The Weeping Cherry Tree is a dramatic flowering tree that can add a unique accent to any landscape. Natives of Japan, weeping cherry trees have long, drooping branches similar to weeping willows. In the spring, Weeping Cherry is covered in white or pale-pink blossoms.

Although a weeping cherry tree’s vertical growth rate is moderate, the growth rate of its many weeping stems can be quite rapid. Like most trees with a weeping form, weeping cherry trees generate a lot of shade, making it difficult to grow anything underneath them.

Growing Weeping Cherry Trees

Variety: Prunus subhirtella
Zones: 5 to 9
Soil Type: Tolerant of a wide range of soil types
Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.5
Sunlight: Full sun
Watering: Water well to establish, don’t over-water mature trees

Weeping cherry trees produce blooms in early to mid spring, before foliage appears. Fall leaf colors range from green to yellow. The bark of the weeping cherry is smooth and colored bronze to brown.

Weeping Cherry Tree Care
Weeping cherry trees should be planted in well-drained soil to limit the possibility of root disease. Fertilize your tree lightly in the early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

The rapid growth of weeping cherry limbs will quickly have them touching the ground. If you need to prune them back, wait until the end of summer to avoid sap bleeding. When pruning a weeping cherry tree, stager the length of each limb for a more natural look, or cut all limbs to the same length for a more formal appearance. To avoid the need for mowing or other lawn maintenance under the tree, apply a layer of mulch that extends out to the perimeter of the tree.