Prunus Kansan

Prunus Kansan - Japanese Flowering Cherry

Why Buy Me?

• A lovely shaped tree
• Foliage changes with the seasons
• Flowering in Spring

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and foliage colour. Tolerates light shade, but flowering may be reduced.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Prefers loamy or sandy soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained, waterlogged soils.

Exposure:
Performs well in sheltered or moderately exposed sites. Hardy in USDA zones 5–8 (UK H5), tolerant of frost but best planted out of strong winds to protect the blossom.

Drought Tolerance:
Low to moderate. Needs regular watering in dry conditions, especially when young or during flowering. More tolerant once established, but prolonged drought will reduce flower performance.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in autumn or early spring when the ground is workable and moist. Choose a sunny, open site away from root competition.

Spacing:
Allow 5–7 metres (16–23 feet) between trees. Grows to a mature height of 6–10 metres (20–33 feet) with a similar or slightly narrower spread. Forms a vase-shaped crown with upward-arching branches.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during the first few years. Once established, water during extended dry periods. Apply a balanced fertilizer or mulch with compost in early spring to support flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Minimal pruning required — remove dead, damaged, or congested wood after flowering in late spring to early summer. Avoid heavy pruning to preserve the tree’s natural form.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Masses of rich pink, double flowers in dense clusters cover the branches in mid- to late spring (April–May). One of the most striking cherry blossoms for ornamental impact. Young leaves emerge bronze, adding colour contrast.

Summer:
Green to bronze-green foliage forms a dense canopy. Provides dappled shade and maintains an attractive, structured form.

Autumn:
Leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, or copper-red before falling — offering an additional season of colour interest.

Winter:
Bare branches and smooth, dark bark create subtle winter structure, though not a standout feature in this season.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Flowers attract bees and early pollinators. Not a major source of fruit, so less value to birds or mammals. Can serve as a light shelter tree for garden birds.

Garden Use:
Excellent specimen tree for lawns, avenues, courtyards, or larger borders. Highly ornamental and suited to both formal and informal gardens. Often used in public plantings due to its showy spring display.

Companion Plants:
Underplant with spring bulbs (e.g. Tulips, Narcissus, Crocus), or with early perennials like Brunnera, Pulmonaria, or Primula. Combines well with other spring-flowering trees such as Magnolia or Amelanchier.