Cherry Blossom Tree In Winter? Top 40 Best Answers

Sure, planting and maintaining a beautiful garden in spring, early summer, and fall is a cinch…you’ve got the warm temperatures and sunny skies on your side. Once the winter season is over, keeping up with all your hard gardening chores can feel impossible or useless. This does not have to be the case with winter-flowering plants.

There are actually some beautiful trees with flowers (and other flowering plants – check out upcoming blogs) that thrive during the harsh cold winter weather and enhance your winter landscape. Their bare branches can produce gorgeous red blooms or white-flowered clusters of showy blooms.

The most popular flowering trees

Here’s a list of our favorite fall and winter bloomers:

Japanese Magnolia Magnolia liliiflora is a deciduous (sheds its leaves every year) shrub or small tree of Japanese origin, although not native to Japan. It is also known as Mulan magnolia, purple magnolia, red magnolia, lily magnolia, tulip magnolia, Jane magnolia, cup-shaped or saucer magnolia, and woody orchid. One of our favorite winter flowering trees for its saucer-like flowers that bloom in winter and look elegant. The Japanese magnolia only grows to about 13 feet tall and is a standout bloomer in the very late winter and early spring months. It can bloom sporadically throughout the summer.

Its incredibly showy, goblet-shaped, aromatic pink and purple flowers are about 3 inches tall and grow profusely before its large leaves, 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, bud. The Japanese magnolia prefers full sun and has been known to survive winter temperatures as low as -4°F. This makes it a great small tree to grow throughout the United States in USDA growing zones 4-8.

Flowering Dogwood Cornus Florida is a deciduous beauty that thrives in the early spring months and can reach 30 feet tall and 35 feet wide when fully grown. However, the typical size is closer to 15 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. This genus of about 30-60 species of woody plants is classified in the Cornaceae family; It is a native plant in the United States. When many other flowering trees hibernate during the winter, the flowering dogwood displays its canopy of snow-white blooms or pink flowers. It is often accompanied by a multitude of small, red fruits with new fall foliage that take 2-3 weeks to open.

Perfect Plant’s offers 2 varieties of dogwood. Choose your flower color (pink or white)! This early spring bloomer is a great option as a specimen tree or as a background. Flowering dogwoods prefer well-drained but moist soil and partial shade in the south and full sun in the north. Although any stress could make dogwoods susceptible to disease, established trees are tolerant of normal dry spells. In extreme drought, however, they must be additionally watered. As if you aren’t entirely won over by this beautiful tree, let’s not forget that its light green, 3 to 6 inch long leaves turn red and purple in the fall months. One of our favorite trees that bloom in winter for fall color.

Cherry Tree Prunus campanulata, also known as Taiwan Cherry, Formosa Cherry, or Bluebell Cherry, is a small, deciduous tree with a maximum height and width of 25 feet. This variety not only thrives in winter, but demands the cool temperatures as a sufficient cooling period. It is necessary for the tree to develop healthy buds, as well as flowering and small 1/8-inch cherries that ripen to a black color. A profusion of showy, one-inch, bell-shaped flowers in early spring. These fragrant flowers appear almost neon pink, fragrant and in clusters of 2-6 buds. They appear before the leaves come in late spring and summer. Leaves turn bronze in fall.

Considered by many to be the most beautiful of flowering cherries, the Taiwanese cherry makes an excellent tree for a Japanese-style conservatory or simply as a specimen anywhere early spring flowers are desired. The Taiwan cherry thrives best in full sun, but it also tolerates shade. It needs regular watering and tolerates heat better than other flowering cherry varieties. Unfortunately, the Taiwan cherry rarely lives longer than 10-15 years.

A member of the rose family, Snowdrift Crabapple Malus x ‘Snowdrift’ is a lively fruit tree that loves to show off its reddish-orange fruit and beautiful fragrant white and bright yellow flowers in the first few months of winter. The flowering period lasts throughout early spring. The Snowdrift Crabapple has lush and glossy dark green leaves that remain full and light while other plants dwindle and die when cold temperatures set in.

The snowdrift crab apple grows best in sunny locations with good air circulation. They have no particular soil preferences other than preferring well-drained soil. It is well adapted to compacted urban soil, tolerates drought and poor drainage well – also tolerates some salt spray. It is a very adaptable tree for urban landscapes. Don’t over-fertilize as this could increase the incidence of disease.

These winter flowering plants are eye-catching even though the sun may not be as bright. Contact us if you have any questions about these trees.

Find this article at:

go.ncsu.edu/readext?370065

— Written by Bill Hanlin and last updated by JoAnne Gryder

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I noticed that some trees are shedding their leaves this year. We have a maple tree in our yard that has lost almost half of its leaves while another maple is looking good next to it. If you have trees that shed their leaves early you may be wondering what is causing the problem and will it harm the tree?

