Dwarf weeping cherry trees are a gorgeous addition to any landscape. With their cascading branches covered in pink or white flowers each spring, they provide stunning seasonal interest. Their small size also makes them an ideal option for compact areas. This guide will provide tips on selecting planting and caring for dwarf weeping cherry trees.
An Overview of Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees
Dwarf weeping cherry trees, also known by their botanical name Prunus subhirtella pendula, are small ornamental versions of the larger weeping cherry tree They are deciduous trees that bloom in spring before growing lush green leaves in summer and turning brilliant shades of orange and red in fall
The most distinctive feature of dwarf weeping cherries is their cascading branches that give them a graceful, weeping shape. These branches are smothered in flowers in spring. The blooms may be white, pink, or rose depending on the variety. Once the flowers fade, they give way to inedible small black fruit.
Dwarf weeping cherry trees grow to about 8-15 feet tall and wide at maturity, making them well-suited for small yards. They grow at a slow rate and have a vase-shaped form with branches that cascade downward.
There are several popular dwarf weeping cherry tree cultivars to choose from, including:
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Snow Fountain – Features weeping white blooms. Grows 8-15 feet tall.
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Pink Snow Showers – Pink version of Snow Fountain. 8-12 feet tall.
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Cheal’s Weeping Cherry – Large pink double blooms. 10-15 feet tall.
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Hiromi – Compact tree with pink flowers. Grows just 3-6 feet tall.
Growing Conditions for Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees
When selecting a spot for your dwarf weeping cherry, there are a few factors to consider regarding growing conditions:
Sunlight: Dwarf weeping cherries require full sun for best growth and maximum flower production. They need at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Soils: These trees thrive in moist, well-draining loamy soil. Soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.
pH: They prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH around 6.0-6.5.
Wind Protection: Shelter from strong winds helps prevent damage to the delicate branching structure.
Climate: Most dwarf weeping cherry tree varieties grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. Select trees suited for your zone.
Spacing: Space trees at least 6-10 feet from other plants to allow their cascading branches to spread.
When to Plant Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees
The ideal time to plant dwarf weeping cherries is in early spring before growth begins. Container-grown trees can be planted later in the growing season if they are watered consistently after planting.
If planting in spring, aim to get young trees in the ground 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. This gives roots time to establish before summer heat arrives.
How to Plant Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees
Follow these tips for successful planting:
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Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-draining soil.
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Dig a hole 2-3 times as wide as the root ball and no deeper than root ball.
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Place tree in hole and backfill with native soil, gently firming soil around base.
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Ensure the root flare sits at soil level. Do not plant too deep.
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Water thoroughly after planting and add 2-4 inches of mulch around base.
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Stake tree for support for the first 1-2 years until established.
Caring for Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees
Dwarf weeping cherry trees are relatively low maintenance once established but require some care to thrive:
Watering: Provide 1 inch of water per week during spring and summer, adjusting for rainfall. Water deeply and infrequently.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring. Weeping cherries are light feeders and don’t need much.
Pruning: Requires little pruning other than removing dead or damaged branches and suckers.
Pests: Aphids and spider mites may sometimes be a problem. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays if needed.
Diseases: Can be susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered. Improve drainage and air circulation to prevent issues.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Here are solutions to a few potential issues with dwarf weeping cherry trees:
Not blooming: Ensure tree gets full sun. Fertilize lightly in early spring. Avoid excess nitrogen.
Sparse foliage: Check for pests like spider mites. Improve drainage if soil stays too wet.
Leaf spots: Prune out affected foliage. Improve air circulation. Water at base of tree rather than foliage.
Branches touching ground: Prune back overly long branches in late winter to elevate off ground.
Enjoying Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees
With their gracefully cascading branches and abundant spring blooms, dwarf weeping cherry trees are sure to beautify any small landscape. Follow the tips provided in this guide to help your tree thrive for years of seasonal interest. Properly sited and cared for, dwarf weeping cherries will enhance your garden with their signature weeping form and spectacular floral display.
Types of Weeping Cherry Trees
There are many different types of weeping cherry tree, but here we’ll discuss the most common types and what makes them stand out from the other trees.
