Types of Cherry Trees - Cherry Tree Varieties

Cherry trees are characterized by having soft colored flowers known as cherry blossoms. They can be white or pink, with varying gradations of both. They belong to the genus Prunus, a fascinating genus of fruit-bearing trees which include peach trees, almond trees, apricot trees and more. Despite the great variety of fruit, they all flower with similar blossoms to the peach tree. This makes them difficult to determine by flowers alone. Their stunning blossoms have become cultural icons in many countries, symbolizing beauty and the transient nature of life.

Taxonomically, all cherry trees belong to the subgenus Cerasus, with only cherry trees being grouped here. Among the characteristics of this Cerasus subgenus we can find:

• Fruits: they have small, rounded fruits that are light red to dark purple in color due to the presence of anthocyanin. They also have a dimple at the base of the fruit.
  
  
• Flowers: the flowers of trees in this subgenus are arranged in corymbs, i.e. clusters of stems arranged in such a way that all ends are level. The aesthetic appeal of these flowers has made cherry trees popular choices for ornamental planting worldwide.

When do cherry trees blossom?

These trees are particular in that they flower early and do so before many spring plants. This is because they need to go through a winter cold season before they can bloom. This cold season lasts for 3 months, after which time the flowers can develop. This adaptation allows them to take full advantage of the early spring light, providing an important ecological role in supporting early pollinators.

The flowering of the cherry tree signals that spring is approaching, even when there are still no signs in other plants. This cherry blossom appearance is celebrated in the Hanami festival where trees are viewed in the open air. Cherry blossoms can be seen for the month of April and May. The flowering lasts for around 10 to 20 days. During this time, the blossoms are often celebrated with festivals and gatherings, marking an important cultural event in many regions.

Now you know when cherry trees blossom, you may wonder how long does a cherry tree take to bear fruit. The cherries will ripen in late spring and early summer. This only occurs once a year and there is a short window of a few days when the fruit can be picked. Regarding the age of the tree to bear fruit, a minimum of 3 years is required for this to occur. The fruiting period is eagerly anticipated by both wildlife and humans alike, as cherries provide a nutritious food source.

Now we look at some of the most common types of cherry trees in the sections below.

As you can see in the photo below, this is one of the cherry tree varieties most noted for its ornamental value. It is grown more for its flowers than for the fruit, which are small and bitter. The tree is approximately 6 meters high and its crown is dense. There are many cultivars of this cherry tree type, including some with double flowers. Said flowers can be pink or white. It is one of the cherry trees that take the longest to bloom, sometimes needing 10 days longer than other species. This prolonged blooming period allows for extended enjoyment of their beauty.

These cherry trees can not only be enjoyed in Japan. They were gifted in 1912 by the then Japanese mayor to the United States and Mexico, but it was the cherry trees in Washington that survived best thanks to its mild climate. Most of those observed are P. serrulata var. ‘Kanzan’. A festival of Japanese culture is held under them when they are in bloom, attracting visitors from all over to witness the breathtaking display.

While we are focusing here on the different types of cherry trees, you may be interested in learning more about the different types of trees in a more general context.

Also known as sweet cherry, bird cherry or gean, this type of cherry tree is native to Europe. It can grow up to 98' (30 m) in height and has a narrow crown. The flowers are white and the fruit are dark. A large part of commercial trees used for growing their fruit are created from this species. Some cherry fruits from these trees are so unique, they have been given special status. This is the case with cherry trees from the Jerte valley in Spain which have denomination of origin status to ensure they meet certain standards of quality. This status helps preserve traditional cultivation methods and ensures high quality.

If you want to grow a cherry tree like the one in the photo, you can use the link below:

[ltmbox id="dQkOPvaT" label="Buy sweet cherry fruit tree seeds"]

Also known as the North Japanese hill cherry. The trunk grows straight up and usually ranges from around 16-32' (10-5 m) in height. It is one of the types of cherry trees most highly valued by expert gardeners. It produces pink flowers around 1" (3 cm) in diameter and last longer most than other cherry species. New leaves are reddish in color, but turn green in summer and bronze in autumn. The fruits appear yellow, but turn red as they mature. These color changes throughout the seasons provide visual interest year-round.

This is one of the types of cherry trees which is native to North America. It is not widely used for gardening because the abundant fruits produce many new plants. For this reason, it is often very abundant in its natural habitat. It is a cherry tree which is of medium height. You can tell immature specimens from older trees because the bark is much different. As its name suggests, the cherry fruits of this tree are very dark. The wood of this tree is highly valued for furniture making due to its rich color and fine grain.

Cherry trees are relatively easy to care for, but they have some specific requirements needed to ensure they grow well. These care needs for cherry trees include:

• Light: needs to be in direct sunlight to ensure proper growth and flowering.
  
  
• Temperature: the minimum temperature should be -15 ºC/5 ºF, but not for very long periods. Extreme cold can damage the buds.
  
  
• Soil: they do not demand a very special soil, although it should not be clayey. It must be loose so that the long roots can grow properly. Well-draining soil prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
  
  
• Irrigation: cherry trees have moderate irrigation needs, with a frequency of 1 watering per week. It can withstand occasional droughts, but consistent moisture levels are ideal for fruit development.
  
  
• Pruning: they do not require frequent pruning. This can be done every 5 to 10 years to give it shape and remove any diseased or dead wood.

As we have stated, cherry trees have become an important facet of Japanese culture. You can learn more about Japanese horticulture with our articles on what is akadama soil and kiryuzuna soil for bonsai? Understanding these soil types can aid in growing bonsai cherry trees, which are popular for their miniature beauty and intricate pruning techniques.

If you want to read similar articles to Types of Cherry Trees - Cherry Tree Varieties, we recommend you visit our Plant care and cultivation category.