Prunus

New Zealand’s Best Prunus Trees

Growing colourful trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• They can provide shelter and screening
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Portuguese Laurels, Flowering Cherry, Flowering Plum, and Flowering Apricot trees, and we have the right one for your space. Our trees have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Prunus, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Prunus

1. Is Prunus the same as cherry blossom?

Prunus is the genus to which cherry blossom trees belong. The term "cherry blossom" is used to refer to the flowering trees in the Prunus genus, which encompasses over 400 species. These trees are widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and their blooms are known for their beauty and delicate fragrance.

The most common and recognizable cherry blossom trees belong to the Prunus subgenus Cerasus, which includes the sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and the sour cherry (Prunus cerasus). These trees are cultivated primarily for their fruit, but they are also prized for their ornamental value, as their blossoms are a popular symbol of spring and renewal.

Other notable species of cherry blossom trees include:

• Japanese flowering cherry (Prunus serrulata): This tree is native to Japan and is known for its showy pink or white blossoms. It is a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world.
• Yoshino cherry (Prunus yedoensis): This tree is a hybrid of the Japanese flowering cherry and is known for its pure white blossoms. It is a popular ornamental tree in Japan and other parts of Asia.
• Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa): This tree is native to China and is known for its pink or white blossoms. It is a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world, including North America.
• Okame cherry (Prunus × okame): This tree is a hybrid of the Japanese flowering cherry and is known for its large, pink blossoms. It is a popular ornamental tree in Japan and other parts of Asia.

Cherry blossom trees are a valuable part of the natural world and play an important role in many cultures. Their blooms are a reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature, and they bring joy to people around the world.

2. What is the best cherry blossom tree to buy?

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best cherry blossom tree to buy. These factors include your climate, soil type, available space, and personal preferences.

Climate: Cherry blossom trees are best suited for temperate climates with cool springs and mild winters. They can tolerate some frost, but they will not bloom if the temperatures are too cold.

Soil type: Cherry blossom trees prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH level. They can tolerate some clay, but they will not thrive in heavy clay or sandy soil.

Available space: Cherry blossom trees can grow to be quite tall and wide, so it is important to choose a tree that will fit comfortably in the space you have available.

Personal preferences: There are many different varieties of cherry blossom trees, each with its own unique characteristics. Consider your personal preferences for flower color, size, and shape when making your choice.

Here are a few of the most popular cherry blossom trees to buy:

• Yoshino cherry (Prunus yedoensis): This tree is a hybrid of the Japanese flowering cherry and is known for its pure white blossoms. It is a popular ornamental tree in Japan and other parts of Asia.
• Akebono cherry (Prunus × akebono): This tree is a hybrid of the Japanese flowering cherry and is known for its light pink blossoms that deepen in color as they mature.
• Weeping cherry (Prunus pendula): This tree is known for its graceful weeping branches that are covered in pink or white blossoms. It is a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world.
• Kwanzan cherry (Prunus × kwanzan): This tree is a hybrid of the Japanese flowering cherry and is known for its large, double pink blossoms. It is a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world.
• Shirofugen cherry (Prunus × shirofujin): This tree is a hybrid of the Japanese flowering cherry and is known for its pure white, double blossoms. It is a popular ornamental tree in Japan and other parts of Asia.

No matter which cherry blossom tree you choose, you will be rewarded with a beautiful and fragrant display of flowers in the spring. With proper care, your tree will provide you with years of enjoyment.

3. How do you grow Prunus?

Growing Prunus trees can be a rewarding experience, as they provide beautiful flowers in the spring and delicious fruit in the summer. Here's a general guide on how to grow Prunus trees:

1. Site Selection: Choose a planting site that receives full sun or partial shade. Prunus trees prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. Avoid areas with heavy clay or poorly drained soil, as these conditions can lead to root rot.
2. Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content. If the soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH level.
3. Planting: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently loosen the roots and place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root collar sits at ground level. Backfill the hole with soil and firm it around the base of the tree.
4. Watering: Provide regular watering, especially during the first few years after planting. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
5. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch such as bark chips, wood shavings, or compost.
6. Feeding: Fertilize lightly in spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid using excessive fertilizer, as this can damage the roots.
7. Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to remove dead or diseased branches and to encourage new growth. Avoid pruning too much, as this can stress the tree and slow its growth.
8. Pest and Disease Control: Monitor the tree for signs of pests and diseases. If you notice any problems, take appropriate action to control them.

