In the right conditions Japanese flowering cherries can be utterly spectacular, twice a year.
Japanese flowering cherries (Prunus serrulata) are hybrids of garden origin that have been cultivated for ages, some for more than a thousand years. These spectacular deciduous trees are grown extensively across the temperate parts of the northern hemisphere in public parks, streets and private gardens. In South Africa they are found growing in the cooler, well-watered parts with some older specimens suggesting that they have been around for a century or more.
Most of them are small deciduous trees that burst into bloom during spring. Blossoms and foliage usually emerge simultaneously, presenting a fresh floral spectacle. Some new growth is copper or bronze, adding to the attraction of these beautiful plants. Flowers are borne in clusters and may be single, semi-double or fully double. Individual flower sizes also vary, as do the colours – from white and cream to different shades of pink and sometimes green. Attractive autumn foliage in shades of gold and tawny orange is another attribute of Japanese cherries that sometimes goes unnoticed.
Cultivation
This story is from the October 2018 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2018 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Touch of Class
A cut above the rest and attractive enough to fill all the spaces you can see in your garden or in pots...
Bordering on food aggression!
The economy, fires, drought, Russians, fuel prices, and politicians, dictated what we ate in my youth. The only exception was that Eskom worked...
Quarantining new koi fish
Give your new koi the best start
Big deal GLADIOLI
To get balance in a flower bed, we rely on tall flowering plants to provide height and show off amazing blooms. One of our favourites to plant are gladioli. They might look impressive, come in some gorgeous colours, and are great for a vase, but they are also easy to grow with a few golden rules.
PRETTY FILLER Scabiosa
There are over 70 varieties of Scabiosa (pincushion flower) in both the annuals and perennials categories with arguably some of the best ones local to our country, and excellent pollinator attractors too.
TRIPLE treat
A floral combo that's bursting with colour
CHLOROSIS how to fix it
Chlorosis is not a death sentence for your plants. With prompt identification and the right interventions, you can restore your plants to their lush, vibrant selves.
COREOPSIS 'UpTick'
For an easy-to-grow, tough perennial, with masses of pretty blooms, plant Coreopsis hybrids and watch the bees and butterflies come into your garden.
Decorative Dahlias
With a little basic care, you can grow these showstopping plants in your own backyard with minimal effort.
The beauty of BEGONIAS
For endless colour and a garden that looks vibrant throughout the seasons, these are your go-to choices.