Japanese clove cherry 'Kanzan', Prunus serrulata

Anyone looking for a pretty tree that is easy to care for is well advised with the ornamental cherry. The Japanese clove cherry 'Kanzan' in particular is popular and beautifies numerous domestic gardens with its pink blossoms. It is an extremely decorative tree that is particularly effective on its own. It is considered to be relatively easy to care for and does not demand a lot from the hobby gardener. For a profuse bloom, however, there are a few factors to consider, from site selection to care. We have summarized the most important information for you so that you are sure to succeed in cultivation!

Characteristics

• botanical name: Prunus serrulata
• Plant family and genus: Rosaceae, Prunus
• Origin: Japan
• Growth form: upright, spreading and funnel-shaped
• Height: 5 m and higher
• Flowering period: beginning of May to mid-May
• Flower color: pink
• Location: full sun and sheltered
• Soil type: sandy to loamy
• Limescale tolerance: yes
• hardy: yes
• Use: ornamental trees

Location

The Japanese clove cherry 'Kanzan' is relatively undemanding in terms of location. However, there are still a few factors to consider when choosing a location. On the one hand, the tall growth habit of the tree must be considered, because the Prunus serrulata can grow to be several meters high if properly cared for. On the other hand, the treetop can be quite expansive and accordingly require a lot of space. Because the tree can reach a height of seven to twelve meters and a width of five to eight meters. In general, it can be said that it thrives best under the following conditions:

• sunny to full sun
• sufficient planting distance
• Stand alone is ideal

Note: The Japanese clove cherry forms numerous flowers, especially in full sun.

Soil & Substrate

When it comes to the location, the soil must of course also be taken into account, which should by no means be too compacted. Because the Prunus serrulata is a heart root and basically forms its root system in depth. However, if the soil is too compact, the roots have to find their way out, which in turn slows down growth. So that the Japanese clove cherry 'Kanzan' feels completely comfortable, the soil should have the following properties:

• permeable and loose
• nutritious
• sandy, loamy garden soil is ideal
• pH value: alkaline

Tip: It is advisable to loosen the soil before planting and enrich it with a little compost or peat. This not only gives the ornamental cherry a long-term fertilizer, but it can also take root better.

Planting

Container trees can generally be planted all year round, provided there is neither frost nor excessive heat (temperatures above 30 degrees). However, it is best for the flowering cherry to be planted in spring or autumn. For this purpose, a planting hole is first dug, which is twice as large and deep as the root ball. Now the Japanese clove cherry 'Kanzan' is removed from the container and its root ball is loosened. Then the planting of the ornamental cherry is done as follows:

• Enrich the soil with compost or peat
• loosen hard soils if necessary
• Insert the plant in the middle and upright
• Fill the planting hole with soil
• Press the bottom down well
• pour and sludge extensively
• Place the watering edge around the tree

Fertilize

The Japanese clove cherry does not have an increased need for nutrients, which is why fertilization is not absolutely necessary. However, with proper fertilization, a particularly expressive bloom can be achieved - provided the right fertilizer is used. Synthetic fertilizers are not suitable for this, as they are usually very rich in nitrogen. Fertilizing with nitrogen does not help to bloom abundantly, but rather ensures that the shoots sprout. If you want to fertilize the Japanese clove cherry 'Kanzan', you should pay attention to the following:

• fertilize from March to April
• Use fertilizers containing phosphorus sparingly
• Compost or organic fertilization
• overfertilization is hardly possible with organic fertilizers

Note: Home garden soils are usually very rich in phosphorus, which is why they should not be fertilized too much. It is also advisable to carry out a soil analysis to be on the safe side.

to water

The Japanese clove cherry 'Kanzan' has a medium water requirement and would like to be watered more rarely, but thoroughly and thoroughly. Watering the Prunus serrulata in this way will help it survive dry periods better. Because this watering method stimulates the roots to penetrate deeper soil layers. In general, it is advisable to water the Japanese clove cherry from March to September in dry periods, paying particular attention to the following in summer:

• especially in the 1st Water abundantly one year after planting!
• pour thoroughly and penetrating
• Avoid waterlogging
• The earth should never dry out
• be sure to water when the tree lets the leaves droop
• Use water with little lime

Tip: It has proven useful to create a watering edge directly when planting and to mulch the tree. This causes the Prunus serrulata to appear on the one hand weed on the other hand, the evaporation of the water is prevented.

