How to Plant, Grow, and Care for ‘Taiwan’ Flowering Cherry Trees

If you’ve been to Japan or Washington DC, you’ve probably heard of ‘hanami.’ This tradition translates as “flower viewing” and is a cultural practice in which groups of people picnic under cherry blossoms.  

Traditional ‘Okame,’ Yoshino, and Sakura varieties of flowering cherries have trouble growing in climates above zone 8 or 9. In warm regions of East Asia, such as Okinawa, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands, you’ll find ‘Taiwan’ cherry trees more frequently. 

These deciduous cherries have bright pink blooms that take over entire hillsides and mountains. They prefer humid climates with long and hot summers and short, mild winters. 

If you live in a subtropical climate, try growing these majestic blooming cherries for incredible shows of color. Let’s dive into how to plant, grow, and care for ‘Taiwan’ flowering cherries, so you enjoy stunning winter blooms. 

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Prunus campanulata ‘Taiwan Flowering Cherry’ Overview

Plant Type: Deciduous Tree Family: Rosaceae Genus: Prunus Species: Prunus campanulata	Native Area: Taiwan, Southern Japan, Southern China, Vietnam Exposure: Full sun Height: Up to 30’ Watering Requirements: Moderate	Pests & Diseases: Tent caterpillar, root rot, cherry leaf spot Maintenance: Low Soil Type: Well-drained, slightly acidic Hardiness Zone: 7-10

What Is It?

‘Taiwan’ flowering cherry trees are popular ornamental trees in subtropical regions of East Asia. They produce gorgeous dark pink blossoms that appear between December and February.

In the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, they’re the most prominent flowering cherry trees. When they bloom in mid-winter, they fill streets, parks, and homes with their colorful blooms. 

Characteristics

Prunus campanulatas grow to be over 30 feet once they’re established. These deciduous trees flower in the winter and put on edible fruit in the late winter and early spring. The tart fruit is edible but is almost too small to enjoy. 

One of the most challenging parts about growing a ‘Taiwan’ cherry is the germination rates. Birds, squirrels, and other small animals feast on their fruits and scatter them over long distances. 

In New Zealand, they are seen as invasive, with some communities, such as Northland and North Island, banning them from nurseries. These flowering trees compete with native species in New Zealand, leading to new restrictions on growing them. 

Native Area

These gorgeous trees are native to subtropical regions of East Asia, including Vietnam, Southern China, Taiwan, and Japan’s Ryukyu Islands. They thrive in zones 7 through 10 but grow in zones 11 and 12 as well. 

In their native habitat, you’ll see them growing in mountains, hillsides, and the borders of forests. They’re now most commonly found in public parks and gardens for their decorative flowers. Every winter, people come to picnic under their blooms in places such as Nago Central Park, in Okinawa. 

In the U.S., they grow particularly well in the Deep South, from northern Florida to South Texas. Some gardeners in Hawaii have had success planting them at higher elevations. Although they’re native to humid climates, many gardeners in Southern California have had success growing them. 

Planting

These deciduous cherry trees are easy to plant and grow as long as they get enough sun and irrigation. Make sure the site is well-drained. If you get a lot of rainfall, consider planting them on a slope. This should prevent moisture from accumulating near their roots. 

In drier areas such as Southern California or West Texas, you’ll have to water them more frequently. Plant your ‘Taiwan’ cherry near entryways, streets, or anywhere you want to show off the magnificent blossoms.  

When selecting a site, make sure it’s away from other tall species. These cherries grow quickly and can become quite full and wide. Plant them away from other sun-loving plants. 

Transplanting

Never transplant a young ‘Taiwan’ flowering cherry if there’s a threat of frost. Seedlings should be at least 1 foot tall before transplanting outside. Before planting, don’t forget to harden them off first. This will help them acclimate to the outdoors and prevent transplant shock. 

When your seedlings are ready to be planted in their sites, dig holes about twice the width of the root balls. Plant them to a depth that just covers the spaces where the roots and trunks meet. 

Fill the holes with soil and carefully pat it down around the plants to secure them. Add a generous amount of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the plants. Keep the mulch away from the trunks. 

Give your newly planted cherry trees a good amount of water immediately after transplanting. Continue watering them regularly unless you’re getting frequent rain. Your young plants should grow quickly after establishing their roots in the new soil. 

Growing From Seed

Find ‘Taiwan’ cherry tree seeds online, at your local nursery, or grab some from a neighbor or friend. If you’re using fresh cherries, remove their flesh and soak them in water. After 5 or 10 minutes, remove them from the water and finish cleaning off the flesh. 

Let the pits dry on a clean towel for several days in a cool, dark place. Keep them away from sunlight. After they dry, place them in a container and cold stratify them for a few months in the refrigerator. You can also plant them directly in the soil at the beginning of winter and cover them with a cold frame. 

