Prunus serrulata 'Kiku-Shidare' (Cheal's Weeping Cherry)


Michael's Opinion

This unique short-lived cherry tree is known for its weeping form that produces brilliant dense, attractive, double pink flowers with fifty or more petals. This magnificent tree can be used as a feature tree in a small garden and near ponds with its beautiful arched branches hanging over water. It will catch notice for its distinctive characteristics and will look incredible in many different landscapes.

Botanical Information

FamilyRosaceae
GenusPrunus
Speciesserrulata
Cultivar'Kiku-Shidare'
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
ReferencesBailey, L. H. (1949). Manual of Cultivated Plants Most commonly grown in the continental United States and Canada, (Rev. ed.). New York: Macmillan Co.. Bryant, G., & Rodd, T. (2011). Trees and Shrubs: A Gardener's Encyclopedia. Richmond Hill, Ontario.: Firefly Books.
OriginDeveloped in China, Korea and Japan.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-26) - (-7)C
Temperature (°F)(-15) - 20F
Height4-5 m
Spread4 m
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA beautiful deciduous weeping cherry commonly used as an ornamental. It is identified by its stunning pink flower colour and weeping shape.
ID CharacteristicIt is identified by its weeping form, large, stunning double pink flowers which are created in mid-late spring. This tree can also be identified for not producing fruit.
ShapeThe young branches spread upward and as the tree matures, the branches become flatter and droop in a weeping form.
LandscapeThis is a common ornamental tree, which can make a stunning specimen on lawns, provide limited shade for places such as patios. It is planted in small garden beds, used for borders and planted near water to create an incredible view.
PropagationPropagation by split, grafting or softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings include taking cuttings during the morning before mid-day heat. Remove the leaves except top one-third of stem and immediately put in plastic bag. Dip stem in rooting hormones, plant in container and keep between 70-75 °F until roots have developed. Roots should appear two to four weeks after process.
CultivationIt is grown in full sun to part shade in well-draining, acidic soils. Full sun tends to produce lovely flowering manifestation.
PestsDiseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot, root rot, fine blight, and leaf curl. Pests include borers, leafhopper, caterpillars and Japanese beetles. Plum Pox: Symptoms may be confused with other diseases/disorders such as nutrient deficiencies or pesticide injuries. PPV symptoms can occur on leaves, flowers and/or fruit. Faint yellow rings or lines may be found on the leaves. PPV generally does not cause plant mortality however, can reduce the plant productivity and longevity. How to Reduce the Spread and Impact of PPV: 1. Propagate vulnerable Prunus trees and shrubs outside of the affected area a. Isolation is important to protect clean plants from future spread of the disease. b. Propagating and growing vulnerable plants away from the virus-infected area reduce the likelihood of the disease spreading any further. This should be as far away from the quarantined area and any potential sources of the virus. 2. Propagate Prunus plants with virus-free Budwood and Rootstock from virus tested mother trees a. This eliminates the propagation link for viral diseases. 3. Inspect vulnerable Prunus for symptoms a. All Prunus shrubs and trees should be visually inspected for symptoms at lease twice per year and conducted by trained personnel familiar with the virus. b. Any plants found to be infected should not be moved or sold and must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency immediately. c. Inspections should not be conducted in periods of hot weather (temperatures over 30˚C). 4. Manage aphid vectors a. Aphids are extremely attracted to suckers (vegetative shoots at the base of the tree), these should be removed to avoid aphid colonization, feeding or migration. 5. Plant tolerant and resistant varieties a. When available, grow plum pox tolerant or resistant Prunus varieties.
Notable SpecimensBrooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionIt has attractive red-brown smooth bark.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe buds of this tree appear pink and get paler as they emerge.
Leaf DescriptionYoung leaves emerge bronze coloured and later turn glossy green in summer. These leaves can reach 7 cm in length. They are narrow alternating leaves with clearly defined margins.
Flower DescriptionThis tree is known for its striking, large, double pink flowers with dense clusters, each with fifty or more petals. It produces attractive blooms, and flowers in April to May. The showy flowers are approximately 4 cm in diameter in the spring and have appealing yellow-orange autumn colour.
Fruit DescriptionAll research has indicated that this tree does not produce fruit.
Colour DescriptionThe leaves emerge bronze coloured and later turn a glossy dark green. The mahogany bark is a wonderful spring colour. The foliage is green and the bloom colour is pink.
Texture DescriptionMedium textured throughout the season.

Photographs