Cherry trees are famous all over the world for their stunning showcase of blooms that announce the coming of spring.
Each variety has its own unique characteristics, making them a versatile choice for any garden design.
In the following, we will explore 20 of the best flowering cherry tree varieties, covering their distinct size, form, bloom color, timing, and fragrance. Be prepared to want more than one!
Looking for a detailed, comprehensive guide to cherry blossom trees with everything you need to know all in one place? Be sure to read my detailed Guide to Cherry Blossom Trees today!
1. Yoshino Cherry
The Yoshino cherry, or Prunus x yedoensis, is a star of springtime, often associated with the famous cherry blossoms of Washington D.C.
This tree can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide, forming a lovely rounded canopy.
Its blooms are a delicate pale pink, almost white, appearing in early spring before the leaves unfurl. The blossoms have a subtle, sweet fragrance that fills the air, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
2. Kwanzan Cherry
The Kwanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’) is known for its showy, double-pink blooms that create a stunning display in mid to late spring.
This tree can reach heights of 25-30 feet, with a broad, vase-like shape. The Kwanzan cherry’s blooms are not only vibrant but also have a light, pleasant fragrance.
This variety is particularly noted for its resistance to diseases and pests.
3. Autumn Cherry
The Autumn cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’) is a unique variety that blooms twice a year. In addition to its spring blossoms, it surprises with a second bloom in the fall.
This medium-sized tree, reaching up to 20-35 feet, has a spreading habit, creating a graceful silhouette.
Its semi-double, pale-pink flowers are subtly fragrant and provide a delightful contrast to the changing leaves in autumn.
4. Autumnalis Rosea Cherry
The Autumnalis Rosea cherry is a variant of the Autumn cherry, distinguished by its rose-pink blooms.
This tree has a similar size and form as its cousin, growing 20-35 feet tall with a broad, spreading canopy.
The semi-double flowers appear in both spring and fall, providing a unique and extended display. The Autumnalis Rosea cherry is a great choice for those seeking a cherry tree with a twist.
5. Okame Cherry
The Okame cherry (Prunus ‘Okame’) is one of the earliest flowering cherry trees, bringing a splash of color to the late winter landscape.
This tree grows to about 20-25 feet tall with a rounded, upright form. Its flowers are a vibrant pink and have a distinctive almond-like fragrance.
The Okame cherry’s early bloom time and striking color make it a standout in any garden.
6. Sargent Cherry
The Sargent cherry (Prunus sargentii) is a robust and hardy tree, growing up to 30-40 feet tall with a broad, rounded form.
Its single, deep-pink flowers bloom in early spring, creating a vibrant display against the emerging bronze foliage.
The Sargent cherry is also known for its attractive bark that adds interest to the winter landscape.
7. Akebono Cherry
The Akebono cherry (Prunus x yedoensis ‘Akebono’) is a variant of the Yoshino cherry, distinguished by its soft pink flowers.
This tree grows up to 25 feet tall and wide with a rounded, spreading form. The Akebono Cherry’s blooms appear in early spring, filling the air with a light, sweet fragrance.
Its fall foliage is also noteworthy, turning a vibrant orange-red.
8. Kanzan Cherry
The Kanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kanzan’) is a popular variety known for its abundant, double-pink blooms. This tree can reach heights of 30 feet, with a vase-like form.
The Kanzan cherry’s flowers are particularly showy, creating a cloud-like effect when in full bloom. This tree is a favorite for its spectacular spring display and its bronze-colored fall foliage.
9. Shirofugen Cherry
The Shirofugen cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Shirofugen’) is a striking variety that blooms later than most, extending the cherry blossom season.
This tree can grow up to 25 feet tall and has a wide-spreading form. Its flowers start as pink buds, opening to white and gradually turning pink again as they mature.
The Shirofugen cherry’s late bloom time and changing flower color make it a unique addition to any garden.
10. Snow Goose Cherry
The Snow Goose cherry (Prunus ‘Snow Goose’) is a compact variety, growing up to 20 feet tall with an upright, narrow form.
