Weeping Cherry.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Deciduous ornamental tree

Light

Full sun to partial shade.

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Varies greatly by cultivar, typically 3-6 meters tall and wide.

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 4 to 8

Bloom time

Early to mid-spring

Care

Provide good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues. Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Ensure adequate sunlight for best flowering.

Watering

Water regularly during the first year, then as needed, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Feeding

Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer if growth is weak.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree and remove dead or diseased branches.

Repotting

Repot young trees every 2-3 years to refresh soil and check roots; mature trees rarely need repotting.

Soil

Well-drained, fertile loam.

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

Temperature

-34.4 to 28.9°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

Edibility

Fruit is not typically eaten by humans.

How to identify it

• Branches weep downwards.
• Showy spring blossoms.
• Often grafted onto upright rootstock.
• Deciduous foliage.
• Bark is typically smooth and dark.

Height

3 to 6m

Spread

3 to 6m

Leaves

Green, Yellow (fall color), deciduous

Flowers

White, Pink, 2.5 to 5cm

Fruit

Red, Black, Late summer

Common problems

• Aphids — Small, soft-bodied insects that can cause leaf distortion and sooty mold.
• Borers — Larvae tunnel into the bark and wood, weakening the tree.
• Powdery mildew — White, powdery growth on leaves, stems, and flowers.
• Brown rot — Causes blighting of flowers and shoots, and rotting of fruit.
• Verticillium wilt — Fungal disease causing wilting and dieback of branches.

Growing it

Propagation

Grafting, Budding

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips or daffodils at the base for an extended floral display.

Grows well with

• Japanese Maple — Their contrasting forms and textures create a beautiful garden composition.
• Azaleas — They bloom around the same time, offering complementary colors and growing well in similar conditions.
• Hostas — Their lush foliage provides a lovely groundcover that thrives in the dappled shade beneath a weeping cherry.

Keep away from

• Walnut — Walnut trees exude juglone, a substance toxic to many other plants, including cherries.
• Very wet soil — Weeping cherries dislike waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.

Similar species

• Yoshino Cherry — It also offers abundant spring blossoms but has an upright, spreading habit rather than a weeping one.
• Kwanzan Cherry — Known for its profuse double pink flowers, it has an upright, vase-shaped form.

Science

Family

Rosaceae

Genus

Prunus

Order

Rosales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Hybrid or cultivar originating from East Asia.

In its native or cultivated habitat, it provides shelter and food for various small animals and insects, contributing to local biodiversity.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

Ornamental tree, Specimen plant, Shade tree

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why is my weeping cherry not weeping?

This can happen if the graft union fails or if the rootstock grows more vigorously than the weeping scion.

How do I care for a weeping cherry in winter?

Protect young trees from harsh winds and extreme cold; mature trees are generally hardy.

Can weeping cherries be grown in containers?

Dwarf varieties can be grown in large containers, but they will require more frequent watering and protection.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Cerasus' is the Latin word for cherry. The common name 'Weeping Cherry' directly describes its most notable characteristic: its pendulous, drooping branches.

Good to know

• Weeping cherries are often grafted onto upright rootstock to achieve their distinctive shape.
• They are a popular choice for Japanese gardens.
• The display of blossoms can be breathtaking.
• The fruit is small and usually not palatable.