The cute and attractive look of the weeping cherry tree makes others love it. This highly desirable plant when it starts to produce its blooms the view of your growing area will be changed.
But you have to take care of cherry trees otherwise they will die. Poor maintenance will result in the death of your loving weeping cherry tree.
As this article is related to the growing weeping cherry tree in a pot, so now we will discuss all the necessary things about growing weeping cherry trees in a pot.
If you are facing the trouble of limited space then you should not worry about it because you can easily grow Cherry trees in a pot. If your pot is large enough then your Cherry tree does very well.
Keep in mind that you should choose a variety which is according to your climate and self-pollinated. Regular pruning will turn the weeping cherry tree into a dwarf cherry tree. Pruning keeps the height between 3 to 5 feet but it depends on the age of the tree.
VARIETIES OF DWARF WEEPING CHERRY TREES
Dwarf weeping cherry blossom trees are best for a small backyard. They are small cultivars of the standard weeping Cherry trees. The standard size of dwarf weeping Cherry trees can be between 6 to 10 feet.
Here we are going to discuss some varieties of weeping Cherry trees that are suitable for growing in a pot.
1- SNOW FOUNTAIN DWARF WEEPING TREE
This small tree can produce masses of fragrant flowers. This variety is best for small gardens. The stylish branches of this tree fall like a curtain. The Snow Fountain Weeping tree has an eye-catching shape.
2- PINK HEARTBREAKER WEEPING REDBUD
This variety gives you pink blossoms that enhance the beauty of the growing area.
3- SUMMER CASCADE RIVER BIRCH
This is a fast-growing variety that has a lovely shape and serrated leaves. This is a pest and disease-resistant variety.
4- JAPANESE FLOWERING DWARF WEEPING CHERRY TREE
This variety has beautiful double pink flowers gracefully drooping branches. This tree can be a large one so it is not a good choice if you have limited space.
5- HIROMI DWARF WEEPING CHERRY TREE
The tree of this variety grows small in size. The color of blossoms is pink which blooms in the Spring season.
ARRANGE POT AND BEST SOILS FOR GROWING WEEPING CHERRY TREE
As you are growing your weeping Cherry tree in a pot so you can maintain the fertility of the soil which is not possible if you grow plants in the ground. Here are some tips and instructions which will help you to prepare the soil for growing a Weeping Cherry tree in a pot.
- Light, loamy and airy soil is needed for the healthier growth of weeping Cherry trees. Don’t forget the soil must be well-drained. Drainage is very important because if your pot has no drainage holes then the soil will become waterlogged and your plant will rot.
- For planting the Weeping Cherry tree in a pot you should add a few handfuls of perlite and compost to a standard potting mix. Avoid using garden soil in the pot.
- Let all the ingredients work together. Organic nutrients play an important role in the growth of all plants.
- The size of the pot should be according to the root ball of the plant. if you use a standard size of the pot then the roots of the Weeping Cherry tree can accommodate easily. If you want to grow a full-size weeping Cherry tree then you can choose at least a 20-gallon pot or bigger.
HOW TO PLANT A WEEPING CHERRY TREE IN A POT?
Transplant shock is harmful to most plants so when you are transplanting a Cherry tree in a pot you should be careful to avoid the after-effects of transplanting.
STEP 1: DIG A HOLE
- After preparing the soil and pot for planting a Weeping Cherry tree. The next step is digging a large hole in the potting soil. You should check the root ball of the plant. The hole must be 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball of the plant. The depth of the hole should be deep enough to conveniently hold the root ball.
STEP 2: POSITION THE PLANT
- The second step is very simple, you have to position the plant in the hole. Make sure the top of the root system of the plant should sit just below the level of the soil.
STEP 3: FILL THE HOLE WITH POTTING MIX
- The third step is filling the hole in the pot with a potting mix. After backfilling the hole press down the soil. This step is very important because it will help to eliminate air pockets in the soil.
- When the hole is half full, fill it with water. After some time you will see the water will drain away. This will help to soak the soil and help your plant hydrate and settle the roots. After that, start continuing the process of filling the hole.
