The snow fountain weeping cherry tree (Prunus x ‘Snofozam’) is a beautiful small ornamental tree perfect for landscapes With its petite size and cascading branches that give the appearance of a snow fountain, it’s a unique find This weeping cherry tree may be small, but it makes a big impact when in bloom.
When considering adding this variety to your yard it’s essential to understand its size at maturity. Proper spacing and siting will ensure your snow fountain cherry reaches its full potential. Learning about its dimensions will also allow you to best showcase its outstanding features.
Typical Snow Fountain Cherry Tree Size
This small weeping cherry tree usually only gets 10 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide when it’s fully grown. It has a round shape and branches that hang down gracefully.
The tree is grafted at approximately 4 to 5 feet high. The gently weeping branches emerge from that graft point and extend down to the ground. Pruning and shaping can expose the interesting bronze bark while also managing size.
Most snow fountain cherries get about 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide when they’re at their biggest. But exact dimensions can vary slightly depending on growing conditions. Warmer climates allow the tree to achieve maximum growth potential.
Container Size
When purchasing a snow fountain weeping cherry tree from a nursery, it is often sold in a #10 or #15 size container. This is about the size of the container, not the size of the tree itself.
- #10 container = 1 gallon capacity
- #15 container = 2 gallon capacity
A larger container size equates to a more established tree, but does not directly indicate overall tree size. Focus on the details distinguishing height and width rather than container size alone.
Growth Rate
This variety grows at a medium rate, averaging anywhere from 12 to 24 inches of new growth per year. It reaches its mature size in just a few years since it remains so petite.
You can expect your snow fountain cherry to achieve the following size over time:
- Year 1 – 2 to 3 feet tall
- Year 3 – 4 to 6 feet tall
- Year 5 – 8 to 10 feet tall
- Year 10 – 10 to 12 feet tall
The rate of growth depends on where you live and how good the conditions are for growing. Warmer regions will elicit faster growth than colder zones.
Spacing and Siting Considerations
When incorporating a snow fountain cherry into your landscape, be sure to allow enough room for it to grow. Since it only gets 10 to 15 feet wide, it’s well-suited even for smaller yards.
Provide at least 5 feet of space between the trunk and any buildings, walls, or fences. The cascading branches can grow right up against hardscapes if pruned for clearance while young.
For best results, space multiple snow fountain cherry trees:
- 10 to 15 feet apart for tight groupings
- 15 to 20 feet apart for loose groupings
Position the tree in full sun for ideal flowering and growth. It can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer blossoms. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Amend clay soils at planting to improve drainage.
Size Can Be Managed Through Pruning
If left unpruned, the size of a snow fountain cherry will max out at its genetic potential. But you can maintain a smaller tree by pruning the branches.
Light pruning while the tree is young guides the shape and keeps growth contained. Removing select branches over time can also regulate size.
For the most effective pruning, cut back branches immediately after flowering. This avoids accidentally removing next year’s flower buds.
Follow these tips for shaping your snow fountain weeping cherry as needed:
- Prune to open the form and expose the trunk
- Thin congested interior branches for airflow
- Remove any upward-growing limbs that disrupt the fountain shape
- Cut back the height to keep growth in check
With minor pruning attention, you can sculpt your snow fountain cherry into the perfect petite tree ideal for small gardens.
Ideal for Small Yards and Gardens
The compact size makes the snow fountain weeping cherry a perfect option even for the smallest landscapes. It can highlight an entryway, accent a corner of the yard, or soften the lines of a building. The slender form takes up minimal space.
Take advantage of this petite cherry tree to add focal interest where you have limited room. A single specimen makes a statement, while groupings offer stunning spring interest.
You can’t go wrong incorporating this dwarf variety into tiny city gardens, compact urban yards, or larger gardens. Snow fountain cherry trees enhance landscapes of all sizes with their graceful flowing branches and abundant spring blooms. Just be sure to give it sufficient space to showcase its natural form.
In Summary
The snow fountain cherry remains small, only reaching about 10 to 15 feet tall and wide at maturity. It has a rounded shape with branches that cascade downward. Growth rate is moderate, adding 1 to 2 feet per year.
