Prunus serrulata ‘Kanzan’

Prunus serrulata ‘Kanzan’ is one of the best known and most used Japanese ornamental cherry trees. It forms a broad vase-shaped crown that droops somewhat with overhanging branches when older. Height 8 – 10 m, width 5 – 8 m. The smooth bark is brownish-green, twigs reddish-brown. The young leaves are bronze coloured and emerge at the same time as the flowers. In the summer the leaves turn dark green with a somewhat bluish-green underside. The autumn colour is yellow to orange. The elliptical leaf has a long tapered top and the leaf edge is sometimes double serrated. It flowers abundantly from late April to early May, producing double pure pink flowers. These are 3.5 – 4 cm in diameter and are grouped in dense bunches of 2 – 5 together. ‘Kanzan’ seldom produces fruit. For parks, public gardens avenues, and streets. It does not stand up to wet soil.