1 named cultivar

‘Akebono’Akebono Yoshino Cherry

tree RHS Award

Yoshino Cherry

Prunus yedoensis

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus yedoensis is a small to medium-sized deciduous flowering cherry tree, famous for its spectacular spring display of fragrant, almond-scented, white to pale pink flowers. It typically develops a broad, rounded crown and attractive, glossy bark.

This is the iconic cherry tree of the Washington, D.C. Tidal Basin, celebrated for its breathtaking mass bloom that precedes the emergence of its leaves, creating an ethereal, cloud-like effect in the landscape.

Uses & Benefits:

The Yoshino cherry offers one of the most dramatic and beloved floral displays of any temperate tree. Its graceful form, attractive bark, and golden-yellow fall color provide multi-season interest, making it a premier specimen tree.

When mature, it provides pleasant, dappled shade. It is frequently used as a street or park tree in climates where it thrives, creating stunning avenues of blossoms in the spring.

The early spring flowers are an important nectar and pollen source for bees and other emerging pollinators. The small, inconspicuous fruits are consumed by birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420 inches

Width

420 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Relatively short-lived tree (20-30 years)

Native To

Japan (of hybrid origin)

Toxicity

Stems, leaves, and seeds are toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun and excellent drainage.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree so its root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with the original soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water deeply and consistently for the first year to establish roots.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location protected from strong winds to prolong the life of the delicate blossoms and prevent branch damage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide regular water, especially during hot, dry periods.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.
Monitor for common pests and diseases to catch problems early.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
Avoid pruning in fall or winter, which can increase disease susceptibility.
Never pile mulch against the trunk, as it can cause bark rot.
Avoid wounding the bark with lawnmowers or string trimmers.

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

Iconic spring specimen treeGraceful park or lawn treeStunning avenue or street planting

Companion Plants

Muscari armeniacum Narcissus 'Thalia'Helleborus orientalis Vinca minor Cornus florida

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yoshino Cherry questions

What zones can Yoshino Cherry grow in?

Yoshino Cherry is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Yoshino Cherry deer resistant?

Yes — Yoshino Cherry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Yoshino Cherry bloom?

Yoshino 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 Yoshino Cherry need full sun?

Yoshino Cherry does best in full sun (6+ hours).