Is there anything more beautiful than a cherry blossom tree in full bloom? But they aren’t just a pretty face —they bring tranquillity, charm, and a splash of seasonal magic that can transform your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to find your green fingers, cherry blossom trees offer something unique to every garden.

Why Choose a Cherry Blossom Tree?

We all love cherry blossom trees for their lovely displays of delicate pink and white blooms. Of course, they are mostly associated with Japan where they are a national symbol but these trees have also carved a niche in the hearts of UK gardeners. Here’s why they should be in your garden:

10 Reasons to Buy Cherry Blossom Trees in the UK from Direct Plants

1. Seasonal Beauty

You know spring has arrived when you see the delicate cherry blossom trees in flowers. Their short-lived but spectacular blooms look incredible and your blossom trees will make your neighbours green with envy. When these trees burst into bloom, they create a canopy of soft, pink flowers that will be the perfect setting for early spring drinks in the garden.

2. Make Your Garden Amazing

These trees can be a focal point of any garden design. Whether you have a traditional cottage garden or an urban courtyard, cherry blossom trees add structure, elegance, and even a bit of culture. Their branches, with their clusters of blossoms, almost create a natural piece of art that will complement any garden styles.

3. A Symbol of Renewal

This may be a bit deep but… cherry blossoms carry deep symbolic meanings in many cultures. It’s said that they represent the transient nature of life. For gardeners, planting a cherry blossom tree is like inviting a daily reminder to appreciate the present moment.

4. Attracting Wildlife

These trees aren’t just good to look at; they also support local wildlife. The blossoms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can help the overall health of your garden.

5. Low-Maintenance

We all want to plant and forget and compared to some other ornamental trees, cherry blossom trees can be relatively low maintenance once established. Depending on the variety these trees only need minimal care beyond regular watering and annual pruning to maintain their shape.

6. Adaptable

Whether you have a sprawling estate or a more modest garden, there’s a cherry blossom tree that will suit your space. Some varieties are naturally smaller or can be pruned to keep them compact. This makes them ideal for limited spaces without sacrificing the beauty of a full bloom.

7. A Worthwhile Investment

The charm of cherry blossom trees could even add value to your property. Well-maintained gardens are a key selling point for many homes, and mature, beautifully blossoming trees can be real eye candy to prospective buyers.

8. Versatile Design

Cherry blossom trees can be used in just about any setting. They work beautifully as standalone focal points, in rows along walkways, or even as part of a larger planting scheme with a mix of flowering trees and shrubs. This makes them popular with landscape designers and home gardeners alike.

9. Photogenic

In the age of social media, a garden filled with cherry blossoms is the perfect backdrop. Grab some selfies or arty collages that will make you an internet sensation. Or at least impress the grandchildren with your smartphone camera skills.

10. A Conversation Starter

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply chatting with neighbours, the story behind these trees serves as a natural ice-breaker, inviting discussions about gardening techniques, seasonal changes, and even travel memories.

How to Pick the Perfect Cherry Blossom Tree

You must be champing at the bit to pick your new tree. You can head over to our cherry blossom trees pages on our website or if you’re still undecided here’s some tips to pick your new tree.

Different Varieties

There are many different cherry blossom trees to consider but some popular options include:

• Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry): Known for its spectacular floral display, it’s one of the most common varieties in ornamental gardens.
• Kwanzan Cherry: Renowned for its double-petalled flowers, offering a fuller and more dramatic bloom.
• Other Hybrids: Many hybrids have been developed to suit different climates and garden needs.

Consider the Size

Pretty obvious I know but do think about the space you have available in your garden. Some cherry blossom trees can grow quite large, while others remain relatively compact. When selecting any garden trees, consider both the mature size and the growth rate. If you’re working with limited space, opt for dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties.

Planting and Caring for Your Cherry Blossom Tree

Here’s a few tips to help your cherry blossom tree flourish:

Planting Tips

Site Selection:

Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. While cherry blossom trees can tolerate some shade, full sunlight encourages the best blooms. The soil should be well-draining, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot.

Soil Prep:

You can improve the soil around the planting site with organic matter such as compost. This not only improves soil structure but also provides essential nutrients that will help the tree establish its roots quickly.

Spacing:

If you’re planting multiple trees, ensure there is enough space between them to allow for growth. If you plant the trees too close together it can lead to competition for nutrients and reduced air circulation, which may increase the risk of disease.

Planting Depth:

Dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the root ball. Place the tree in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the ground surface. Fill the hole gently with soil, firming it around the roots to ensure there are no air pockets.

Watering and Mulching

Regular Watering:

Newly planted trees need regular watering until they establish a strong root system. During the first few weeks, water the tree deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Once they become established, cherry blossom trees are fairly drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional deep watering during dry spells.

Mulching:

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest infestations.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning:

Prune your cherry blossom tree in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and shape the tree to encourage healthy growth.

Fertilising:

Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in the spring to boost growth. But don’t overuse the fertiliser.

Pest and Disease Management:

Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and scale insects. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat the tree with an appropriate, environmentally friendly pesticide.

Seasons in the Sun and Rain

One of the best things about planting a cherry blossom tree is watching it transform throughout the seasons. Here’s what to expect throughout the year:

Spring – The Grand Debut

As winter fades away, your cherry blossom tree will start to awaken with new buds. In early spring, these buds gradually open into clusters of blossoms. The transformation happens in a blink of an eye and can seem almost magical. During this time, it’s important to keep an eye on watering, as spring can sometimes be dry.

Summer – A Verdant Retreat

After the brief yet spectacular bloom of spring, the tree settles into a leafy, green state. Summer provides a different kind of architectural beauty. This is also a time when the tree might need a bit of extra care, particularly during prolonged dry spells.

Autumn – A Subtle Shift

In the autumn, the blossoms are long gone but the tree will still look amazing with its changing leaf colours. Though not as vivid as the spring display, the soft transition into autumn adds interest to the garden.

Winter – Rest and Renewal

During the colder months, the tree becomes dormant. This is an ideal time to perform any necessary maintenance, such as pruning or applying a fresh layer of mulch. Then sit back and wait for the new blossoms of spring.

Cherry Blossom in Your Garden

As we’ve discussed, cherry blossom trees look amazing and they will bring joy to you and your garden year after year. Their blossoms look so beautiful and are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The tragedy is that the blossoms are soon blown off the branches by the spring winds but that makes their brief flowering period something to look forward to even more.

If you’re ready to choose your tree head over to our website. We have a great selection of cherry blossom trees as well as many other ornamental trees. When you order with us your tree will be personally picked and packed by our expert growers and will arrive at your door securely packaged, healthy, and ready for planting.