STEP 4: MULCHING
- When the hole is filled with soil. You can apply a layer of organic mulch around the tree. Mulching is very important because it will help to retain the moisture within the soil and stop the growth of weeds.
- Weeds are unwanted plants and they steal the nutrients from the soil. As a result, there is a competition between the plant and the weeds for nutrients. Make sure the mulch should not touch the trunk.
STEP 5: STAKING
- Staking helps your plant to grow straight. The best time for installing staking is when you are planting your plant. If you do it when your plants grow taller then the roots of the plant may be disturbed during the installation process.
- After one year when the Weeping Cherry tree is developed enough then you can remove the stake at this point. Because the root system of the tree is firmly established into the soil.
SELECT BEST LOCATION FOR THE POT OF WEEPING CHERRY TREE
Choosing the right location for your pot is very important for your plants. It helps to reduce the potential problems and you can maintain your plant easily
- Select the position where your plants flourish under ample sunlight. Cherry plants need full sun but they can tolerate partial shade. Your cherry plants should receive 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. If you are living in a warm area then you can choose a location where you can protect your plants from the harsh afternoon sun.
- The weeping Cherry tree will not tolerate a temperature below -10 Fahrenheit.
- Fresh air is very important for your plants. Air circulation keeps the cherry plants disease-free.
HOW MUCH WATER WEEPING CHERRY TREE NEEDS
- Dry weather is not good for your weeping cherry trees. If you are living in a dry climate that receives low rainfall which means your cherry tree needs more water.
- Normally weeping Cherry trees required 80 gallons of water every week. In the summer season, you should double the amount of water. Make sure the soil is dry when you are watering your Cherry tree. This will prevent your plants from root rot.
- If your cherry will not receive an adequate amount of water then you will see the tree will not produce flowers.
- In the winter season, your Cherry tree does not need more water so you should leave the roots to rest. If you provide water in this season, this will result in changes to the growing habits of the cherry tree. At last, your tree may fail to produce flowers in the following season.
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HOW MUCH FERTILIZER WEEPING CHERRY TREE NEED?
- The best time to feed the Cherry tree is in the early spring. It will encourage the growth of the plant. After 3 months when your Cherry tree comes out from the stress of transplant shock. Don’t apply fertilizer during this period because it may result in a burn.
- When the roots of the cherry tree are established then you can start feeding your tree with an acidic fertilizer. It is recommended that you can use slow releasing granular type fertilizer for weeping Cherry trees. You should spread the granular around 6 to 8 inches away from the base of the cherry tree.
As your Cherry tree grows you can increase the number of fertilizers. Mulching is the best way of fertilizing your plants. It can prevent your favorite Cherry trees from weeds and pests. The mulch also helps to retain the moisture within the soil which is very good for your plants.
HOW TO PRUNE MY WEEPING CHERRY TREE?
As you are growing a Weeping Cherry tree in a pot then you should not leave the cherry tree to grow on its own devices. Otherwise, it will become an unruly tree.
The best season for the growth of the Weeping Cherry tree is Spring and Summer. If you provide a suitable environment to the Weeping Cherry tree then it can be reached at a height of 10 feet.
If you want to control the size of the weeping Cherry tree then you should prune it. Because after a few years you will have to deal with 25 feet tall. Now it is a challenge for you to cut back this monster tree.
After pruning the shape of your weeping cherry tree will become tremendous and attractive. Following are simple steps for pruning the weeping cherry tree.
- If you see any water sprouts at the base of the tree then remove them. If you see new branches which are growing upright then remove them to give a beautiful shape to your tree.
- Remove all those branches which are going to touch the ground because these branches invite pests and diseases to infest the plant.
- During the pruning process, you should cut all the branches at a 45-degree angle to the trunk of the plant. This strategy will help your plant to keep growing.
- Try to thin out the branches of the tree, in this way, you will prevent them from touching one another.
HOW TO REMOVE SUCKERS?
In the Spring season, the cherry trees start to develop suckers that shoot up from the base of the tree. If you don’t remove the suckers then they will take over the tree.
If you see a graft scar at the top of the rootstock. Any shoot which occurs from the graft scar is a wild cherry tree shoot. You should remove all of these fruits.
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