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Plant Profiles / Flowering cherry 'Kwanzan'
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Flowering cherry 'Kwanzan'
Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan' · Kwanzan cherry, Japanese flowering cherry
One of the most spectacular spring trees, covered in clusters of large, double pink blossoms. Bronze new leaves turn green in summer and orange-red in autumn.
Full sunLight
WeeklyWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
At least 6 hours of sun for the best blossom.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Water deeply once a week, more in hot or dry spells. Mulch.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Good airflow helps prevent leaf diseases.
Temperature
Needs winter chill, -30–32°C (-22–90°F)
CoolWarm
Needs cold winters to flower well.
Growth
Moderate, vase-shaped
SlowFast
Grows 6–9 m in the ground; 2–3 m in pots.
Soil
Well-drained
LeanRich
Fertile, well-drained soil. Dislikes waterlogging.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
A balanced slow-release feed in early spring.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Leaves, stems and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides.
About this plant
'Kanzan' (often spelled 'Kwanzan') is a Japanese cultivar famous for its fluffy, double pink flowers. It's one of the trees in Washington DC's cherry blossom displays. It has a vase-shaped form and doesn't produce fruit.
Best spots
Front gardens, courtyards and large pots in cool to temperate climates.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan' |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Origin | Japan |
| Plant type | Deciduous flowering tree |
| Mature size | 6–9 m (2–3 m in pots) |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Bronze new growth, orange-red in autumn |
| Flowers | Large double pink blossoms |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Grafting |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Active growth
Autumn colour
Prune
FloweringActive growthAutumn colourPrune
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Holes in leaves | Shot-hole disease. Remove affected leaves and improve airflow. |
| Gummy sap oozing | Stress or borers. Keep the tree well watered. |
| Few flowers | Not enough sun or chill. |
| Curled leaves | Aphids. Hose off or use soap spray. |
| Branch dieback | Canker; prune out in dry weather. |
Common questions
Does 'Kwanzan' produce cherries?
No, it's grown purely for its blossoms.
When should I prune?
In summer after flowering, to reduce disease risk.
How long does the blossom last?
Usually 1–2 weeks.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes, in a large pot, but it'll stay smaller.
