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Tree Guide

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Kanzan CherryPrunus serrulata ‘Kanza

  • Kanzan Cherry - Prunus
The Kanzan cherry is the most popular cultivar of all the double-flowering cherries, thanks to its stunning pink blossoms, good fall color, lack of fruit, and vase-shaped form. It is a splendid specimen that can be planted in containers, along walks and streets, and in buffer strips. The Kanzan cherry can even be used as a bonsai tree.

While it has a limited lifespan that typically doesn’t exceed 15–25 years, the beauty of this tree makes it well worth planting.

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Hardiness Zones

The kanzan cherry can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 5–9. View Map

Tree Type

Mature Size

The Kanzan cherry grows to a height of 30–40' and a spread of 30–40' at maturity.

Growth Speed Medium Growth Rate

This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13–24" per year.

Sun Preference

Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The Kanzan cherry grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils. While it prefers moist conditions, the tree is somewhat drought-tolerant.

Attributes

This tree:
  • Produces an amazing profusion of deep pink double flowers 2½" in diameter from April to early May.
  • Features alternating leaves with an ovate to lanceolate shape and serrated margins. They are often reddish-copper as they emerge, turning dark green by summer and yellow, orange or bronze in the fall.
  • Is sensitive to pollution and other stresses.
  • Is a fruitless cultivar.
  • Can be planted in containers, along walks and streets and in buffer strips. It can also be used as a bonsai specimen.
  • Tends to have a limited life span on 15–25 years.
  • Grows in a vase shape.

Wildlife Value

This tree has very low wildlife value because it produces little or no fruit, and what is produced does not persist on the tree.

History/Lore

Named after a mountain in Japan, the Kanzan (Kwanzan) cherry tree is native to China, Japan and Korea. The original name is 'Sekiyama,' but it is rarely used. Introduced to America in 1903, it was made famous by the glorious floral displays at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.