Flowering Cherry 'Kanzan'

Where to Plant
Choose a sunny position with moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. 'Kanzan' develops into a substantial tree with a broad canopy as it matures, so choose a position where it will have plenty of room to reach its mature height and spread. Avoid sites that regularly become waterlogged.

Planting Your Bare-Root Tree
Plant while the tree is dormant, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Unpack the tree as soon as it arrives and soak the roots in a bucket of water for around 30 minutes before planting. Dig a hole wide enough for the roots to spread out naturally without bending or crowding them.

Before planting, look for the soil mark on the stem left from where the tree was previously growing. Position the tree so this mark is level with the surrounding soil, with the roots below ground and the graft union remaining above soil level. Spread the roots naturally, backfill with the excavated soil, gently firm and water thoroughly.

Staking
Stake the tree if needed to prevent the root system moving while it establishes. Position the stake so that it supports the tree without rubbing against the stems or branches, and check the tie regularly as the tree grows.

Watering
Water regularly throughout the first growing season, particularly during warm or dry weather. Newly planted trees need consistent moisture while their roots establish, but avoid keeping the ground permanently wet or waterlogged. Continue to water during prolonged dry spells over the first few years.

Feeding & Mulching
Apply a layer of well-rotted garden compost or organic mulch around the base in spring to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it clear of the stems. If growth needs a boost, apply a balanced tree and shrub fertiliser in spring according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Pruning
Very little pruning should be needed. Remove only dead, damaged, diseased or badly positioned branches where necessary. Flowering cherries can be susceptible to silver leaf disease, so any pruning is best carried out in summer when the tree is in active growth rather than during winter.

Pests & Problems
Flowering cherries can occasionally be affected by caterpillars, leaf-mining moths, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and silver leaf. Good growing conditions, well-drained soil and avoiding unnecessary pruning will help keep the tree healthy.

Give It Room to Grow
'Kanzan' starts with a strong, upright shape but develops a much broader, spreading crown as it matures. Give it plenty of space away from buildings and other large trees so its natural shape can develop fully.

A Magnificent Feature Tree
Plant in a lawn or another open position where the spring blossom can really be appreciated. Its size and spreading canopy make it particularly effective as a standalone feature in a medium to larger garden.

Large Borders
It can also provide height and structure towards the back of a large border, with lower-growing plants bringing colour around the base without competing with the canopy.

Cottage-Garden Planting
Spring bulbs such as daffodils, crocuses and muscari make natural partners, bringing colour around ground level as the cherry blossom opens above. Hellebores and hardy geraniums can continue the display around the base.

Top Tip:
Remember to plan for the tree you'll have in years to come, not just its size when planted. 'Kanzan' becomes considerably broader as it matures, so give it enough room for its spreading crown to develop.

Spring Blossom
Large, densely double, rich pink flowers cover the branches in spring, opening alongside coppery-bronze young foliage for an impressive burst of colour.

Summer
The young coppery foliage matures to green for summer. Keep newly planted trees well watered during prolonged dry spells, particularly during their first few years while the root system is establishing.

Autumn Colour
As temperatures fall, the foliage takes on warm bronze-orange tones before dropping, bringing another season of colour to the garden.

Winter
'Kanzan' is deciduous, so it will naturally lose its leaves and remain dormant over winter. This is also the ideal time to plant bare-root trees, provided the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged.

Top Tip:
If pruning is necessary, wait until summer when the tree is actively growing to reduce the risk of silver leaf disease.

Potted Trees
Potted trees arrive growing in a container and can generally be planted throughout the year, provided the ground isn't frozen, waterlogged or exceptionally dry. If you can't plant immediately, keep the tree outdoors in a sheltered position and water the compost as needed.

Bare-Root Trees
Your bare-root tree will arrive dormant, without a pot or compost around its roots, ready for planting. It will have no leaves at this stage, which is completely normal – once temperatures rise in spring, it will naturally come back into active growth. Unpack your tree promptly, keep the roots moist and plant as soon as possible.

What Does Grafted Mean?
Many ornamental trees are grafted, which means the chosen variety is joined to a compatible rootstock so the two grow together as one tree. The rootstock helps influence characteristics such as vigour and eventual size. You may notice a slightly raised area where the two have been joined – this is the graft union and is completely normal.

If You Can't Plant Straight Away
If planting is delayed, keep bare roots cool, moist and protected. For more than a short delay, temporarily heel the roots into moist soil in a sheltered position until conditions are suitable for planting.

After Planting
Newly planted trees need regular watering while they establish, particularly during dry weather in their first growing season. A spring mulch can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but always leave a clear gap around the trunk or stems.