Do you want to grow a warm-climate tree with radiant spring blossoms? ‘Taiwan’ flowering cherry trees will fit the bill. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you how to plant, grow, and care for these exciting flowering cherry trees.
If you’ve been to Japan or Washington DC, you’ve probably heard of ‘hanami.’ This tradition translates as “flower viewing” and is a cultural practice in which groups of people picnic under cherry blossoms.
Traditional ‘Okame,’ Yoshino, and Sakura varieties of flowering cherries have trouble growing in climates above zone 8 or 9. In warm regions of East Asia, such as Okinawa, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands, you’ll find ‘Taiwan’ cherry trees more frequently.
These deciduous cherries have bright pink blooms that take over entire hillsides and mountains. They prefer humid climates with long and hot summers and short, mild winters.
If you live in a subtropical climate, try growing these majestic blooming cherries for incredible shows of color. Let’s dive into how to plant, grow, and care for ‘Taiwan’ flowering cherries, so you enjoy stunning winter blooms.
‘Taiwan’ flowering cherry trees are popular ornamental trees in subtropical regions of East Asia. They produce gorgeous dark pink blossoms that appear between December and February.
In the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, they’re the most prominent flowering cherry trees. When they bloom in mid-winter, they fill streets, parks, and homes with their colorful blooms.
Prunus campanulatas grow to be over 30 feet once they’re established. These deciduous trees flower in the winter and put on edible fruit in the late winter and early spring. The tart fruit is edible but is almost too small to enjoy.
One of the most challenging parts about growing a ‘Taiwan’ cherry is the germination rates. Birds, squirrels, and other small animals feast on their fruits and scatter them over long distances.
In New Zealand, they are seen as invasive, with some communities, such as Northland and North Island, banning them from nurseries. These flowering trees compete with native species in New Zealand, leading to new restrictions on growing them.
These gorgeous trees are native to subtropical regions of East Asia, including Vietnam, Southern China, Taiwan, and Japan’s Ryukyu Islands. They thrive in zones 7 through 10 but grow in zones 11 and 12 as well.
In their native habitat, you’ll see them growing in mountains, hillsides, and the borders of forests. They’re now most commonly found in public parks and gardens for their decorative flowers. Every winter, people come to picnic under their blooms in places such as Nago Central Park, in Okinawa.
In the U.S., they grow particularly well in the Deep South, from northern Florida to South Texas. Some gardeners in Hawaii have had success planting them at higher elevations. Although they’re native to humid climates, many gardeners in Southern California have had success growing them.
These deciduous cherry trees are easy to plant and grow as long as they get enough sun and irrigation. Make sure the site is well-drained. If you get a lot of rainfall, consider planting them on a slope. This should prevent moisture from accumulating near their roots.
In drier areas such as Southern California or West Texas, you’ll have to water them more frequently. Plant your ‘Taiwan’ cherry near entryways, streets, or anywhere you want to show off the magnificent blossoms.
When selecting a site, make sure it’s away from other tall species. These cherries grow quickly and can become quite full and wide. Plant them away from other sun-loving plants.