This is your go-to guide to exploring all the popular types of dwarf weeping cherry trees, full of tips on how to take care of them so they thrive all year long.
Dwarf weeping cherry trees are a beautiful and popular addition to any home garden. These trees are known for their delicate, cascading branches covered in small white or pink flowers. These trees are relatively easy to care for, and they can provide years of enjoyment with proper care. This guide will inform you about the popular types and how to best take care of your dwarf weeping cherry tree. From planting to pruning, everything you need to know is right here.
Article Contents
Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees and their Characteristics
So what is a Dwarf Weeping Cherry Tree anyway? Knowing this will help you better grasp the care guide we will discuss later.
What are Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees?
Dwarf weeping cherry trees are a type of ornamental cherry tree that is popular for their small size and beautiful cascading branches. These trees are often found in home gardens and public parks. They are flowering trees from the genus Prunus, which includes cherries, plums, and peaches.
The trees have a droopy growth habit and soft, flexible branches that cascade downwards. The dwarf weeping cherry tree is deciduous, meaning it will lose its leaves every fall. These trees produce small white or pink flowers covering their branches in the springtime. The flowers are very delicate and have a short lifespan, but they are incredibly beautiful while they last.
Ideal for small gardens, getting this type of tree is a great way to add some flair and decoration - not to mention the spring bloom, during which they can produce simply gorgeous flowers to uplift the aesthetics of your garden exponentially. On top of that, they are also low-maintenance, ideal for busy people who don't have much time to spend caring for their trees.
Their Fundamental Characteristics
To get a better understanding of these trees, here are some of their essential characteristics:
- As their name suggests, dwarf weeping cherry trees are smaller than the average cherry tree. Their average height ranges from 3 to 3.6 m (10" to 12"); occasionally, they reach about 4.5 to 6 m (15" to 20").
- The branches of these trees droop down gracefully and can cover an area up to twice the tree's height.
- It is a fruit-bearing tree with low stature and a weeping form.
- The leaves of dwarf weeping cherry trees are dark green and ovate-shaped. They are usually between 2 and 4 inches long. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful yellow or orange before falling off the tree.
- The flowers of dwarf weeping cherry trees are usually white or pink, and they bloom in the springtime.
- The flowers they produce are very delicate and have a short lifespan, but they are incredibly lovely while they last.
- They produce fruits, but they are small, sour, and inedible. However, the fruits attract birds who enjoy them.
- Their USDA zones are 4 through 9, and they can have a lifespan of around 10 to 20 years with proper care.
- These trees are not a fan of drought conditions, which can halt their growth.
- They are also susceptible to diseases and pests, so keep an eye out for that.
While we're at it, let's look at some potential questions that might arise in your mind, such as:
What is the Average Height of Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees?
What is their Natural Habitat?
Popular Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees
Now that your know the basics of these trees, let's look at some of the popular types:
Japanese Dwarf Weeping Cherry Blossom Tree
Scientific name: Prunus serrulata
This is one of the most popular types of weeping cherry trees, and In Japanese, they are called Sakura. It is a deciduous tree that blooms in the springtime. They have shiny and smooth branches that droop downwards, forming an umbrella-like tree canopy. The barks give off a smooth copper shine, and the leaves are glossy and dark green. When the leaves fall off in autumn, they turn yellow or orange.
The flowers of Japanese dwarf weeping cherry trees grow in clusters on the drooping branches and are white and pink with a touch of crimson. The flowers have a very short lifespan, but they bloom in such great numbers that the tree's beauty is not affected. They're best described as a mass of ruffled petals and chrysanthemum-like flowers with a sweet fragrance.
Japanese dwarf weeping cherry trees are found in the mountainous regions of Japan. They grow to a height of about 3 to 4 m (10" to 13"); however, some specimens can even reach up to 6 m (20'). The branches of these trees are very strong, and they can live for hundreds of years with proper care.
The flowers of these trees have great symbolic value in Japanese culture and are utilized in many festivals and celebrations. Their flowers are also used to make traditional Japanese sweets and cakes. These trees are considered a national treasure in Japan and have an incredible ornamental appeal.
