Japanese Flowering Ornamental Cherry - Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan'

Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan' is widely regarded as one of the finest flowering cherries in cultivation, and for good reason. In mid-Spring, the branches are completely smothered in large, densely double deep pink flowers that create a breathtaking cloud of colour lasting two to three weeks. It is one of those trees that stops traffic and draws neighbours over the fence.

What sets 'Kanzan' apart from other flowering cherries is its exceptional multi-season interest. As the flowers fade, the new foliage emerges in a striking copper to bronze tone that gradually matures to a rich deep green through Summer. Come Autumn, the leaves transition to warm orange and yellow tones before dropping to reveal the tree's elegant upright to vase shaped branch structure through Winter.

In Melbourne, 'Kanzan' is exceptionally well suited to the cool temperate climate. It is highly frost tolerant, handles Melbourne winters with ease, and thrives in the full sun conditions of most suburban gardens. Upright and compact when young, it gradually develops a broader, more spreading vase shape with age, making it suitable for a wide range of garden sizes. It can also be pruned to restrict its size, making it one of the most versatile flowering trees available.

Key Features:

• Soil: Loam, sandy, or well-drained soils. Avoid waterlogged or poorly drained positions. In Melbourne's clay-heavy areas, improve drainage with gypsum or plant in a raised bed with improved soil.
• Light: Full sun. 'Kanzan' performs best with maximum sun exposure. The copper new foliage and flowering display are most vivid in full sun positions across Melbourne.
• Watering: Water regularly during establishment and through Melbourne's dry summers. Once established, water deeply every one to two weeks during extended dry spells. Reduce watering in Winter when the tree is dormant.
• Fertiliser: Apply a slow-release fertiliser for flowering trees in late Winter, just before buds begin to swell. A light liquid feed after flowering supports the development of the striking copper new foliage through Spring.
• Maintenance: Low. Prune lightly immediately after flowering to shape the canopy and remove any crossing or inward-growing branches. Avoid heavy pruning. Remove any suckers from below the graft union promptly if present. Mulch well year-round.
• Flowering: Flowers in mid-Spring, typically September in Melbourne, with large densely double deep pink blooms that completely cover the branches for two to three weeks. One of the most prolific and showy of all flowering cherries. Flowers are excellent for cutting.

For the most spectacular flowering display, avoid planting 'Kanzan' in a position that receives afternoon shade. The tree flowers best with full sun all day. If you want to restrict the ultimate size, prune lightly every year immediately after flowering, this is the only safe time to prune cherries as it minimises the risk of silver leaf disease, which can enter through pruning wounds made at other times of year.

At Plant Nest, we make it easy to buy plants online with delivery direct to your door. Every plant is hand-selected for quality, carefully packed, and backed by expert advice so you can grow with confidence.