Trees shed their leaves early for a variety of reasons. Leaves that have been attacked by insects or diseases often fall off early. The maple in my garden has tar spot disease which is causing the leaves to drop off now. Pests like scales, mites, and whiteflies can also cause premature defoliation. Spraying a pesticide will eliminate the infestation but may not be practical for large trees.

Some trees just aren’t made for our hot summers. Trees like ornamental cherries usually drop their leaves in the summer due to the heat. If you go to the mountains, the same trees still have their leaves due to the cooler climate.

Another reason trees shed their leaves early is drought stress. We’ve had a few dry spells this summer, which can put a lot of strain on the trees in the area. Mulching and deep watering prevent the tree from becoming stressed in dry years.

You can prevent defoliation problems by putting the right tree in the right spot. Avoid planting trees that are prone to insect and disease infestation. Also, avoid planting trees that are not adapted to our climate and hardiness zone.

Does early leaf fall damage the tree? If premature leaf loss is infrequent, the tree should survive easily. However, early leaf fall that occurs year after year can ultimately weaken the tree and reduce the tree’s survival.

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The need for growers to understand the impact of cold damage on fruit trees in 2014, particularly the more tender crops, prompted a series of presentations by Jon Clements, fruit extension tree specialist at the University of Massachusetts to take on an urgent tone.

Clements spoke at the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention in February and the North Jersey Commercial Fruit Growers Meeting in early March. On both occasions, Clements addressed the effects of cold weather on fruit production and what growers should look out for in terms of potential damage to their orchards.

In the case of Ontario, where Clements said “they don’t call it tender fruit for nothing,” a cultivated plant does not occur in its natural habitat. It is bred for other qualities, but not necessarily for environmental adaptability.

“Cultural practices are becoming important to enhance the species’ natural ability to survive cold winters,” Clements said.

He described the different types of dormancy of fruit trees.

Ecodormancy or rest. Buds are dormant as a result of unfavorable external conditions for growth. Examples of this can be seen in late fall and early spring.

Paradormancy: This is represented by correlative inhibition, where buds are dormant from the inhibitory influence of another plant. An example of this is the dormancy of the side buds due to the dominance of the final shoot.

Endodormancy: Occurs during a period of rest. Buds go dormant due to internal physiological blockages that prevent growth even under ideal external conditions. An example would be during the cool hours. This explains why temperate species evolved in mid-latitudes, which are subject to temperature fluctuations, with long chilling requirements.

Rest initiation is based on cold acclimation, Clements said. The process that leads to the development of frost tolerance in plants can take place on warm days and cool, non-freezing nights. Exposure to sub-freezing temperatures results in maximum cold tolerance, which follows exposure to temperatures near 0 °F.

Cold hardiness allows plants to withstand winter cold and is related to hibernation/hibernation (endodormancy). Plants gain resilience in freezing temperatures and lose resilience in warm weather. And they lose hardness faster than they regain it.

Fruit tree shoots are generally more cold resistant. Water freezes in the shoots/bud scales. The ice draws water out of the cells and concentrates a solution inside the cells, lowering their freezing point.

“Eventually, however, the cells freeze and the structure/function gets damaged,” he noted.

Hardiness of flower buds is genus and cultivar dependent: peach, minus 10°F; cherry, minus 15˚F; Apple and pear, minus 25˚ F to minus 30˚ F.

“There’s not that much information on shoot/leaf hardness,” Clements said. “Flower buds freeze individually, (showing) a range of sensitivities. Terminal flower buds are more vulnerable than lower flower buds.”

He said hardiness is dependent on when cold temperatures occur (early or mid or late winter), how quickly the temperature drops, and what the temperatures were like before the cold temperatures. The duration of the persistent cold also plays a role.

As an example, he said the Siberian C peach rootstock is hardy in Ontario, where it can withstand cold temperatures, but is not hardy in South Carolina, where it experiences fluctuating temperatures.

Winter damage is most common at extremely low temperatures, especially when the low temperatures follow warm temperatures. In the fall, an early cold can be harmful if it occurs before the plants have acclimated. Warming up in winter can result in a loss of hardiness. A cold snap after the spring warm-up results in a loss of winter dormancy and hardiness.

“Stressed plants can become cold hardy faster than normal — drought stress, for example,” Clements said. “But stressed plants have less sugar and can’t stand as much cold. Particularly heavy harvests can reduce available reserves (sugars) and decrease winter hardiness (especially with incomplete harvests).”

Winter damage to fruit trees can take many forms, including:

Blackheart: Fairly common. The pith is killed and the heartwood darkened. Gum formation occurs upon cell death. It is found in apple, peach, cherry, plum and pear. Young and nursery trees are more affected. Blackheart weakens the trunk and branches, but recovery can be quick on healthy trees.

Cambium injury: Most common in stone fruit, including peaches, and is aggravated by previous warm temperatures and the cambium being the last to harden. It leads to weakening of the tree, secondary infection by fungi and canker. Gumming up is often a symptom, but not always a sign of cold injury.

