Sakura 'Kanzan'

Synonyms: Japanese flowering cherry, Kwanzan, Sekiyama, Japanese flowering cherry, cherry Kanzan, cherry Kwanzan, sakura Kanzan, sakura Kwanzan, Japanese cherry, small-toothed cherry Kanzan, ornamental plum Kanzan

Sakura Kanzan – a popular cultivar of sakura (small-toothed cherry or ornamental plum). Naturally occurs in Japan, Korea and China. It is a small tree up to 10 (12) m in height and 5-6 m wide. Annual growth reaches 30 cm. Height depends on the trunk. Branches are slightly drooping, main branches are sturdy and directed upwards. Crown shape in young specimens – an inverted cone, becoming broader with age.

Bark in young age is reddish-brown, in more mature specimens – brownish-gray, fissured.

Root system superficial, well-branched, not producing suckers.

Leaves elliptical, alternate, up to 8-12 cm long, glossy, changing color during the season: in spring at budburst – bronze, in summer – green, in autumn becoming orange-yellow.

Begins flowering 1-2 years after planting. Blooms abundantly in early May for 1-2 weeks. Flowers are double (up to 30 petals), up to 6 cm in diameter, pink, gathered in clusters of 2-5, fragrant. Fruits are small, pea-sized, black berries with a slightly bitter taste.

Hardiness zone: 5-9.

Location: recommended to plant in sunny sites sheltered from cold winds. Prefers moist, fresh, nutrient-rich sandy-loam soil, from neutral to strongly alkaline. Can also grow on ordinary garden soil. Adapts well to urban conditions. Does not like waterlogging.

Planting: at planting the root collar should be at ground level. Soil mix: leaf soil, humus and sand in a ratio of 3:2:1 with the addition of lime. Use a 20 cm layer of crushed stone as drainage. Mulch with peat in a layer of 3-5 cm.

Care: wrap the trunks of young plants with 1-2 layers of burlap in cold winters. Over time winter hardiness increases. For prevention of diseases and pests, treat annually with fungicides and insecticides. In spring and early summer feed with nitrogen-containing fertilizers; in late spring you can apply complex fertilizers. After flowering apply Kemira-Universal. It is recommended to loosen the soil to a depth of 5 cm, and to mulch with peat or wood chips to 5-12 cm.

Pruning: perform sanitary pruning after flowering, from May to July.

Diseases: susceptible to brown rot, bacterial canker and rust.

Pests: leaf rollers, aphids, cherry moth, cherry sawfly.

Uses: in solitary and group plantings. A very decorative tree.