tree

First Blush Flowering Cherry

Prunus 'First Blush'

The Story

Plant Bio

Flowering cherries are deciduous trees celebrated for their breathtaking clouds of blossoms in early spring. They are grown purely for their ornamental value.

'First Blush' is a modern hybrid notable for its profuse double pink flowers that appear two weeks before 'Kwanzan'. It has a tidy, vase-shaped habit and its new foliage emerges with a reddish tint, maturing to green, then turning orange-red in fall. It is also sterile, producing no fruit.

Uses & Benefits:

Its primary purpose is as a spectacular ornamental tree. The profusion of double pink flowers in early spring provides an unparalleled floral display, and its neat, vase-shaped form and attractive fall color add to its year-round appeal.

Because it is sterile and produces no fruit, it is a 'clean' tree, making it an excellent choice for planting near patios, walkways, or as a street tree where fruit drop would be a nuisance.

While sterile, the abundant flowers still provide a valuable early-season pollen source for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

270 inches

Width

156 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Short-lived (15-25 years)

Native To

Cultivar

Toxicity

Stems, leaves, and seeds (if produced) are toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with soil.
Backfill with native soil, watering to settle out air pockets.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.
Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with excellent air circulation and well-drained soil to minimize disease issues common to cherries.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches after flowering.
Water deeply during dry periods to reduce stress.
Maintain a wide mulch ring to protect the trunk and conserve moisture.
Ensure good air circulation around the tree.

Don't

Avoid heavy pruning or topping the tree.
Do not plant in wet, compacted, or poorly drained soil.
Do not damage the thin bark with lawnmowers or string trimmers.
Avoid excessive fertilization.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning early spring specimen treeGraceful street or lawn treeFocal point for courtyard gardens

Companion Plants

Tulipa Narcissus Helleborus Brunnera macrophylla Muscari

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

First Blush Flowering Cherry questions

What zones can First Blush Flowering Cherry grow in?

First Blush Flowering Cherry is hardy in USDA Zones 5–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is First Blush Flowering Cherry deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse First Blush Flowering Cherry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does First Blush Flowering Cherry bloom?

First Blush Flowering Cherry typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does First Blush Flowering Cherry need full sun?

First Blush Flowering Cherry does best in full sun (6+ hours).