Crotch Injury: This can be the last area to harden. Upright limbs with tight stride angles are most likely to be cold injured. The injury may extend up and down the limb, and there may be susceptibility to varieties.

Crown/Collar Injury: This manifests itself as a winter dieback of bark near the ground. It can also be late in hardening. Apples, especially Gravenstein and Northern Spy, may be more susceptible.

Winter Sunburn: Commonly known as southwest injury, this occurs when the trunk warms up on a sunny day, followed by a rapid drop in temperature at sunset. Peaches with lower branches may be less at risk than apples. The use of white latex paint is recommended.

Stem splitting: More common in sweet cherries and apples, occurs most frequently in late autumn/early winter with a rapid drop in temperature. The splitting/tearing can extend to the medulla. It may or may not close and heal. It represents “the beginning of the end” with stone fruit.

Shoot death/dieback: Most likely to occur in very cold weather if the tree is not fully acclimated/hardened. It is more commonly seen in young trees. Growers should be mindful of their nitrogen fertilization and late pruning. It has an effect similar to a head cut.

Injury to leaves and flower buds: In the case of peach, some damage (10 percent) is to be expected at minus 23 °C; 100% damage at -29°C. In winter, the temperature required to damage the buds can vary by up to 5°C to 6°C due to acclimatization/deacclimatization differences. Tree damage can occur at minus 35 °C for apples, minus 32 °C for apricots, minus 29 °C for sour cherries, minus 26 °C for sweet cherries and minus 25 °C for peaches.

Root death: This is less common than injury to the above-ground portion of the tree. Apple roots can be killed from minus 4˚C to minus 12˚C. Bare ground aggravates the condition.

Clements said the following gardening practices can impact winter cold damage:

Site Choice: Elevation, wetness/drainage issues, and latitude all have an impact.

Irrigation/Fertilization: Drought stress followed by a cold winter can be bad news. Too much water can cause trees to grow later in the fall and reduce hardiness. A high nitrogen content leads to reduced winter hardiness. Growers should not fertilize too late in the fall.

Choice of Variety/Rootstock: Clements referred to an NC-140 peach rootstock trial in which it appeared that damage to flower buds varied between about 3 percent and 75 percent after temperatures of minus 11 degrees F in early January. Redhaven was the variety with 12 rootstocks examined.

Pruning Practices: Late pruning reduces hardiness. The effects of pruning can last well into winter. Late pruned trees showed increased cambium activity well into winter. Summer pruning of peaches can affect hardiness in early winter. Peaches pruned to pink may have reduced frost tolerance during flowering.

– Gary Pullano

Nothing says spring like a blooming cherry blossom tree. These beautiful trees are ushering in the new season around the world, but have you ever wondered why cherry blossom trees are so popular and widespread? We’ve looked at the fascinating story behind cherry blossom trees along with a few other facts about the beautiful blossoms below:

Cherry blossoms came to the US thanks to a government employee.

David Fairchild, who worked for the US Department of Agriculture, is responsible for bringing cherry blossom trees to the United States from Japan, where the trees were loved and enjoyed for centuries. Fairchild first encountered the blooming cherry blossom trees in Japan in 1902. In 1906, he ordered 125 cherry blossom trees from the Yokohama Nursery Company in Japan to plant on his own property in Chevy Chase, Maryland, reports National Geographic. The trees drew so many onlookers to Fairchild’s home that he ended up ordering 300 more as gifts for the city of Chevy Chase.

Cherry blossoms are a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States.

Cherry blossom trees in Hyogo, Japan. Getty Images

How did these beautiful trees become a symbol of friendship between the two countries? Eliza Scidmore, the first female writer and photographer for National Geographic, first visited Japan in 1885 and fell in love with the beauty of the cherry blossom trees. After returning to Washington D.C. Scidmore urged the city to plant the trees around the Capitol, but failed to gain traction with local governments and park services. In 1909, Scidmore wrote a letter to First Lady Helen Taft declaring her desire to plant trees citywide, and the First Lady was able to get the idea off the ground, according to the National Park Service.

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After Helen accepted the idea, President Taft believed the cherry blossom trees might serve a purpose other than their obvious beauty — the president hoped to forge a friendship with Japan, reports National Geographic. Shortly thereafter, Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozak agreed to donate cherry trees as a token of goodwill on behalf of the city.

Ozak initially donated 2,000 trees to the United States, but when they found them in Washington D.C. in 1910 arrived, it was found that they were sick and could not be planted. In 1912, Ozak donated another 3,020 cherry blossoms of 12 different varieties. This shipment was a success, and these trees ended up in the White House and the Tidal Basin in D.C.

The first cherry blossom trees in D.C. were planted in 1912.