Prunus pendula rosea has weeping branches that produce deep rosy-pink flowers in clusters.
This is the most popular variety of weeping cherry trees. It produces deep rosy-pink flowers that bloom on weeping branches in late winter/early spring. Flowers appear in clusters of 2-5 blooms.
As flowers fade, small black inedible berries appear in their place. Mature trees have a height and spread of 15-25 feet. Foliage turns red and orange in the fall.
This variety produces white flowers resembling a fountain of snow.
This dwarf weeping cherry tree has a mature height and spread of 8-10 feet. As its name would suggest, this variety showcases white flowers giving it the appearance of a fountain of snow. The flowers are fragrant, and the green summer foliage turns a lovely golden orange in the fall.
The Japanese dwarf weeping cherry produces double pink flowers resembling a small chrysanthemum.
This dwarf weeping cherry tree reaches a height and spread of 10-15 feet. It produces pink, double flowers. Kiku-Shidare-Zakura means “weeping chrysanthemum cherry” as the pink flowers have the appearance of a small chrysanthemum.
Prunus jacquemontii is a compact tree that produces pink flowers.
This is one of the smaller dwarf weeping cherry tree varieties with a mature height of 6-7 feet and a spread of 2-4 feet. Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for small spaces. It produces pink flowers, and because of its short height and even smaller width, it can appear more as a bush than a tree.
Double weeping cherry produces deep pink double flowers clustered in groups of 3-4 with a red calyx.
This variety produces deep pink double flowers. These trees are covered in blooms, clustered in groups of 3-4, each with a red calyx. Their display lasts a week or so longer than other varieties. Mature height and spread of 15-25 feet.
The Yoshino cherry produces white flowers in early spring.
This type is one of the larger varieties with a mature height and spread of 20-30 feet. The branches are covered in white flowers in early spring. The green summer foliage turns a bronze-gold before shedding for the winter.
All About The Weeping Cherry Tree
Weeping cherry tree is a long-lived tree with small flowers and inedible berries.
Prunus subhirtella and Prunus pendula are the botanical names for this tree, also known as the weeping Higan cherry tree. It originated in Japan and was one of the first varieties of cherry blossom trees introduced to the U.S. and Europe in the mid to late nineteenth century.
In Japanese culture, cherry blossom trees symbolize renewal because of their bloom time in the spring. However, since the blooms are short-lived, they are also symbolic of the fleeting nature of life. In Western culture, the gift of a cherry tree is supposed to symbolize good luck.
This perennial tree with weeping branches is considered a long-term investment in landscaping as it can grow for up to 30-40 years. The flowers are small, about an inch in diameter, and range from white to pinkish-white, and pink.
Since these are deciduous trees, they will bloom in the early spring. Once the blooms fall, they are replaced by green foliage.
The foliage will eventually turn golden in the autumn, and the tree will lose its foliage completely in the winter. The tiny berries that these trees produce are inedible, but they do provide forage for wildlife such as birds, squirrels and even deer.
Dwarf Snow Fountains Weeping Cherry Tree
FAQ
How big does a dwarf weeping cherry tree get?
How tall does a dwarf Weeping Cherry tree get? The White Snow Weeping Cherry has a mature height of 8-15 feet and a mature width of 8-10 feet. What Shipping Options Do You Offer?
What are the disadvantages of a weeping cherry tree?
What is the biggest con to planting a weeping cherry trees? As prone to pest attacks and diseases as they are, they are short-lived. There are many great flowering trees; consider another choice if longevity is important to you.
How close to a house can I plant a dwarf cherry tree?
Generally, you should plant a cherry tree at least 15 to 20 feet away from your house. This distance helps ensure that the tree has enough space to grow without interfering with the structure, roots do not damage foundations, and branches do not pose a risk to the roof or windows.
What is the best small weeping cherry tree?
- Crystal Falls® A compact winter-flowering cherry with double-white flowers and a weeping habit. …
- Frilly FrockTM. A small weeping ornamental cherry tree, ideal for small gardens. …
- Kiku-shidare-zakura. …
- Pendula. …
- Pendula Plena Rosea. …
- Pendula Rubra. …
- Snow Showers. …
- Weeping Yoshino.