Hiromi Dwarf Weeping Cherry Tree
Scientific name: Prunus jacquemontii ‘Hiromi’
This is another popular type of weeping cherry tree known for its beautiful flowers. It is the smallest dwarf weeping cherry tree, reaching only about 1 to 2 m (3' to 6'). Like other cherry trees, Hiromi is also a deciduous tree with a beautiful arch-like canopy and a slender shrub-like growing habit. This gives the tree a delicate and fragile look with a spread of about 0.6 to 1.2 m (2' to 4').
When the flowers bloom, the tree is completely covered in them. The flowers are white with a touch of pink and have a lovely fragrance. Their blooming period is very short, lasting only a few days, but the flowers are so beautiful that they are worth the wait.
They give a beautiful cascading effect, and you will see five-petaled flowers before the leaves appear. Since they are deciduous trees, the leaves drop in the fall. They are lanceolate shaped and green that turns into a yellow-gold color during the fall season.
This dwarf tree produces small plum-like drupes that are black. They are not edible to humans, but birds love them. USDA zones 4 through 8 are perfect for their growth and they like full sun to partial shade. These are very popular ornamental trees and can be found in many gardens and parks. This is the perfect tree for you if you have limited space in your yard.
Snow Fountain Dwarf Weeping Cherry Tree
Scientific name: Prunus serrulata' Snow Fountain'
This is one of the most beautiful weeping cherry trees with a distinctive look. As the name suggests, this tree looks like a fountain of snow with cascading branches. Also called Weeping Higan Cherry and Snofozam, it is a deciduous tree that blooms in the springtime.
It grows to about 2.4 to 4.5 m (8' to 15') tall. With a spread of 1.8 to 2.4 m (6' to 8'). The branches droop to the ground during the bloom and are covered in beautiful white flowers. The pendulous branches covered in white flowers give the essence of snowfall in the spring.
Their flowers have a light fragrance, blooming for about two weeks in the springtime. After the blooming period, the flowers are replaced by small black drupes that are not edible to humans, but birds love them. The leaves are ovate-shaped and green in color with a toothed margin. In the fall, the leaves turn shades of golden-yellow and orange before they drop off.
It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8 and prefers full sun to partial shade. Plus, it thrives when planted in loamy, moist soil. This tree is perfect for small gardens and yards as it doesn't take up much space. It is also a very popular ornamental tree and can be found in many parks and gardens.
Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees Care Guide
Dwarf weeping cherry trees are popular for their beautiful flowers and cascading effect. Before you go out and get one, there are a few things you need to know about their care.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about caring for your dwarf weeping cherry tree, including ideal growing conditions, how to prune them, and common problems to look out for.
Ideal Place to Plant Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees
The first and foremost thing you need to do is find the right spot to plant the tree. Dwarf weeping cherry trees need full sun and moist, well-drained soil. They can withstand some shade, but it's not ideal for their growth. If you are planning to plant them in your yard, choose a spot with plenty of sunlight. They need around 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.
There are other factors you need to keep in mind to pick the right spot to plant your tree. Here are some of them:
- Make sure the spot you select fulfills the sunlight requirements.
- The spot should be protected from strong winds as the branches of these trees are fragile and can break easily.
- For good air circulation, ensure to leave enough space between the trees.
- They are not very salt tolerant so avoid planting them near the road where the salt from deicing can damage their roots.
- Mind the spacing because their drooping branches form a broad spread, and you won't have to prune down the branches as they grow.
Soil Requirements for Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees
Once you have selected the right spot, the next thing you need to do is prepare the soil. As mentioned earlier, these trees need moist but well-drained soil to thrive. The best way to achieve this is by adding organic matter to the soil. This can be done by adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting. This will help improve the drainage and aeration of the soil. On the other hand, if your garden has clay soil, the drainage part needs a fix. This can be done by mixing in compost or perlite.
It is also important to ensure the soil's pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. You can test the pH level of your soil with a home soil test kit. If the pH is too high or low, you can adjust it by adding the appropriate amount of lime or sulfur to the soil.
How to Plant Dwarf Weeping Cherry Trees
Now that you know the ideal conditions and soil requirements for planting, it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty. You should know the right way and time to plant these trees so they can establish themselves well and grow into healthy trees.
The best time to plant dwarf weeping cherry trees is in early spring, just before they start to bud. This gives them enough time to develop roots before the hot summer days arrive.