Here are some additional tips for growing Prunus trees:

• Protect young Prunus trees from frost during harsh winters.
• Water the tree less frequently as it matures, as it will become more drought-tolerant.
• Avoid digging around the base of the tree, as this can damage the roots.
• Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of your Prunus tree as it grows and matures.

4. What is the best time to plant cherry blossom trees?

The best time to plant cherry blossom trees depends on the climate. In temperate regions, planting in the late fall or early spring is generally recommended. This is because the soil is cool and moist during these periods, which helps to promote root growth and reduce transplant stress.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the best planting times for cherry blossom trees in different climates:

• Temperate climates: Late autumn until early spring
• Subtropical climates: Early spring
• Tropical climates: Year-round, but planting during the rainy season is generally best.

It is also important to avoid planting cherry blossom trees during periods of hot or dry weather, as this can stress the trees and make them more susceptible to diseases.

5. Where is the best place to plant a cherry blossom tree?

The best place to plant a cherry blossom tree depends on several factors, including climate, soil type, available space, and personal preferences. Here are some general guidelines to consider:

• Climate: They thrive in temperate climates with cool springs and mild winters. They can tolerate some frost, but they will not bloom if the temperatures are too cold. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may want to consider a more cold-hardy variety of cherry blossom tree.
• Soil type: Cherry blossom trees prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. They can tolerate some clay, but they will not thrive in heavy clay or sandy soil. If your soil is not ideal for cherry blossom trees, you can amend it with compost or other organic matter.
• Available space: Trees can grow to be quite tall and wide, so it is important to choose a planting site that will accommodate their mature size. If you have limited space, you may want to consider a smaller variety of cherry blossom tree or a dwarf variety.
• Personal preferences: There are many different varieties of cherry blossom trees, each with its own unique characteristics. Consider your personal preferences for flower colour, size, and shape when making your choice.

In addition to these general guidelines, here are some specific tips for choosing a planting site for a cherry tree:

• Avoid planting cherry trees in low-lying areas where frost pockets are likely to form. Frost can damage the flowers and young leaves of cherry blossom trees.
• Choose a planting site that is protected from strong winds. Strong winds can break the branches of cherry blossom trees.
• Do not plant cherry blossom trees too close to other trees or shrubs. Cherry blossom trees need plenty of sunlight to bloom properly.
• Consider the overall aesthetics of your garden or landscape when choosing a planting site. They are beautiful trees that can add a touch of elegance to any setting.

With proper care and attention to these factors, you can choose the perfect planting site for your cherry blossom tree.

6. What is the fastest growing cherry tree?

The fastest growing cherry tree is the Kanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata), which can grow up to 30-40 feet (9-12 meters) tall in 10-20 years. This tree is native to Japan, Korea, and China, and it is known for its large, showy pink blossoms. Kanzan cherry trees are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of climates, making them a popular choice for home gardeners.

Here are some other fast-growing cherry trees:

• Yoshino cherry (Prunus yedoensis): This tree can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) tall in 20-30 years. It is known for its pure white blossoms, which appear in early spring. Yoshino cherry trees are also relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of climates.
• Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa): This tree can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall in 10-15 years. It is known for its pink or white blossoms, which appear in late spring. Nanking cherry trees are very hardy and can tolerate cold winters.
• Okame cherry (Prunus × okame): This tree can grow up to 25 feet (7.5 meters) tall in 15-20 years. It is known for its large, pink blossoms, which appear in mid-spring. Okame cherry trees are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of climates.
• Shirofugen cherry (Prunus × shirofujin): This tree can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall in 15-20 years. It is known for its pure white, double blossoms, which appear in late spring. Shirofugen cherry trees are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of climates.

Please note that these are just estimates, and the actual growth rate of a cherry tree will depend on a variety of factors, including climate, soil type, and care.