Be sure to allow adequate spacing of at least 10 feet between trees. Annual pruning when young helps guide shape and regulate size. Despite its petite stature, a snow fountain cherry makes a dramatic statement and is perfect even for the smallest yards and gardens.
Understanding the expected snow fountain weeping cherry tree size allows you to best showcase this ornamental variety in your landscape. With its flowing branches and abundant blooms, it’s sure to be an eye-catching addition.
How To Plant Snow Fountains® Weeping Cherry
The Snow Fountain® Weeping Cherry does well in most types of soil as long as it stays dry. It does well in sunny spots. You’ll want to watch out for Japanese beetles, which may chew Snow Fountain’s® leaves in summer. They may be picked off by hand or controlled with chemicals or organic sprays.
Water twice weekly for the first 3-5 weeks; then water weekly for the remainder of the year until winter. When you water, water very slowly and very thoroughly. The water needs to reach to the bottom of the root ball and that takes time. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions.
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant Food granular form into the soil when planting. If you plant in the spring or summer, you should start fertilizing in late fall with granular Elements Starter Plant Food every year in the fall. When you plant in the fall, use Elements fertilizer. The next fall, you should start your regular yearly fertilizing. Do this every year for the first three years to help your plant get established. It will also give your tree the nutrients it needs to grow lush new leaves in the spring.
Prune your Cherry in late spring after flowering or in very early summer. This is a grafted tree, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for suckers coming up from the base of the tree or growing straight up from the trunk—prune these out immediately.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – wed be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
Snow Fountains® Weeping Cherry Tree
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of a weeping cherry tree?
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Pest and Disease Susceptibility:Weeping cherry trees are prone to various pests and diseases, including borers (which can be fatal), powdery mildew, and cherry blossom blight. They also attract insects like aphids, scale insects, and Japanese beetles.
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Short Lifespan:Compared to many other tree species, weeping cherry trees generally have a shorter lifespan, often ranging from 30 to 40 years.
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Pruning Needs:Maintaining the weeping form requires consistent pruning to remove crossing or rubbing branches and encourage the desired shape, which can be a maintenance burden for some gardeners.
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Messy Fruit:Some weeping cherry varieties produce small, inedible fruit that can create a mess when they drop to the ground.
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Top-Heavy Growth:Young weeping cherry trees can be top-heavy and may require staking to keep them upright, especially in their early years.
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Limited Blossom Duration:While the spring blossoms are beautiful, they are relatively short-lived, typically lasting only a week or two.
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High Failure Rate:Weeping cherry trees can have a higher failure rate compared to other tree species, potentially leading to warranty issues.
How much space does a weeping cherry tree need?
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Mature Size:Most weeping cherry trees, like the Yoshino and Snow Fountain varieties, reach a mature height of 15-20 feet and a width of 15-20 feet.
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Spacing Considerations:When planting, it’s crucial to consider the tree’s mature size to prevent overcrowding or damage to structures. Planting at least 15-20 feet away from a house is generally recommended to avoid root issues and branch interference.
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Location:Weeping cherry trees prefer full sun exposure, ideally with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While they can tolerate partial shade, full sun will promote better bloom and overall health.
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Soil:They thrive in well-drained soil and require a planting hole twice the width of the root ball, with extra space for future growth.
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Maintenance:Weeping cherry trees require minimal pruning, mainly to remove dead or diseased wood.
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Dwarf Varieties:Some weeping cherry varieties, like the Snow Fountain, are smaller, reaching only 8-12 feet in height and 6-10 feet in width, making them suitable for smaller spaces.
Where to plant a snow fountain weeping cherry tree?
Choose a spot in full sun to partial sun. If you live in a place where winters are longer and cooler, pick a spot that gets full sun instead of mostly shade. Test the soil for nutrients. It’s possible for the snow fountain to grow in poor soil, but if a test shows that the soil is lacking nutrients, you should add them.
Can you take care of a snow fountain weeping cherry tree in the winter?
The weeping cherry is drought tolerant, heat tolerant and stands strong against snow and ice. If it gets below -10°F where you live, though, you should cover your tree with a frost blanket during the winter.