Everything You Need To Know about Pink Weeping Cherry Trees
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Pink weeping cherry trees put on a breathtaking pastel show in spring, when their elegantly arched branches bloom with pale pink flowers. But their beauty extends far beyond a single season. This graceful fountain-shaped tree provides year-round visual interest, with glossy green leaves in summer, golden leaves in autumn, and bronze bark in winter.
Best of all, these stunning ornamental trees are surprisingly adaptable and easy to care for. Our guide will walk you through the specifics of planting and caring for a pink weeping cherry in your yard.
Pink Weeping Cherry Trees at a Glance
Appearance
Pink weeping cherry trees are fountain-shaped ornamentals often used as a focal point. In the spring, pale pink blossoms cascade down their delicate, arched branches like a fountain of flowers
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Pink weeping cherry trees typically reach a mature height of 20–30 feet with an equal spread. Their compact size makes them the perfect trees for a small yard. They grow 1–2 feet per year on average, particularly in the first few years after planting.
Pink Weeping Cherry Tree Specifications
A pink weeping cherry tree can adapt to a wide variety of climates. Keep these details in mind when planting:
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Appearance |
Cascading, arching branches that are covered with soft pink blooms in spring, which are replaced by glossy green leaves in summer and golden leaves in fall. Bark is bronze and most visible in winter. |
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Height |
20–30 feet |
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Hardiness Zones |
Zones 4–9 |
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Type of tree |
Deciduous |
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Sunlight requirements |
Full sun to partial shade |
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Soil composition |
Highly adaptable but prefer loose, well-drained, loamy soil |
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones indicate the regions where plants grow best, according to minimum winter temperatures. Pink weeping cherry trees can grow in Zones 4–9, which cover most of the continental United States. However, they do best in the milder temperatures of Zones 5–8. These trees are not suitable for the northernmost parts of Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota or the hottest parts of California, Texas, and Florida.
Planting
The best time to plant a pink weeping cherry tree is in the early spring or fall. We recommend early spring, when the soil starts warming up, for colder climates and bare-root trees. For milder climates, you can plant in the fall, before the ground freezes. Avoid planting during the hot summer months, and follow these steps:
- Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade, and has loose, well-drained soil. If you plant your pink weeping cherry tree in full shade, it will not grow as well and will be susceptible to root rot.
- Pull any weeds and clear away turfgrass and debris.
- Dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
- Place your pink weeping cherry tree in the center of the hole. Make sure the trunk’s base is level with the surrounding soil.
- Fill the hole halfway with soil, tamping it down to remove any air pockets.
- Pour water to the top of the hole.
- Once the water drains completely, fill the rest of the hole with soil.
For a visual walk-through of the planting process, follow along as contractor Jenn Nawada plants a backyard cherry tree. Though the homeowner in this case chose a Yoshino cherry tree, the placement and planting process are similar for pink weeping cherry trees. Just keep in mind the key differences—pink weeping cherries require less space but have drooping branches that will need room to cascade.
Growing Conditions
Despite their delicate appearance, pink weeping willow trees are hardy and low-maintenance.
Sun and Shade
Pink weeping cherry trees thrive in full sun—at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day—but can also grow in partial shade. However, the greater the amount of shade, the less profuse the blooms in spring.
Soil
Pink weeping cherry trees are highly adaptable to a wide range of soil types, but they flourish in loose, well-drained, loamy soil.
Watering
For the first year after planting, water your pink weeping cherry tree deeply twice a week. After that, you will only need to water during dry spells and very high temperatures. You can help retain soil moisture by laying a 3-inch layer of mulch on the surrounding soil, making sure it’s at least 6 inches from the base of the trunk.
Fertilizing
In early spring, you can feed your tree with a slow-release fertilizer when new leaves begin budding.
Pruning
You rarely need to prune your tree, unless you want to control and maintain its size, or it has dead or diseased branches—which you should cut immediately. For aesthetic purposes, prune your pink weeping cherry tree in late spring or early summer, once it has finished flowering.
Our Conclusion
With timely planting and proper care, pink weeping cherry trees can grow almost anywhere in the U.S. Whether you have a spacious yard or a compact garden, a pink weeping cherry tree will bring a touch of enchantment and year-round interest to your outdoor space.
FAQ About Pink Weeping Cherry Trees
How fast do pink weeping cherry trees grow?
Pink weeping cherry trees grow about 1-2 feet per year.
How big do pink weeping cherry trees get?
Pink weeping cherry trees typically reach a mature height of 20–30 feet, with a spread of 20–30 feet. They are not as big as Yoshino cherry trees or regular-sized Stella cherry trees.
How do you take care of a pink weeping cherry tree?
You should take care of pink weeping cherry trees by watering them regularly, especially during the first year and dry periods. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches. Fertilize annually in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Can you plant pink weeping cherry trees close to your house?
No, you should not plant pink weeping cherry trees close to your house. They have shallow, spreading root systems that could damage your foundation, sidewalk, and underground utility lines if planted too close to your home. We recommend leaving at least 10 feet of space between the tree and your home.
What are the disadvantages of a weeping cherry tree?
Weeping cherry trees have two main disadvantages—they are often more susceptible to pests and diseases, and their branches may require pruning to maintain walkways.
How do you prune weeping cherry trees?
You should prune weeping cherry trees by removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. You can also trim the ends of branches to achieve a certain size or shape. This pruning should be done in the late spring or early summer, after the tree has finished flowering.
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