Cerasus serrulata Seeds | Japanese Flowering Cherry
LATIN NAME: Cerasus serrulata
COMMON NAME: Japanese Flowering Cherry
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Japanese Flowering Cherry (Cerasus serrulata) is a deciduous tree. The Japanese flowering cherry froths small, deciduous tree with oval, toothed leaves and dense clusters of double, pale-pink or white flowers that open through spring, flowers frothing bare branches before leaves, small, black cherries following. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Cerasus serrulata, a representative of the Cerasus group with clear practical value. Spring blossom of the Japanese flowering cherry gives it a recognised place in research on ornamental flowering trees of great cherry group, and serrulata species appears in studies of pre-leaf bloom and blossom chemistry. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
Japanese Flowering Cherry works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. In spring garden, the Japanese flowering cherry froths spring garden with pale-pink bloom. Pink flowers mark spring festival for generations, tree makes fine specimen for lawn and avenue, and blooms open for early bees. It thrives in deep, moist, well-drained, sunny ground. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Cherries, especially tart ones, are among the best-studied functional fruits, with trials on anthocyanin-rich tart cherry juice for exercise recovery, gout and sleep; the stalks are a traditional diuretic tea in Europe.
Growing from Seed
Starting Japanese Flowering Cherry from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
It is a solid representative of the Cerasus group, true to type from seed. Given the right start, Japanese Flowering Cherry is a long-term garden companion. The only critical period is germination, when the compost must stay evenly moist.
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