Here are the steps you need to follow for planting:
- When it comes to planting, the process is pretty straightforward. Just dig a hole twice the width and depth of the tree's root ball.
- Once you have dug the hole, mix some compost or well-rotted manure into the excavated soil. This will help improve the drainage and aeration of the soil.
- Place the tree in the hole, backfill it with the excavated soil, and ensure that the soil is in line with the ground.
- Firmly press the soil to remove air pockets, gentle enough not to damage the roots. Then water the tree well to settle the soil around it.
- Mulch the area around the tree to protect its roots and retain moisture in the soil.
And that's it! You have successfully planted a dwarf weeping cherry tree in your garden.
Watering Needs
Once you have planted the tree, it's essential to water it regularly and deeply. This is especially true for the first few weeks after planting, as the roots need time to establish themselves. Apart from the initial stage, they need plenty of water during the spring and summer.
Water the tree once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. Be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root problems like root rot. A thumb rule you can imply for watering is letting the top layer of soil partially dry between watering. Plus, don't water them during the winters as they are dormant and don't need much water during this time.
Fertilizing Needs
Fertilizing is important for plants as it helps them grow and develop properly. The same goes for dwarf weeping cherry trees. You can fertilize your tree in early spring, just before it starts to bud. You can use a balanced fertilizer that's formulated for fruit trees. Follow the directions on the fertilizer label for the right amount to use.
Mulching Needs
Mulching is a vital aspect of tree care as it helps to retain moisture in the soil and protect their roots. For dwarf weeping cherry trees, you can mulch the area around the tree with organic materials like bark chips, wood chips, or shredded leaves.
This will not only help to retain moisture but also keep the roots cool during the hot summer months. Plus, it will also help to suppress weeds.
Pruning Needs
Pruning is an integral part of the care routine for these trees. It helps to keep them in shape and also encourages the growth of new leaves and flowers. However, dwarf weeping cherry trees rarely require pruning. The essential need for pruning these trees is to keep the branches from touching the ground.
You should prune them only after the tree is established, which is after 5 years. After that, you can prune them in late winter or early spring, just before they start to bud. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also trim the overgrown branches to keep the tree in shape.
Pests and Diseases
Dwarf weeping cherry trees are generally disease-resistant. However, they are susceptible to pests like aphids, caterpillars, and scale insects. These pests can damage the leaves and flowers of the tree. Let's look at some of these trees' most common pests and diseases.
Aphids: Aphids are small, green insects that feed on the sap of the leaves and flowers. They can cause the leaves to curl and distort. In severe infestations, they can even cause the leaves to drop off.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They feed on the tree leaves, causing them to become ragged and torn. In severe infestations, they can even defoliate the tree.
Cherry Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that affects the tree's leaves. It causes small, purple, yellow, black, and brown spots to form on the leaves. The size of the spots increases as the infection spreads, causing the leaves to fall eventually.
Powdery Mildew: It's a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the tree's leaves and flowers. This can cause stunted growth on the branches and, if not controlled, cause leaves to fall prematurely.
Japanese Beetles: Japanese beetles are a type of beetle that feeds on the leaves and flowers of the tree. The larvae of these insects live in the soil and emerge as adult beetles in late spring. They are shiny, greenish-brown in color, and have a black stripe running down their backs.
Twig Cankers: Twig cankers are small, dark-colored lesions that form on the twigs and branches of the tree. If left uncontrolled, they can girdle and kill the tree. This bacterial disease is common in young trees and can also develop during the spring.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that feed on the sap of the leaves. They cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop off. In severe infestations, they can even kill the tree.
Verticillium Wilt: Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the vascular system of the tree. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and wilt. This soil-borne fungal disease is expected during the summer but can develop at any time of the year.
These were some of the most common pests and diseases of dwarf weeping cherry trees. Now that you know about them, you can take steps to control them.
Ways to protect your trees:
The best way to control pests and diseases is to keep your tree healthy. Make sure to water it regularly and fertilize it according to the recommended schedule. You should also prune it regularly to maintain its shape and size. If you notice any pests or diseases, make sure to treat them immediately.
This brings us to the end of our guide on dwarf weeping cherry trees. We hope that you found it helpful and informative. These trees are perfect for small gardens and are easy to care for. Remember the tips we've shared with you, and you'll be sure to have a beautiful and healthy tree. Thanks for reading!