Cut

The Prunus serrulata is generally sensitive to pruning measures and should not be pruned in the first few years. As soon as the tree is three years old, it should be thinned out regularly and cut back once a year. Thinning is best done immediately after flowering and includes cutting the branches directly on the trunk. The annual pruning is best done in the summer months, because the ornamental cherry usually does not tolerate pruning in winter. Because at this time it forms a lot of sap, which is why it would bleed more heavily if it were cut. The cut itself is as follows:

• remove only the oldest shoots
• these have a darker rind
• Shorten side shoots when the tree is already branched
• this maintains a beautiful growth habit

Tip: It is advisable to coat the cuts with wound closure agent after cutting.

Overwinter

The Japanese clove cherry is generally considered to be hardy and therefore does not need any special protection in the cold season. Only young plants should be protected from major temperature fluctuations in the first winter. If the Prunus serrulata is cultivated in a tub, winter protection is also recommended. Because the root ball can freeze through much faster in the bucket. To avoid this, the following precautions can be taken to safely overwinter the plant:

• Wrap the vessel with garden fleece
• Place the bucket on a styrofoam base

Multiplication

In order to propagate the Japanese clove cherry 'Kanzan', not only a practiced hand, but also a little luck is required. Because the propagation of the ornamental cherry is classified as difficult and generally not advised. If you still want to try the propagation of the tree, it is best to try this with cuttings. The optimal time for reproduction is when the Japanese clove cherry has shed its leaves and there is no frost. Now some woods can be selected from the woody shoots that are at least 15 centimeters long. Also make sure that there are some pairs of eyes (at least two) on the wood. This is the only way to ensure that new shoots can develop. The multiplication itself is now structured as follows:

• Rub the lower ends of the wood with root powder
• Put cuttings in the ground
• Leave a distance of about 10 cm between them
• alternatively, put cuttings in planters
• can also remain outdoors in winter

Whether the propagation is successful will not be seen until next spring. Ideally, new shoots have formed on the cuttings so that they can now be used in a suitable location. But even if the propagation was successful, the hobby gardener has to be patient. Because it can take several years for the cuttings to flower for the first time. If you want to enjoy a bloom earlier, you should use grafted plants from specialist shops.

Diseases and pests

The Japanese clove cherry is very robust, but not absolutely resistant to certain fungi and diseases. Likewise, in rare cases, care errors can favor certain diseases, especially bacterial blight, tree cancer, gnomonia and scab. On the other hand, the following fungal diseases and Pests on:

Shotgun Sickness

The Japanese clove cherry 'Kanzan' is particularly often affected by shotgun disease. This is caused by a fungus called Stigmina carpophila and usually occurs in spring on already weakened plants. Shotgun disease is also favored by poor care and a too humid climate. An infestation can initially be recognized by unsightly holes in the leaves and reddish to brown spots. However, this fungus can be combated quite promisingly:

• remove affected leaves
• Cut affected shoots back into the healthy wood
• Burn or dispose of twigs and leaves
• never dispose of it on the compost!
• Sprinkle with stock made from field horsetail

Tip: As a precaution, it has proven useful to apply a layer of mulch and to plant the area around the tree with onions and / or garlic.

Peak drought

Peak drought is also known as "Monilia" and often occurs immediately after flowering. The fungus first attacks the flowers and ensures that they die off and dry up. If the fungus is left untreated, it will continue to spread to the wood and leaves. It is therefore advisable to combat the peak drought as soon as possible. The following procedure has proven itself for this:

• cut off affected branches
• up to about 15 cm into the healthy wood
• Burn or dispose of cut branches

Note: The infestation is only combated when there are no more brown spots in the cross-section.

Frost wrench

Pests also enjoy the 'Kanzan', such as the frost wrench. An infestation can usually be recognized in the spring by damage to the leaves. The caterpillars are considered to be particularly voracious and can ensure that the Japanese clove cherry blanks in a very short time. To prevent this from happening, it is unfortunately not enough to simply collect the pests. However, this pest infestation can also be combated relatively easily:

• Attach glue traps to the trunk
• This prevents females from reaching the treetop
• cannot lay further eggs in the crown