Cherry blossom trees overlooking the Tidal Basin and Washington Monument. Sean Pavone // Getty Images

First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, officially planted the first two Yoshino cherry trees in the Tidal Basin in 1912, where a plaque still commemorates the event. Scidmore, who first petitioned the government to plant the trees over 20 years ago, was also present at the ceremony. Once these trees were planted, the national love affair with cherry blossoms officially began.

The Cherry Blossoms of D.C. sparked a national festival.

Each spring, nearly 1.5 million people descend on Washington, D.C. to enjoy the national cherry blossom festival. Today, the festival has expanded to over 50 events and programs for visitors over the course of four weeks.

The very first celebration of cherry blossom planting took place in 1927, when D.C. recreate the first planting. Civic groups helped expand the celebration into a full festival in 1935.

Michelle Obama at the 2012 cherry blossom planting ceremony. Win McNamee // Getty Images

Since Helen Taft’s initial involvement in planting the trees around D.C. Many First Ladies have remained active supporters of the Cherry Blossom Festival over the years by participating in tree planting ceremonies and other festival events. In March 2012, First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 1912 tree planting with a reenactment ceremony.

Enjoying cherry blossom trees is a tradition in Japan.

Mount Fuji provides the backdrop for cherry blossoms in Japan. Sean Pavone // Getty Images

Cherry blossom trees are called sakura in Japanese, and the flower holds significant symbolism in the country’s culture. They’re often seen as symbols of renewal, rebirth, and new beginnings, and since they only bloom for a short time, they also symbolize the “ephemeral nature of life,” according to the Smithsonian Institution. The ritual of viewing cherry blossoms dates back to 700th-century Japan, when the trees were considered sacred and associated with certain religious beliefs, according to PBS.

During the flowering season, the Japanese participate in the ritual hanami, which are flower-viewing celebrations complete with food, drink, song, and dance. There is also a nocturnal version of the ritual known as Yozakura.

But the cherry blossom capital of the world is not Washington D.C. or any city in Japan.

Cherry blossoms in Macon, Georgia. SeanPavonePhoto // Getty Images

It’s actually Macon, Georgia, for an intriguing reason: The city has over 350,000 cherry trees, which insiders say is more than 90 times the cherry trees in the D.C. area. is. Macon is also home to the International Cherry Blossom Festival, an annual event that takes place from late March to early April each year. The festival was established in 1982 to promote “love, beauty and international friendship” and has since become a major attraction for cherry blossom lovers.

You can see cherry blossoms all over the world.

Cherry blossoms in Greenwich Park, London. Dan Kitwood // Getty Images

In addition to locations in Japan, Washington D.C. and Macon, Georgia also have beautiful blooms each year in cities around the world, including Stockholm, Paris, New York, Hamburg, Vancouver, London, Copenhagen, Edinburgh and Dublin, among others.

Cherry blossom trees do not live very long and only bloom for a short time.

Steven Heap / EyeEm // Getty Images

Most cherry blossom trees only live 30 to 40 years, according to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (which hosts some of the oldest cherry blossoms in the United States). However, some species can live longer: black cherry trees can live up to 250 years. In 2012, according to the Washington Post, there were “a few dozen” trees left from the original batch, first planted in 1912 near the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in D.C. were planted.

Each spring’s flowering period lasts only about a month, and each individual tree only blooms for a week or two. Peak flowering occurs when 70 percent of the trees in a given area are in bloom at once—the trees in Washington D.C. peaked just this week, according to the Washington Post.

You can now buy your own ready to plant cherry blossom tree

As long as you have fertile soil that gets at least six hours of sun a day, you can grow a cherry blossom yourself. Here’s where you can buy one for your own property:

Home Depot Online Orchards Kwanzan Cherry Blossom Tree $39 at Home Depot

One of the earliest heralds of spring is the cherry blossom tree, which turns into clouds of pink and white blossoms in March and April. They are celebrated at cherry blossom festivals around the world, when people flock to the grasses beneath their branches to marvel at the frothing blooms. If you want to learn more about these beautiful trees, read on. Before the next spring bloom, find out some cherry blossom facts. Plus, find some tree-related trivia to test your knowledge of these blooming signs of upcoming warm weather.

Cherry Blossom Photo Credit: Thaworn Kimtong/Getty Images

The blooming season

The cherry blossom season lasts about a month each spring and is always weather dependent. Early March to early April is generally a good rule of thumb if you’re looking at the calendar and hoping to see blooms. Most cherry blossom trees bloom for one to two weeks during the season. The further south you go, the earlier in the season the trees bloom. When in bloom, cherry blossoms make for simple and stunning floral arrangements that can last quite a long time.

Cherry Blossom Credit: Nomad Outing/Getty Images

About cherry blossom trees

Most ornamental cherries are grown more for the beautiful flowers than for the edible fruit. The strictly ornamental genus of cherry trees is known as Prunus. These trees still bear fruit in the summer months, but they are usually so acidic that only animals eat them. Cherry trees that produce edible fruit belong to the genus Rosaceae, but most of them are too difficult to grow in the South. That’s because they need cool temperatures to thrive.

