Japanese flowering cherry

Prunus serrulata

Glossy reddish-brown bark with horizontal markings and clusters of spring blossom.

Find its rhythm

Light

Sun for much of the day

Water

Inspect the root zone, especially after planting. Adjust for rainfall, soil and establishment; avoid shallow daily watering. Start with a soil check every 7 days and adjust for your conditions.

Care through the seasons

Soil & drainage

Choose a site with suitable drainage and room for mature roots. Container trees need open drainage holes.

Climate

Use the linked hardiness information and local advice before planting outside.

Seasonal care

Young and container-grown trees need closer moisture checks than established landscape trees.

Feeding

Base feeding on growth and soil conditions; do not fertilize simply to treat unexplained decline.

Pruning

Remove damaged branches carefully. Check species-specific pruning timing before structural cuts.

Propagation

Grafting

Hardiness

5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Watch for

Root-zone stress · Scale insects · Climate mismatch

Care-group starting guidance; adapt to your cultivar and local climate.

Botanical reference ↗

Pet & child safety

Pets

Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA)

ASPCA lists the genus Prunus as a whole, not this species by name.

Signs in cats and dogs (ASPCA): Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock.

Children

Major toxicity for children (California Poison Control; poison.org)

Major toxicity: eating it, especially a lot, can seriously affect the heart, liver, kidneys or brain. Call Poison Control straight away if any is eaten.

Source notes: chewed pits; chewed seeds; seeds, leaves.

California Poison Control and poison.org list the genus Prunus as a whole, not this species by name.

Keep plants out of reach of children and pets. Never eat a plant based on an app.

If any is eaten: Call your local poison control centre or vet. In the US: Poison Control 1-800-222-1222; ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).

Sources checked 10 Nov 2026. Lists change, so check the source before relying on it.

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