After cold stratifying the seeds, fill medium-sized containers with well-drained potting soil and compost. Plant the pits and cover them with about 1 inch of soil. Keep them in a well-lit area like a greenhouse or a large south-facing window. Your cherries could take a few months to germinate, so be patient and stick to a consistent watering schedule. 

How to Grow

If you live in climates between zone 8 and 11, you should have no problem growing these awe-inspiring trees. They are easy to care for and grow quickly. The more humid your location is, the healthier they’ll grow. 

Light

Prunus campanulatas require full sun to thrive. When they’re young seedlings, they benefit from some afternoon shade. 

Once they mature, they’ll thrive in the brightest areas of your yard. Grow them away from tall trees or possible construction sites that could block out the sun. 

Water

‘Taiwan’ flowering cherry trees evolved in areas with high amounts of annual rainfall. If you live in drier regions, such as Southern California, water them at least once a week. Young trees will need more frequent soaks. 

In areas with frequent rainfall, only water your trees when the soil dries up. Too much rainfall or watering could cause root rot if the rootballs become soggy. 

Grow these trees with a generous amount of mulch around their bases, slightly away from the trunks. Mulch helps seal in moisture in the soil and prevents it from evaporating away. 

Soil

These flowering cherry trees need well-drained soil that’s rich in organic material. They thrive in a mixture of nutrient-rich garden soil, sand, and compost. Clay-heavy soils may absorb too much water and become soggy. 

Amend your soil with plenty of organic material like worm castings and rich compost. They prefer slightly acidic soil. Test your soil, and if its pH is above 7.0, consider amending it with a gentle amount of organic garden sulfur like this one. Follow the product’s instructions and test your soil again to make sure it’s not overly acidic. 

Temperature and Humidity

‘Taiwan’ cherry trees grow well in subtropical climates with high rainfall and humidity. You’ll grow them easily in zones 8 through 10 in the US. These regions include Southern Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the Atlantic seaboard from South Florida to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

You can get these trees to flourish in places like Southern California and Arizona. However, they’ll need consistent watering. They’re not drought tolerant and prefer consistent watering from irrigation. They won’t tolerate heavy frosts or long periods of cold weather. 

They can grow in zones 11 and 12 if there’s a slight coastal influence to cool down the temperatures. Their seeds need a short period of cold stratification to germinate. You’ll have to stratify them in the refrigerator in climate zones above 10. 

Fertilizing

These cherry trees benefit from growing in rich, organic soil with plenty of compost. However, you can fertilize them once a year with a fruit tree fertilizer. Low-nitrogen fertilizers are also ideal. 

The best time to fertilize your trees is in the early spring or late winter, around bud break. Look for fertilizers high in phosphorus and potassium. 

For the most part, avoid using fertilizer when your trees are dormant. You can also hold off during the peak summer growing season. If you feel your trees need a little extra nutrient boost, give them a light feeding of fruit tree fertilizer at budbreak. 

Maintenance

These trees are very low maintenance. Consider pruning young trees to keep their shape. They’ll grow quickly and put on a lot of outward growth. 

Prune them after blooming, and prune branches below the center growing off the trunk. Always use disinfected pruners to prevent the spread of disease. 

Propagation

Like other cherry tree species, ‘Taiwan’ flowering cherry trees are easy to propagate from cuttings. To do so, find green and flexible branches with healthy foliage. Pick a space near a leaf node roughly 8 inches long.

With clean pruning shears like these, make a clean horizontal cut. Leave 3 to 4 leaves at the end. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and roll it around to completely cover the wound. 

Place the cuttings in a soil-less growing medium such as coconut coir. Use containers with plenty of drainage holes. Cover them with a plastic bag and keep them moist by spraying with a spray bottle. 

Within 30 days, you should start to see new growth appear. Transplant them into containers with garden soil and compost after their rootball develops and the start putting on new leaves. 

Common Problems

These subtropical bloomers are relatively resistant to most pests and diseases. Still, there are some things to watch out for. 

Pests

In the US, these trees can succumb to common pests. Watch out for scale insects, tent caterpillars, spider mites, and aphids. You’ll find these common pests on the undersides of leaves and green plant tissue. 

Look for signs such as honeydew, curling or deformed leaves, and yellowing leaves. You can spray minor infestations with a heavy stream of water to remove them. More serious infestations will need a more aggressive approach. Try using an organic neem oil spray to control these insects. 

As always, try to cultivate a garden ecosystem with tons of natural predators such as ladybugs, birds, and wasps. These animals will help keep these pesky critters away. 

Diseases

The most common disease to watch out for is root rot. This infection of the root system usually occurs when your trees get too much water. 

When the roots become soggy, it invites fungi and other microbes in to feed. Some species take over quickly, leading to decay and eventual death of your plants. 

Prevent root rot by growing your trees in well-drained soil. Avoid watering your plants during and after a heavy rain. If you see signs of overwatering, cut back on the watering and let the soil completely drain.