ornamental cherry

Ornamental cherry plants should be watered about once a week. During their active flowering and growing season in spring, increase watering to about twice a week. Check the soil before watering to make sure it is not overly damp. The cherry should be watered until the top 2 inches of soil is moist and until water runs out of the drain holes. In the winter months, reduce watering to about once every 2 weeks or when the top of the soil is dry.

Ornamental cherry (Prunus serrula) will do best with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day, with some early morning shade. It is particularly important that they get direct light in the early morning hours as they are just beginning their waking cycle and need the energy from the sun to help them start their photosynthesis. It is generally recommended to place them in an area where they will receive full sun for most of the day, while still getting some shade during the hottest parts of the afternoon. Ornamental cherry should be grown in an area that faces east or west for the best results. Too much sun can lead to leaf scorch, which can be irreversible and fatal to the plant.

Ornamental cherry trees should be pruned in late winter while the tree is still dormant. Prune selectively, removing dead, diseased or crossing branches, and shorten lengthy branches to open up the canopy and encourage new growth. Prune approximately 1 third of the oldest branches to the ground each year, thinning out crowded branches, and removing branches that cross or rub against 1 another. To retain an ornamental cherry's pyramid shape, prune lateral branches so they are slightly shorter than the main stem.