeply at planting and weekly during the first two growing seasons. Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

The most critical maintenance task is removing any shoots that emerge from below the graft union, which will be upright-growing and will eventually dominate and kill the weeping top if left unchecked. Remove these suckers as soon as they appear by tearing or cutting flush to the trunk. Prune the weeping canopy lightly after flowering, removing any branches that drag on the ground or cross other branches. The interior of the canopy should be thinned periodically to allow air circulation and prevent disease.

The weeping cherry (Prunus subhirtella 'Pendula') traces its origins to Japan, where it has been cultivated as an ornamental tree for well over a millennium. The species Prunus subhirtella is native to the temperate forests of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, where it grows naturally in mountain woodlands alongside maples and oaks. The pendulous weeping form arose as a natural genetic mutation that was noticed and selectively propagated by Japanese gardeners during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Buddhist monks planted early specimens in temple courtyards, where they became symbols of the transient beauty of life, a concept known as mono no aware. By the Edo period (1603-1868), weeping cherries had become essential elements of Japanese garden design, and dozens of named cultivars were being traded among feudal lords. The tree was introduced to Western horticulture in the mid-nineteenth century when plant explorers brought specimens to Europe and North America. Notable introductions were made through the Arnold Arboretum in Boston during the 1890s. Today the weeping cherry thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8 and is widely planted as a specimen tree in parks, residential landscapes, and botanical gardens around the world. Popular cultivars include 'Pendula Plena Rosea' with its double pink flowers, 'Snow Fountains' with white blossoms and compact size, and 'Pink Snow Showers' which offers disease resistance. The tree typically reaches 20 to 30 feet in height and spread at maturity, creating a graceful dome-shaped canopy that sweeps toward the ground. Its enduring appeal lies in the dramatic spring flowering display and elegant year-round architectural form.

Weeping cherry requires well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It performs best in loamy, fertile soil but tolerates clay if drainage is improved. Avoid wet sites where root rot and crown rot are risks. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Excessive nitrogen promotes rank vegetative growth that detracts from the graceful weeping form. Mulch with 2 to 3 inches of organic matter to maintain soil moisture and reduce weed competition around the base.

Weeping cherry is grown purely for ornamental value and does not produce edible fruit. The cascading flower-laden branches can be cut for spectacular indoor arrangements in spring. Cut branches when buds show color but before fully opening for the longest vase life. The dramatic weeping form is particularly stunning when illuminated from below for evening garden lighting. In Japanese tradition, weeping cherries are considered among the most elegant and emotionally evocative of all flowering trees.

Cut flowering branches of weeping cherry last 5 to 8 days in water. Recut stems at an angle and use floral preservative to extend life. Dormant branches cut in late winter can be forced into bloom indoors by placing in warm water in a bright room; expect blooms in 1 to 3 weeks. Individual flowers can be preserved following the Japanese sakura-zuke method, pickling partially opened blossoms in salt and plum vinegar for use in traditional teas and confections.