How to Grow and Care for Weeping Cherry Tree

Weeping cherry tree, or "weeping Higan cherry," is a broadleaf, deciduous specimen valued in spring for its flowers and year-round for its form. It is best planted in fall or early spring. This tree requires full sun and doesn't tolerate extreme temperatures. Learn how to grow and care for weeping cherry, and decide if it is a good fit for your yard.

Common Name	Weeping cherry tree, weeping Higan cherry tree
Botanical Name	Prunus pendula 'Pendula Rosea' (formerly, Prunus subhirtella 'Pendula')
Family	Rosaceae
Plant Type	Tree
Mature Size	15 to 25 ft. tall and wide
Sun Exposure	Full
Soil Type	Well-drained
Soil pH	Acidic, neutral
Bloom Time	Spring
Flower Color	Pink
Hardiness Zones	5-8 (USDA)
Native Area	Asia

Weeping Cherry Tree Care

Here are the requirements for growing and caring for weeping cherry tree:

• Plant in full sun in rich, well-draining soil.
• Keep soil evenly moist but not overwatered.
• Allow for plenty of airflow and do not plant too close to other trees and shrubs.

Light

Plant weeping cherry trees in full sun. Not only does abundant light help encourage prolific blooms, but it also discourages fungal diseases. Plus, the sun filtering through the pretty pink blooms adds beauty to the garden.

Soil

Provide it with a good garden loam. Weeping cherries need rich, well-drained soil in a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 and dislike soggy soil. Prevent root rot by amending the soil to ensure it drains well.

Water

The water needs of this plant are average. But for optimal results, keep its soil evenly moist during the growing season. Do not allow the roots to sit in soggy soil.

Temperature and Humidity

Weeping cherry trees are suited to neither the extreme cold of the far North nor the extreme heat and humidity of the deep South. However, it tolerates cold and heat better than most other ornamental cherry trees.

Fertilizer

Weeping cherry tree performs best in ground that is at least moderately rich. Feed it annually with a complete fertilizer in early spring. Follow label instructions exactly, since the proper amount to apply varies according to tree size. Applying too much fertilizer can burn your plant.

Pruning

Usually, the weeping cherry tree you buy will be the result of a graft. The top part of the tree (the "scion") is the weeping part. The bottom part (the "rootstock") is a Prunus avium and does not have weeping capabilities. Any shoots coming out of the rootstock are undesirable and should be pruned off immediately; your plant is diverting valuable energy away from the rest of the tree into these useless shoots, which are unattractive.

Weeping cherries typically need little other pruning, unless you find a dead branch. However, if disease becomes an issue, prune affected branches out, or selectively prune branches after flowering to increase airflow to help combat fungal disease.

Propagating Weeping Cherry Trees

Because your weeping cherry tree is most likely the result of a graft, taking a cutting from either the scion or the rootstock and rooting it for propagation will not produce another weeping cherry tree. A grafted tree takes advantage of the best properties of its scion and rootstock to create one "supertree." Separated from each other, both the scion and the rootstock will fail to live up to what you have come to expect from the grafted product.

How to Grow Weeping Cherry Tree From Seed

Again, because this tree is grafted, the seed from it won't come "true." One reason why certain trees are grafted is that they do not come true to seed, so it is better to propagate them by "building" them, as it were. This way, you know what you're getting.

Overwintering

Weeping cherry tree is reasonably cold-hardy. No extra care is required to overwinter it if you live in an area no colder than Zone 5.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Weeping cherry tree is prone to attacks from insects and diseases. For example:

Borers

The weeping cherry tree is susceptible to infestations of borers (both adult and larval). A sign that you have a borer problem is sap leaking out of the trunk. Severe infestations are fatal and will necessitate tree removal. Your weeping cherry tree will probably survive a minor infestation as long as it is healthy and you continue to provide it with the sunlight, water, and nutrients that it needs.

Powdery Mildew Disease

Weeping cherries can be attacked by powdery mildew disease, a fungal disease that does little real harm to the tree but mars its appearance. When dealing with powdery mildew on any plant, there are several preventative measures you can take:

• Strike a balance between keeping the soil dry and keeping it overly saturated. Soggy soil is a breeding ground for fungi.
• When watering, avoid getting the leaves wet.
• Irrigate early in the day, allowing excess water to evaporate prior to nightfall.
• Practice proper garden hygiene. Diseased vegetation should be immediately cut off and disposed of properly (not composted).

How to Get Weeping Cherry Tree to Bloom

This cultivar was developed to take advantage of the lovely flowers of the genus while adding a cascading form into the mix.

Bloom Months

Weeping cherry tree blooms in early spring, usually March or April depending on your location.

How Long Does Weeping Cherry Tree Bloom?

The bloom period is relatively short. Weeping cherry tree blooms for 2-3 weeks each spring.

What Do Weeping Cherry Tree's Blooms Look and Smell Like?

Weeping cherry tree bears pink flowers. They have a light, sweet, and floral scent.

Common Problems With Weeping Cherry Tree

Be on the lookout for these common problems with your weeping cherry tree:

Wilting Leaves

Wilting, curling, or yellowing leaves on your weeping cherry tree could be a sign that your tree is underwatered. Make sure to keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Dark, Mushy Roots

Root rot can occur from overwatering. Make sure your tree is planted in well-draining soil to avoid too much water buildup.