The reason why individuals attend cherry blossom festivals is clear – the stunning display of these trees is truly breathtaking!
With an entire canopy of small pink flowers in the spring, they bring amazing color to any landscape. There is no reason not to plant one in your yard!
Pink weeping cherry trees typically grow to be about 20-30 feet tall and wide. However, poor growing conditions, such as nutrient-depleted soil or improper watering, can lead to smaller trees. Due to their moderate size, they fit in most landscapes and make great ornamental plantings.
While there are many reasons to want this tree in your landscape, your climate and the specific planting location should be considered.
Read on for more specific details including the flowering season, fall foliage colors, routine care, common pests and diseases, and great places to buy them.Â
Did you know that the pink weeping cherry tree is just one of many beautiful weeping cherries? Be sure to check out my detailed list of the most popular options in my article Gorgeous Weeping Cherry Tree Varieties.
Pink Weeping Cherry Tree
A pink weeping cherry tree is almost magical with its bright-pink blooms and weeping appearance! Growing in most USDA Zones with ease, you should have no trouble growing these trees.
Check out the chart below for more specific details.
| Botanical name | Prunus subhirtella var. pendula |
| Mature height | 20-30 feet |
| Mature width | 20-30 feet |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Light preferences | Full sun to partial shade |
| Ideal soil | Loamy, fertile, well-draining soil |
| Watering needs | 2-3 inches per week in the growing season |
| Fertilization | In very early spring before blooming |
| Bloom times | Spring |
| Bloom color & fragrance | Light pink |
| Fall foliage | Bright yellow leaves |
General Appearance
A pink weeping cherry tree is not a huge tree, but it packs a punch of color with its abundant blooms. It has medium-length branches that arch outward and downward giving it its weeping appearance.
Seasonal Color
In the winter, the tree will be dormant and show off its silver/gray bark and arching limbs. In the spring when the flowers bloom, the tree transforms into a pink spectacle. This is the season of greatest interest and beauty.
Once the blooming ends after 2 weeks or so, lush green foliage will replace the pink blossoms.
Then, when the temperatures begin to drop again, the leaves will become a vibrant yellow color before dropping to the ground.
Growth Rate & Mature Size
The pink weeping cherry tree grows at a moderate rate and will reach mature size after about 15 to 20 years. Reaching a height that is equal to its width, they grow to be on average about 20 feet tall and wide.
Blooms
Weeping cherry trees are known for their amazing blooms in the spring, beginning in early spring as soon as the snow thaws and temperatures begin to warm up.
Expect flowers to emerge in the months of March or April and last about 1 to 2 weeks giving off a light, powdery, floral scent.
Fall Foliage
As the temperatures begin to drop and autumn sets in, the lush green foliage will begin to transition to a vibrant yellow color before dropping for the winter.
With bright pink flowers in the spring, green foliage in the summer, and yellow leaves in the fall, you’re in for a treat in most seasons!
Popular Varieties
While a pink weeping cherry tree is beautiful there are a few popular varieties that will cater to your specific desires.
The Weeping Pink Infusion tree is a beautiful choice that is new to the scene and comes with superior disease resistance.
Additional popular varieties include:
Life Expectancy
While they don’t last forever, you can expect a pink weeping cherry tree to live 30 to 40 years. They are hardy trees but can be affected by many common pests and diseases.
Pink Weeping Cherry Tree Growing Conditions
In most cases, weeping cherry trees will grow in average locations without requiring any special treatment. They are easy to grow and don’t require many special conditions.
Just keep your pink weeping cherry tree watered, ensure it is shielded from intense sun and heat, and monitor it for pests to keep your tree thriving.
Grow Zones and Hardiness
Pink weeping cherries are cold hardy and do well in most climates excluding those with excessive heat and sun exposure.
They do best in USDA Zones 4 through 9 but can thrive in Zone 10 with shade and protection from extreme temperatures.