Its single, pure white flowers bloom in mid-spring, creating a stunning contrast against the dark-green foliage. The Snow Goose cherry is an excellent choice for smaller spaces or as a specimen tree.
11. Shirotae Cherry
The Shirotae cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Shirotae’) is known for its horizontal branching and low, spreading form. This tree typically grows up to 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
Its semi-double, white flowers bloom in early spring, filling the air with a light, pleasant fragrance. The Shirotae cherry’s distinctive form and abundant blooms make it stand out in any landscape.
12. Dream Catcher Cherry
The Dream Catcher cherry (Prunus ‘Dream Catcher’) is a unique variety with its weeping form and double, deep-pink flowers.
This tree grows up to 15 feet tall and wide, making it a great choice for smaller gardens or as a focal point.
The Dream Catcher cherry’s blooms appear in mid-spring, creating a dreamy, cascading display.
13. Shogetsu Cherry
The Shogetsu cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Shogetsu’) is a late-blooming variety, extending the cherry blossom season into late spring. This tree can grow up to 20 feet tall with a broad, spreading form.
Its double, blush-white flowers hang in clusters, creating a stunning display. The Shogetsu cherry’s late bloom time and unique flower arrangement make it a garden favorite.
14. Accolade Cherry
The Accolade cherry (Prunus ‘Accolade’) is a hybrid variety known for its semi-double, deep-pink flowers. This tree grows up to 25 feet tall and wide and has a rounded, spreading form.
The Accolade cherry’s blooms appear in early spring, creating a vibrant display that’s sure to draw attention.
15. Pink Perfection Cherry
The Pink Perfection cherry (Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’) lives up to its name with its double, bright-pink flowers. This tree can reach heights of 20 feet and grows in a rounded form.
The Pink Perfection cherry’s flowers are particularly showy, creating a stunning display in mid-spring. This tree is a favorite for its vibrant color and abundant blooms.
16. Ukon Cherry
The Ukon cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Ukon’) is a unique variety with double, light-yellow flowers. This tree grows up to 20 feet tall, with a rounded, spreading form.
The Ukon cherry’s blooms appear in mid-spring, offering a unique color variation to the typical cherry blossom show.
17. Kojo-No-Mai Cherry
The Kojo-No-Mai cherry (Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-No-Mai’) is a compact variety, growing up to 8 feet tall with a zigzag branching pattern.
Its single, pale-pink flowers bloom in early spring, creating a delicate display. The Kojo-No-Mai cherry is an excellent choice for smaller gardens or container planting.
18. White Weeping Cherry
The white weeping cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’) is known for its graceful, weeping form and single, white flowers.
This tree can grow up to 20 feet tall with branches that cascade to the ground. The white weeping cherry’s blooms appear in early spring, creating a stunning, waterfall-like display.
19. Pink Weeping Cherry
The pink weeping cherry (Prunus pendula ‘Pleno Rosea’) is a variant of the white weeping cherry, distinguished by its double, pink flowers.
This tree has a similar size and form as its cousin, creating a stunning, waterfall-like display in early spring. The pink weeping cherry’s vibrant color makes it a showpiece in any setting.
20. Weeping Extraordinaire Cherry
The Weeping Extraordinaire cherry (Prunus ‘Extrazam’) is a unique variety known for its weeping form and double, deep pink flowers.
This tree can grow up to 15-20 feet tall with branches that gracefully arch and drape to the ground.
The Weeping Extraordinaire cherry’s blooms appear in mid-spring, creating a stunning, cascading display. The vibrant color and unique form of this tree will be the envy of the neighborhood.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing the right cherry tree for your garden depends on your personal preferences and the specific conditions of your landscape.
Whether you’re drawn to the classic Yoshino, the vibrant Kwanzan, the unique Autumn Cherry, or a graceful weeping cherry, there’s a cherry tree to suit every taste and garden design.
We hope this guide has helped you discover the perfect cherry tree for your garden. Best of luck!