Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

The Japanese word for the Japanese cherry is sakura, which roughly translates as "Japanese flowering cherry". The flowers are referred to as cherry blossom. There is a common misunderstanding that these trees produce cherries. They do not. The fruit-bearing cherry tree is a completely different type of tree. The Japanese cherry's name comes from the soft and beautiful pastel pink blossom it has. The Japanese cherry is known for its short but beautiful flowering period that ends with an inevitable fall to the ground. For the Japanese, this symbolizes human life, with rise, bloom and fall as part of our natural destiny. Read on if you want to plant and grow one of these flower producing trees.

To step

1. Enjoy your brilliant, beautiful Japanese cherry!

Tips

• When flowering is over, be sure to defoliate the Japanese cherry, or remove old leaves from the tree, to encourage new growth.
• Prune the branches at least once a year.
• If you plant it in a moist area, with other foliage growing under the tree, this will keep the soil moist.
• If you plant it next to a path, the wilted spring blossom will fall onto the path, forming a confetti of delicate petals.

Warnings

• Don't saturate it with too much water.
• Avoid cutting branches at the trunk, such as with oak trees, as the branches are unlikely to grow back.
• Watch out for moss. Use a garden hose or your hands to get the moss off the branches, it can stunt growth.

Necessities

• Seedlings or young Japanese cherry trees from a nursery
• Pot or planting place
• Ground
• Soil mix
• Fertilizers
• Water
• Basic garden tools (spade, shovel, pruning shears)