Sun Requirements
You’ll want to ensure that your pink weeping cherry tree receives at least 6 hours of direct unfiltered sunlight daily.
While they can survive with partial shade, it is common for their blooms to be less bountiful if given a shady growing environment.
Soil Preferences
Cherry trees hate overly wet soil. They can tolerate it for a while but will begin to show signs of decline with too much water and too little oxygen in the soil.
Aim to plant your cherry tree in loamy well-draining soil. Fertile soil is also helpful to ensure ample blooms in the spring and overall pest and disease resistance.
These trees thrive in an average soil pH of 6.0-7.0 and will show signs of decline if the soil is too acidic or alkaline.
Pink Weeping Cherry Tree Maintenance and Care
Weeping cherry trees are mostly very hardy and can handle freezing temperatures, but they do need some care and consideration.
Ample water, fertilization, and minimal pruning will help your tree last for years to come.
Watering
Water the cherry tree 2 to 3 times per week upon initial planting. Once established, you’ll only want to water it when its soil is dry 2 to 3 inches below the soil surface.
Fertilization
Fertilizing your cherry tree will help it bloom the most it can. While it doesn’t need to be fertilized, it will surely impress with its blooms if given an extra boost!
Fertilize the tree with a flowering tree mix with a balanced blend of N.P.K. near 10-10-10. This one is excellent.
Only fertilize the tree before it blooms or after blooming is complete. Fertilizing the tree during blooming can cause it to stop blooming or have a shortened blooming period.
Pruning
They have a natural weeping shape and don’t grow too large, so pruning isn’t always necessary.
Always feel free to prune away dead, diseased, or dying branches to help promote strong healthy growth and keep the tree’s canopy clean. Pruning in its dormant months is best.
Pests & Diseases
Always keep an eye on your tree for pests or diseases. See the list below for commonly found issues, and use neem oil, insecticidal soap, and other remedies to help prevent or treat any affected tree.
- Aphids: Small insects that thrive on the underside of new-growth leaves.
- Cherry fungal leaf spot: Purple, yellow, and black spots that form on the leaves.
- Japanese beetles: These eat the leaves, causing a decline in the tree.
- Spider mites: Very tiny arachnids that will cover the leaves in webbing.
- Twig Cankers: A bacterial infection that causes small twigs to die off.
Landscape Uses & Wildlife Value
Pink weeping cherry trees make beautiful ornamental species and will bring lovely color to your yard! Planting rows of them will awe anyone who sees their intensity in numbers when blooming!
Wildlife loves cherry trees! Many species of birds and animals will enjoy the fruits that form after blooming.
Some of the most common birds that will enjoy the bitter cherries are woodpeckers, sparrows, bluebirds, cedar waxing, tanagers, and orioles.
Animals that enjoy cherry trees include foxes, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and even black bears!
Companion Plants
Planting in the understory of your cherry tree is a great way to utilize the space and grow plants that thrive in similar environments.
Plant one of the plants from the list below to help enhance your landscape, and know they will grow well alongside your cherry tree.
- Rosemary
- Marigolds
- Dandelions
- Rosa rugosa
- Marjoram
- Comfrey
- Caroway
- White clover
- Chives
Where To Buy
Cherry trees are a popular landscape species and can be found for sale in most local nurseries and garden centers.
However, you can find a wide variety of them online from great, reputable sources. Check out the ones listed below to have a pink weeping cherry tree sent directly to your door!
Closing Thoughts
Bring a beautiful spring showpiece to your landscape with this tree! Plant one, or plant a few; they only become more beautiful with time. It’s an easy way to add an amazing splash of color without the need for lots of upkeep.
Ready to explore other weeping cherry varieties? You’ll be amazed by these beauties:
- Snow Fountain Cherry: Beautiful Weeping Tree (Full Guide)
- Weeping Yoshino Cherry: A Stunning Tree (Full Care Guide)