Contrary to popular belief, most cherry blossoms are lightly scented. They grow fast but don’t last long. Their lifespan is typically 15 to 25 years, but some, like black cherry trees, can live much longer. Although delicate in appearance, you can actually grow them yourself provided you place them in a spot with full sun and well-drained soil.

Cherry blossoms bloom in multiple shades. Many are light pink while others have darker pink flowers or white flowers. Some have yellow-green or white-green flowers that turn pink with age.

Cherry Blossom Credit: Nomad Outing/Getty Images

Varieties in bloom

There are over 200 different varieties of these beautiful trees. The Yoshino cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) is the selection that surrounds the Washington Tidal Basin and has an entire festival dedicated to it. It can grow up to 35 meters high. Weeping cherry (P. x subhirtella) can have pink or white flowers and come in a variety of sizes. The branches flow down like a weeping willow or water coming out of a well.

The ‘Okame’ cherry (P. ‘Okame’) produces deep pink blooms and grows up to 20 feet tall with branches that extend in a traditional rounded tree shape. It can be an early bloomer, sometimes blooming as early as Valentine’s Day in the lower South. The ‘Kwanzan’ cherry (P. serrulata ‘Kwanzan’) is a vigorous grower with flowers that look like carnations. It is usually a late bloomer, blooming in mid to late spring and can reach heights of up to 30 feet.

Cherry Blossom Credit: Elysee Shen/Getty Images

Celebrate Blossoms in Washington DC

Some of the most well-known cherry blossoms in the United States are those that surround national monuments in Washington. The cherry blossom is the unofficial national flower of Japan, and in 1912 Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki donated 3,000 cherry trees to the United States to be planted around the Tidal Basin in Washington to celebrate friendship between the cities and countries. In return, the United States gifted flowering dogwoods to Japan in 1915. First Lady Helen Herron Taft planted the first cherry blossom tree along the Potomac in 1912.

Because of the trees that have been planted around Washington, it has become a center for blooming cherry blossoms. The National Cherry Blossom Festival depends on when the trees bloom each year. There is an official website dedicated to predicting the cherry blossom bloom time each spring. The flowering season in Washington is usually around April 4th.

When you visit the cherry blossoms in Washington, don’t even think about breaking off a branch. According to The Washingtonian, “Breaking off flowers and branches is considered vandalism of federal property and can get you a subpoena or even arrest you, although a Metropolitan Police spokesman says officers enforce the law with ‘incredible discretion,’ mostly issuing warnings and minors fines.”

Cherry Blossom Credit: junyyeung/Getty Images

Cherry Blossom Quiz

George Washington never actually felled a cherry tree. According to Mount Vernon, that was a myth created by one of Washington’s early biographers, Mason Locke Weems.

Cherry blossom trees are known as “sakura” in Japan, where the blossoms are a symbol of renewal and hope. Picnicking under the trees is a long-standing Japanese tradition known as “hanami.”

Cherry blossoms are not native to the United States, but they can be found in many cities across the country. Macon, a central Georgia city known for its cherry blossom trees (350,000 Yoshino cherry blossom trees and counting!) has earned it the nickname “The Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.” Macon hosts the annual International Cherry Blossom Festival, dubbed the “pinksest party on earth.”

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Mostly grown as an ornamental, the flowers usually appear as single-petalled displays of dark red, pink, or white in late winter and are lightly scented. Some leaves are red or deep purple, almost black. Grow it in warm temperate to cold areas. She doesn’t like drought but doesn’t like too much rain. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and in a sunny, wind-protected spot. It can grow up to 10m tall, but many are small enough for a specimen in a small garden.

peach

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Peach blossoms appear merrily along the branches before the leaves emerge, appearing as either single blossoms or in pairs. Robust individualists, they can be light pink, a deep carmine or even a soft purple. They can be large and conspicuous or very small and unpretentious. Traditionally, peach trees need a cold winter, but new varieties are suited to relatively warm areas. Regardless of your climate, they need an open, sunny spot with well-drained soil and shelter from the wind.

cherry

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This is the most spectacular of all blooms when the trees are planted en masse along boulevards, river or lake banks. Waterholes provide a breeze, so not only the trees are filled with blossoms, but also the air. Characteristic of the mostly pale pink cherry blossom is the tiny slit at the tip of the petal, giving it a heart shape.

