Prunus SERRULATA

Prunus SERRULATA - Japanese flowering cherry, sakura, Japanese cherry, sweet cherry.

Can be grown in bonsai style!

Prunus (plum, cherry laurel, bird cherry, cherry) is a genus of evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees in the rose family (Rosaceae), comprising about 250 species distributed primarily across temperate and subtropical zones of Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. In the wild, members of the genus occur in forest understories, along forest edges, on slopes, and along rivers, preferring fertile, adequately moist soils.

Most species are low trees 4-5 m (13-16 ft) in height, although shrub forms and individual giants up to 30 m (98 ft) also occur. The crown is usually dense, and the shoots are elongated or shortened, sometimes with spines. The bark is brown, and the wood is hard and heavy. The leaves are alternate, leathery or thin, simple, ovate, elliptic, or lanceolate, serrate along the margin, often with glands on the petioles or at the base of the blade. In some species, the upper surface of the leaf is smooth and glossy.

Flowers appear in spring, white or pink, simple or double, with five petals and sepals, arranged in umbel-like clusters, racemes, or panicles. The flowers usually have 20 stamens, a unilocular ovary, and of two ovules usually only one seed develops. Flowering is accompanied by copious nectar production and a pleasant aroma that attracts insects.

The fruit is a one-seeded drupe with a relatively large stone, smooth or furrowed, oblong-ovoid in shape. Fruit coloration varies from dark blue and black to yellow and red; in some species the fruits are edible. Ripening occurs in summer or autumn, and in evergreen species the fruits can remain on the plant for a long time.

Japanese flowering cherry is a Japanese ornamental cherry, a kind of symbol of Japan, where it can be found everywhere: in mountainous regions, along riverbanks, and in city and temple parks. The cherry blossom festival is one of the oldest Japanese traditions. There are about 16 species and approximately 400 cultivars of this tree. The trees come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. It blooms in spring with flowers ranging from bright pink to white. The fruit is a black drupe, 8-10 mm (0.3-0.4 in) in diameter. In indoor culture, it is grown as a bonsai. It requires a cool winter rest, bright lighting, and increased air humidity.

Seeds are sown in autumn immediately after collection or in spring following stratification for 2-3 months at a temperature of 2-5 °C (36-41 °F) (under domestic conditions placed in the refrigerator on the lower shelf). A lightweight substrate based on humus, sand, and sod soil with the addition of well-rotted sawdust and wood ash is used for sowing. Seed planting depth is 1-1.5 cm (0.4-0.6 in). Sowings are moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light at a temperature of 18-22 °C (64-72 °F) with regular airing, avoiding waterlogging and desiccation.

Seedlings appear in 30-60 days, with the minimum germination period being 30 days and the maximum possible exceeding 90 days. Pricking out is conducted upon the formation of 2-3 true leaves, after which young plants are gradually hardened off to outdoor conditions.

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The plant is preferably placed in a sunny, wind-sheltered spot. Growing in light partial shade is permissible with adequate moisture. In conditions of intense heat, light shading is provided. The optimal temperature during the growing season is 20-28 °C (68-82 °F). Most species can withstand brief frosts down to -25 °C (-13 °F). When grown in containers, winter maintenance at 2-8 °C (36-46 °F) is recommended. In spring during blooming, plants are protected from strong winds. Drought is tolerated poorly, so watering is carried out regularly. The soil is kept slightly moist, while water stagnation is avoided.

A fertile, loose, well-drained loamy soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction and a rich topsoil layer is used. Locations with high groundwater tables should be avoided. Planting holes are prepared in advance. Two weeks before planting, the soil is dug over with the incorporation of humus, non-acidic peat or well-rotted compost, and ash. In spring, fertilizers with increased nitrogen content are applied. In summer, balanced feedings are applied every 3-4 weeks. In autumn, fertilizing is reduced, and in winter it is discontinued. Mulching root circles throughout the season is considered an effective practice.

Repotting and transplanting are performed in early spring. Young plants are repotted annually. Mature specimens are repotted once every 3-4 years. In autumn, trunks are sheltered with spruce branches or other materials for rodent protection. Ripening fruits are shielded from birds using netting. Weeds and tall grasses are removed around the tree base.

Formative shaping and pruning are carried out in early spring before buds swell or after flowering. If necessary, leading shoots are shortened, crowns thinned, and dry, damaged, or poorly placed branches removed. Trunk shaping or hedge training is performed. For better fruiting, 2-3 additional trees are planted for cross-pollination.

Propagation is achieved by seed, grafting, root suckers, softwood, root, and hardwood cuttings. Horizontal and vertical layering or budding onto seedlings are also practiced. In nature, the seed method predominates.