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Plant Profiles / Weeping cherry
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Weeping cherry
Prunus × subhirtella 'Pendula' · Weeping Higan cherry
Cascading branches covered in soft pink blossom in early spring. A graceful centrepiece for any garden.
Full sunLight
WeeklyWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Best in full sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Keep moist, not wet.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-20–35°C (-4–95°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy.
Growth
Slow
SlowFast
Grows 2–4 m.
Soil
Free-draining soil
LeanRich
Quality mix.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
Slow-release fertiliser.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Leaves, stems and seeds toxic to pets.
About this plant
Weeping cherries are grafted onto a tall trunk so their branches fall like a fountain. They stay compact, making them ideal for courtyards and pots.
Best spots
Courtyards, front gardens and large feature pots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Prunus × subhirtella 'Pendula' |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Origin | Japan (cultivar) |
| Plant type | Deciduous tree |
| Mature size | 2–4 m |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Flowers | Pink blossom |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Grafting |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Flowering
Prune
Fertilise
PlantFloweringPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Shoots growing up | Remove rootstock shoots. |
| Leaf curl | Fungal; spray in winter. |
| Gummy bark | Stress or borers. |
| Few flowers | More sun. |
Common questions
Will it get tall?
No, height is set by the graft.
Is it pet safe?
No.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes.
When does it flower?
Early spring.