The buds, often with multiple layers of petals, dangle from long stalks (as do the delicious fruits that follow), adding extra extravagance. They need a cold winter, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and an open, sunny spot.

almond

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Masses of extraordinarily beautiful white and pale pink flowers begin to appear in late July-early August, after the threat of frost has passed. The flowers are among the first to appear and shine with a wonderful glow in the dull darkness of late winter. The tree, which can reach 10 m in height, thrives in a sunny spot with warm to hot summers and mild, wet winters, but in a location that does not receive excessive rainfall. Grow small varieties in pots or larger varieties in the middle of a lawn for natural shade in summer. They grow best in fertile, well-drained soil.

ornamental pear

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If only it bore fruit as deliciously as it blossoms, because the ornamental pear blossom is a vision in white. But the small, hard fruits are best left to the birds. This is a year-round beauty with silky foliage in summer that turns bright red, purple, and bronze in fall. They haven’t even fully fallen off when you see buds for next spring. It is a great city tree as it tolerates pollution, poor soil, sun, shade and drought. Bring spring indoors with blossoms cut from an ornamental pear.

pear

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The beautiful little calyx forms of new white or cream pear flowers often appear before the leaves, but they can still be seen together on the tree. Pears grow into elegant, small shade trees, but as they mature, the trunk and branches can develop a twisted, gnarled appearance. Then the beautiful, light green leaves with their elegant drip tips and the delicate clusters of flowers lay like a lace blanket over the skeleton, just when it gets warmer!

Pears are ideal for heavier and slightly wet soils. They are the easiest fruit trees to grow as long as you get some frost. The beautiful, long dripping tips of the pear leaves highlight the clusters of flowers. Pear blossoms do not have a lot of nectar and therefore can be avoided by bees. Garden flies can pollinate instead. The abundance of flowers envelops the trees like a light lace curtain.

crabapple

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The sight of a crab apple in bloom will instantly brighten your day. Puffy white or pink flowers with gold centers seem to weigh down the spreading branches, but the tree itself generally has an open, relaxed habit, so all is well. Crab apples are essentially the same as apples, but the fruit is much smaller and more tart. They like temperate to cool-temperate climates, are frost hardy, enjoy sun or light shade and get along with almost any type of soil as long as it is nutrient-rich and well-watered.

Apple

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Most apple blossoms are soft pink when they emerge, fading to white as the season progresses. Depending on the variety, they can bloom in early or late spring. Choose a tree that is appropriate for your climate – it can grow in very cold areas to subtropical regions. Make sure they are in full sun and out of the wind (coastal areas can be tricky). They prefer well-drained and nutrient-rich soil, but will tolerate many other soil types as long as they are not waterlogged or overly dry. Like pears, they do a brilliant job espaliered against a heat-absorbing brick wall. Blossoms and bricks just seem to go together. You can also grow them in pots.

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Winter protection for potted trees and shrubs Winter protection for potted trees and shrubs

by Don Janssen, Extension Educator by Don Janssen, Extension Educator

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Many homes have patios and decks with large pots that contain shrubs or trees. These containers add a sense of permanence and beauty to the area. Unfortunately, container plants often suffer severe winter damage and often death if left unprotected.

In pots, the roots of the plants are exposed to sub-zero temperatures on all sides. When temperatures fluctuate, the ground thaws and refreezes, lifting the plant out of the ground. This tears the roots and can expose the roots to drying winds. Branches can break directly from strong winds or from the container tipping over. Sudden temperature changes can also damage the container itself, causing cracks.

Small plants can easily be moved to a cool garage or basement. Temperatures should be in the upper 30s or low 40s. Protecting large plants is more of a challenge, but it can be done. Thoroughly covering the plant and container can help protect the plant. However, if the plant is too tender for our climate or the winter is unusually severe, these measures may not be enough.

To aid the plant’s success, select plants that are hardy for our area and make every effort to ensure the plant goes into winter in a healthy condition. Keep watering the plant until fall. Do not fertilize after midsummer. Shrubs should be encouraged to gradually cease growth and harden off in preparation for winter.

After the first hard frost and most leaves have been lost, begin winter protection. Tie the branches together carefully so you don’t damage them when you wrap insulation around them. Water the tree thoroughly and mulch the top of the soil with several inches of straw or leaves. Make a cylinder around the outside of the tub with chicken wire or another type of garden fencing. Make the cage large enough to enclose the entire plant. Secure the wire fence to a post with wire or staples for extra support. Fill the cage with straw or leaves, being careful not to break branches. Wrap the outside of the cage with burlap or a shade cloth and secure with twine. This will prevent the filling material from being blown away. As a final step, cover the cage with plastic or roofing felt and tuck in the edges. Tie at the top so it doesn’t fly away.

When spring comes, unpack the tree little by little. First remove the plastic or roofing felt cover. Gently pull the leaves or straw around the branches and loosen them. The filling can be used as a garden mulch around perennial flowers or in the vegetable garden. Leave the fencing and outer shell in place. water when the soil is dry.

Once spring is truly here, remove the burlap or shadecloth cover and cage. Prune broken or damaged branches and remove any other unnecessary shoots. Choose a cloudy day to remove the covers to allow the tree to gradually acclimate. Save the fence and burlap for next year. Containerized trees and shrubs add a lot to our landscapes. With the right winter protection, the same plant can provide beauty for many years.

