Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' (Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan')

Image: AI generated

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' Plant Care

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' is known for its stunning double pink blossoms that cover its branches in the spring. Originally from Japan, this cherry tree is a favorite among plant collectors for its vibrant display of flowers and graceful, weeping growth habit.

Water

Every 3–7 days

Light

Full sun

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'?

Plant Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' in full sun (USDA zones 5a–9b) and water a young tree every 3–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'?

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' (Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan') belongs to the family. Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' is native to Japan, Korea, China. Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' is also known as Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan', Prunus x yedoensis, Prunus 'Okame'.

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' displays an upright, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' produces pink double flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'?

Water a young or newly planted Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' every 3–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 3–7 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' Need?

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' thrives in full sun.

Light Requirement

Full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' Prefer?

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'?

Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'?

Feed Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' every 2 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 2 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'?

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' is suited to USDA Zone 5a – 9b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'?

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' can spread to about 25 ft (7.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 25 ft (7.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'?

Prune Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' in Winter?

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' is hardy down to USDA zone 5a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Is the Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan'?

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' is susceptible to aphids, japanese beetles, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' Need?

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' is native to Japan, Korea, China.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 5a – 9b

Keep exploring plants

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Prunus genus — compare its care with other Prunus species on PlantoScan.

Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Prunus Species

Other Prunus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' — World Flora Online.
  • Pet toxicity: Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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