Species

Prunus serrulataJapanese Flowering Cherry

4 other cultivars

tree

Amanogawa Japanese Cherry

Prunus serrulata 'Amanogawa'

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus serrulata, the Japanese flowering cherry, is a deciduous tree native to East Asia celebrated for its dramatic spring floral display. The species develops a spreading canopy clothed in simple, serrate leaves that transition through rich bronze, green, and vibrant fall tones.

'Amanogawa' is distinguished by its strictly upright, fastigiate habit, forming a narrow column of tightly erect branches. In mid-to-late spring, dense clusters of fragrant, semi-double, pale pink flowers hug the vertical stems closely.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a striking vertical silhouette covered in pale pink spring blossoms, followed by vibrant yellow, orange, and red fall foliage.

Its narrow, columnar habit allows for planting in tight urban spaces, courtyards, and narrow side yards where other trees would not fit.

Spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees and honeybees.

SpeciesPrunus serrulataJapanese Flowering Cherry

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

315"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

30 to 50 years

Native To

East Asia (Japan, China, Korea)

Toxicity

Highly toxic to cats, dogs, horses, and humans if ingested

Bloom period

Mid spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with fertile, moist, and exceptionally well-drained loamy or sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but equal in depth, ensuring the graft union remains well above the soil line.
Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Rub off any vigorous shoots emerging from below the graft union immediately to prevent the rootstock from overtaking the columnar scion.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune strictly in midsummer to minimize the risk of silver leaf and other fungal infections.
Remove any suckers arising from the rootstock below the graft union as soon as they appear.
Provide supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry spells even after the tree is fully established.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils where waterlogging will rapidly trigger root rot.
Do not prune heavily or attempt to shear the tree into a hedge, which causes chaotic epicormic growth.
Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate soft foliage that is highly susceptible to disease.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vertical AccentNarrow BordersCourtyard GardensSpecimen PlantingUrban Gardens

Companion Plants

Nepeta faassenii Salvia nemorosa Lavandula angustifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Amanogawa Japanese Cherry questions

What zones can Amanogawa Japanese Cherry grow in?

Amanogawa Japanese Cherry is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Amanogawa Japanese Cherry deer resistant?

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

When does Amanogawa Japanese Cherry bloom?

Amanogawa Japanese Cherry typically blooms in mid spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Amanogawa Japanese Cherry need full sun?

Amanogawa Japanese Cherry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.