Weeping cherry trees are popular as ornamental trees because of their beautiful, cascading branches and lots of flowers in the spring. But did you know that there are two main types? They are grafted and natural. Knowing the differences between them is important for choosing the right one for your yard.
What is a Grafted Weeping Cherry Tree?
At first, a grafted weeping cherry is made up of two separate trees that are joined together. The top part with the hanging branches is grafted onto the straight trunk of a cherry tree that is standing straight up. This is called rootstock.
Grafting combines the aesthetics of the weeping scion with the vigor of the rootstock. It results in a picturesque umbrella-shaped tree.
Some common grafts are:
- Weeping Higan Cherry (Prunus subhirtella) scion on Sargent Cherry (P. sargentii) rootstock
- Weeping Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis ‘Shidare Yoshino’) scion on Yoshino Cherry (P. x yedoensis) rootstock
Popular grafted weeping cherry cultivars include
- ‘Snow Fountains’ – small with white blooms
- ‘Pendula’ – pink blooms on long cascading branches
- ‘Pendula Rubra’ – pink blooms and red-tinged leaves
From one to three feet above the ground, the graft union can be seen as a bump on the trunk.
What is a Natural Weeping Cherry Tree?
Natural weeping cherries grow on their own roots. Their branches naturally cascade downwards without being grafted. Varieties include:
- Prunus subhirtella pendula – discovered weeping form of Higan Cherry in Japan
- Prunus pendula – European native weeping cherry
- ‘Spandau’ – cultivar of European with prolific white blooms
Natural weeping cherries do not have a graft union. Their uniformly weeping shape extends from the roots all the way to the branch tips.
Key Differences Between Grafted and Natural Weeping Cherries
Growth Habit
- Grafted have straight trunk and weeping canopy. Naturals have cascading branches top to bottom.
- Grafted are larger, 15-25 ft tall. Naturals are smaller, averaging 10-15 ft.
- Grafted grow fast. Naturals have slower, more restrained growth.
Flowers
- Grafted have diverse flower colors – white, pink, red-tinged. Naturals are mostly white.
- Grafted have showier, fuller blooms. Naturals have delicate, airy blooms.
Hardiness
- Grafted are only as hardy as the scion. Rootstock is usually hardier.
- Naturals are hardy to their roots. More winter resilient generally.
Reverting Branches
- Grafted can get some straight, upward branches as rootstock asserts itself.
- Naturals retain uniform weeping habit. No reverting.
Availability & Price
- Grafted are widely available. Naturals may be harder to find.
- Grafted are typically less expensive than natural weeping cherries.
Which One is Best for Your Yard?
Grafted weeping cherries are ideal for making a dramatic statement with their umbrella form and abundant spring blooms. Their larger size works well as a focal point. Go for dwarf grafted varieties for smaller yards.
Natural weeping cherries have an elegant, ethereal look with branches draping down uniformly. Their slightly smaller size makes them good for borders and Asian gardens. They can beautifully frame gates, paths, and entries.
Either weeping cherry type can be gorgeous in the landscape. Pick the one that best fits your space and design needs. With proper selection and care, you’ll love watching your graceful weeping cherry tree flourish.
Tips for Caring for Your Weeping Cherry
- Water deeply 1-2 times per week until established.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering trees.
- Prune to shape and remove dead branches in summer after blooms fade.
- Watch for pests like aphids and diseases like black knot. Maintain vigor.
- Protect young trees from winter damage.
With their stunning spring blooms and picturesque form, weeping cherry trees are prized landscape specimens. Take time to pick the right variety for your needs and provide attentive care. Then you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous focal point that graces your garden with elegance.
Use the Proper Tool to Prune
If you do decide to shorten branches, prune the weeping cherry tree by trimming back the tips of any branches that touch the ground. You want them to be at least 6 inches above the ground. We purchase one of these to help us trim branches off our trees. It is very easy to use and extends for higher branches.
How to Unintentionally Kill a Cherry Tree
The tree on the right has died, as shown in the background picture, but the tree on the left has lived.
Mistake number one. Choosing the incorrect time to prune a tree. Before deciding to prune any tree, research the proper time of year to prune. I made the mistake of pruning our cherry trees in the summer. Weeping cherry trees should be pruned in early spring or late fall, when the trees are still dormant. There should be no flowers or leaves open on the tree when you start the pruning process.
Mistake number two. Trimming weeping branches. People grow weeping cherries for their long, graceful branches. These branches should never be cut down unless they are diseased, damaged, or otherwise a problem. Remove diseased and damaged branches as soon as you discover them, regardless of the time of year.
When branches cross each other and rub together, the friction creates a wound that serves as an entry point for insects and disease. You should wait until winter when the tree is dormant to remove one of the branches.
How to Care for a Weeping Cherry Tree | Learning the Hard Way | Improper Pruning of Cherry Trees
FAQ
How to tell if a weeping cherry tree is grafted?
Weeping Cherry trees are often grafted. Before pruning a weeping cherry, I read to confirm if it’s a natural or a grafted tree by looking for a graft knot on the trunk. Typically, it’s just below or about a foot under the crown (the branches).
Why are cherry trees grafted?
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Genetically identical trees:Grafting produces clones of the scion tree, ensuring that all grafted trees will have the same characteristics, including fruit type, size, and flavor, says Stark Bro’s Nurseries & Orchards Co.
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Weeping Cherry Example:Weeping cherry trees are a common example of grafting, where the weeping branches are grafted onto a standard (non-weeping) cherry rootstock to create the desired weeping shape.
How big do grafted weeping cherry trees get?
The two plants are grafted together at the top of the trunk, which can vary in height between three to five feet above ground. The weeping section provides an umbrella effect if it is pruned regularly, or can grow 25 or 30 feet tall if not cut back.
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.