Caring for Japanese Cherry

Japanese cherry 'Kanzan' has a moderate water requirement and low overall maintenance once established. Water newly planted trees regularly through their first spring and summer—weekly in dry weather—to help roots settle in. Established trees are fairly drought-tolerant but appreciate deep watering during prolonged dry spells in late spring and summer, especially on free-draining chalky or sandy soils. Avoid overwatering on heavy clay, which can lead to root problems. Feed once a year in March with a general-purpose granular fertiliser (such as Growmore or blood, fish and bone) scattered in a circle around the drip line of the canopy and watered in. A mulch of garden compost or well-rotted manure applied at the same time will improve soil structure and provide a slow nutrient release, but keep mulch a few centimetres away from the trunk. 'Kanzan' is fully hardy across temperate Europe (zones 5b–9a) and needs no winter protection. It flowers reliably in spring, producing masses of double pink blossom on bare branches, though a late hard frost can occasionally damage open flowers. The main pest and disease concerns are aphids in spring, which cluster on soft new growth and can cause leaf curl, and silver leaf disease, a fungal infection that enters through wounds. Prune only in summer to minimise silver leaf risk. Bacterial canker can also affect cherries, causing sunken patches on bark and gummy ooze; remove affected branches promptly. Caterpillars may occasionally chew leaves in summer but rarely warrant treatment. Keep the base of the tree clear of weeds and debris to reduce hiding places for pests and improve air circulation around the trunk.