(This resource was added in September 2005 and appeared in the Sunday edition of the Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper. See Terms of Use for information on reproducing this article or using photos or graphics.)

Back for more resources – http://lancaster.unl.edu

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County is your online gardening and gardening education resource. The information on this website applies to residents of southeastern Nebraska. It may or may not apply in your area. If you live outside of Southeast Nebraska, visit your local Extension office

One of the earliest heralds of spring is the cherry blossom tree, which turns into clouds of pink and white blossoms in March and April. They are celebrated at cherry blossom festivals around the world, when people flock to the grasses beneath their branches to marvel at the frothing blooms. If you want to learn more about these beautiful trees, read on. Before the next spring bloom, find out some cherry blossom facts. Plus, find some tree-related trivia to test your knowledge of these blooming signs of upcoming warm weather.

Cherry Blossom Photo Credit: Thaworn Kimtong/Getty Images

The blooming season

The cherry blossom season lasts about a month each spring and is always weather dependent. Early March to early April is generally a good rule of thumb if you’re looking at the calendar and hoping to see blooms. Most cherry blossom trees bloom for one to two weeks during the season. The further south you go, the earlier in the season the trees bloom. When in bloom, cherry blossoms make for simple and stunning floral arrangements that can last quite a long time.

Cherry Blossom Credit: Nomad Outing/Getty Images

About cherry blossom trees

Most ornamental cherries are grown more for the beautiful flowers than for the edible fruit. The strictly ornamental genus of cherry trees is known as Prunus. These trees still bear fruit in the summer months, but they are usually so acidic that only animals eat them. Cherry trees that produce edible fruit belong to the genus Rosaceae, but most of them are too difficult to grow in the South. That’s because they need cool temperatures to thrive.

Contrary to popular belief, most cherry blossoms are lightly scented. They grow fast but don’t last long. Their lifespan is typically 15 to 25 years, but some, like black cherry trees, can live much longer. Although delicate in appearance, you can actually grow them yourself provided you place them in a spot with full sun and well-drained soil.

Cherry blossoms bloom in multiple shades. Many are light pink while others have darker pink flowers or white flowers. Some have yellow-green or white-green flowers that turn pink with age.

Cherry Blossom Credit: Nomad Outing/Getty Images

Varieties in bloom

There are over 200 different varieties of these beautiful trees. The Yoshino cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) is the selection that surrounds the Washington Tidal Basin and has an entire festival dedicated to it. It can grow up to 35 meters high. Weeping cherry (P. x subhirtella) can have pink or white flowers and come in a variety of sizes. The branches flow down like a weeping willow or water coming out of a well.

The ‘Okame’ cherry (P. ‘Okame’) produces deep pink blooms and grows up to 20 feet tall with branches that extend in a traditional rounded tree shape. It can be an early bloomer, sometimes blooming as early as Valentine’s Day in the lower South. The ‘Kwanzan’ cherry (P. serrulata ‘Kwanzan’) is a vigorous grower with flowers that look like carnations. It is usually a late bloomer, blooming in mid to late spring and can reach heights of up to 30 feet.

Cherry Blossom Credit: Elysee Shen/Getty Images

Celebrate Blossoms in Washington DC

Some of the most well-known cherry blossoms in the United States are those that surround national monuments in Washington. The cherry blossom is the unofficial national flower of Japan, and in 1912 Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki donated 3,000 cherry trees to the United States to be planted around the Tidal Basin in Washington to celebrate friendship between the cities and countries. In return, the United States gifted flowering dogwoods to Japan in 1915. First Lady Helen Herron Taft planted the first cherry blossom tree along the Potomac in 1912.

Because of the trees that have been planted around Washington, it has become a center for blooming cherry blossoms. The National Cherry Blossom Festival depends on when the trees bloom each year. There is an official website dedicated to predicting the cherry blossom bloom time each spring. The flowering season in Washington is usually around April 4th.

When you visit the cherry blossoms in Washington, don’t even think about breaking off a branch. According to The Washingtonian, “Breaking off flowers and branches is considered vandalism of federal property and can get you a subpoena or even arrest you, although a Metropolitan Police spokesman says officers enforce the law with ‘incredible discretion,’ mostly issuing warnings and minors fines.”

Cherry Blossom Credit: junyyeung/Getty Images

Cherry Blossom Quiz

George Washington never actually felled a cherry tree. According to Mount Vernon, that was a myth created by one of Washington’s early biographers, Mason Locke Weems.

Cherry blossom trees are known as “sakura” in Japan, where the blossoms are a symbol of renewal and hope. Picnicking under the trees is a long-standing Japanese tradition known as “hanami.”

Cherry blossoms are not native to the United States, but they can be found in many cities across the country. Macon, a central Georgia city known for its cherry blossom trees (350,000 Yoshino cherry blossom trees and counting!) has earned it the nickname “The Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.” Macon hosts the annual International Cherry Blossom Festival, dubbed the “pinksest party on earth.”

Freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to fruit blossoms. However, when the buds are in the early stages of development, they are more cold hardy than in later stages, and the air temperature needs to be well below freezing to cause damage. If the temperature drops low enough, the pistils will die and they will not produce fruit. If the temperature drops after the petals have dropped and the new fruit is already growing, frost can cause a ring of restricted growth near the stem that deforms the fruit and persists until harvest.

Find out about the latest travel restrictions before planning your trip safely, and be sure to contact companies to make reservations and confirm availability before you travel.

There is something special about delicate pink petals floating down from above and covering the ground beneath your feet. And that’s exactly what we experience across the country in spring. The stunning cherry blossom tree is probably one of the most photogenic (although we also have a penchant for fall colors), and Canada is fortunate to have trees in cities across Canada.

From the first blooms of the season, here are some of our favorite spots!

These flowers are not confused. You are perfect.

Japan is world famous for its sakura (cherry blossoms), which transform the country into a stunning sea of ​​pink for a few fleeting weeks each spring. But did you know that it’s also possible to see cherry blossoms in late fall and early winter—right in the heart of koyo (fall foliage) season?

Where can you see cherry blossoms in Japan?

While most types of cherry blossom trees bloom once a year in March/April (but some in February!), there are some rarer varieties known as (winter sakura) that bloom twice a year – once in spring and again between October and December. This second flowering coincides with another of Japan’s seasonal wonders, when the leaves of (maple) trees turn fiery oranges and iridescent reds.

To the delight of photographers and nature lovers, it’s possible to enjoy both of Japan’s seasonal spectacles at the same time! With the delicate, pale pink sakura contrasting with the rich, bright red of the autumn leaves, this is a truly unique phenomenon that you can only experience in certain parts of the country.

Here are five of the best places to enjoy winter cherry blossoms in Japan:

Sakurayama Park, Gunma

Home to around 7,000 Fuyuzakura trees, it’s no wonder Sakurayama Park in Gunma Prefecture is one of the most famous spots for winter cherry blossoms. Its location on a 591 meter high mountain also makes it a good hiking spot for those who want to earn their sakura viewing pleasure!

Sakurayama Park Map

Best viewing time: mid-November to mid-December

Nearest Station: Onishi Postal Bus Station (however, it is recommended to go by car)

Jomine Park, Saitama

Jomine Park in Kamikawa, Saitama Prefecture has about 600 winter sakura trees. There are paths leading through them and also elevated viewing platforms for a better view – and the perfect Instagram photo! From late October to early December, the trees are also illuminated at night, creating a truly magical atmosphere in the park. The Fuyuzakura Matsuri (‘Winter Cherry Blossom Festival’) takes place on the last Sunday in October, kicking off the season in style.

Jomine Park Map

Best time to visit: mid-November

Nearest station: Jomine Park bus stop (though car is recommended)

Obara, Aichi

The Obara District in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture is home to around 10,000 shikizakura, or “four-season cherry trees.” These bloom once in March and once in November, and there are several spots where you can enjoy the beautiful juxtaposition of fall foliage and cherry blossoms. The main place to check out is Fureai Park, which hosts the month-long Obara Shikizakura Festival every November, with food stalls and musical performances to enjoy alongside the flowers.

Best viewing time: mid to late November

Nearest station: Obara okusa bus stop (however, it is recommended to go by car)

Jikkoin Temple, Kyoto

This peaceful temple is secluded in Ohara, a rural village in a mountainous region northeast of Kyoto. Its winter sakura is the glory of the temple, which you can see in its wandering garden. The garden also features a pond, rock formations and the use of the surrounding mountains as a borrowed backdrop, making it the perfect spot for some quiet contemplation while enjoying the blooms.

Jikkoin Temple Map

Best travel time: November

Next stop: Ohara bus stop

Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen (Park), one of Tokyo’s most popular parks, is home to a wide variety of cherry trees. In addition to an abundance of trees that bloom in spring, you’ll also find species that bloom in February and those that bloom in late autumn and early winter. These include jugatsuzakura — dubbed the October cherry tree after the month its pale flowers bloom — and himalayan zakura, which typically blooms from November to December.

Shinjuku Park Map

Best time to visit: mid-November

Next stop: Shinjuku Gyoenmae

on the gram

For more Fuyuzakura photos and the latest posts with updates on the timing of flowering year by year, follow the following hashtags on Instagram:

Similar hashtag (in Romaji) (in English) #冬桜 Fuyuzakura Winter Sakura #桜と紅葉 Sakura-to-koyo Sakura and Autumn Foliage #四季桜 Shikizakura Four Seasons Sakura

And if you’re traveling to any of the places we’ve mentioned, use #GaijinPotTravel on your Instagram photos for a chance to be featured in our Top 10 Reader Photos of the Month!