April in Bloom: The beauty and versatility of Ornamental Cheery Trees
April is when gardens wake up in full colour — and few trees celebrate spring quite like ornamental cherries. Whether it’s a flurry of pink, a cascade of white, or a surprise twist of yellow, Prunus trees put on a show that’s impossible to ignore.
As a team that works across gardens in South London and Surrey, we often get asked, “Which cherry is right for my space?”
The good news? There’s a Prunus for everyone — big gardens, small courtyards, even tight urban plots. Here are six of our favourite flowering cherries that can bring your garden to life:
Prunus avium ‘Plena’ – Think classic beauty: upright shape, frothy double white blossoms, and a graceful feel. A great choice for bigger gardens or as a centrepiece tree.
Prunus ‘Kiku-shidare-zakura’ – This weeping cherry is a total heart-stealer. Its candyfloss-pink, pom-pom blooms spill down like a floral waterfall — perfect for small gardens with big personalities.
Prunus ‘Ukon’ – Fancy something different? ‘Ukon’ blooms in creamy yellow tinged with green and blush pink. It’s subtle, elegant, and pairs beautifully with spring bulbs.
Prunus ‘Kanzan’ – The bold one. With rich double pink flowers and a full, upright canopy, this is the go-to for dramatic spring impact.
Prunus ‘Tai-haku’ – Wide-spreading with giant single white blossoms and bronzed young leaves. It creates a luminous, statuesque presence in the garden. A showstopper when planted over lawns or patios.
Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ – For tight spots or narrow front gardens, this upright, columnar cherry is perfect. Soft pink, semi-double flowers rise along its slender frame — compact, neat, and oh-so pretty.
Looking After Your Prunus
Cherry trees aren’t too fussy, but they do have their preferences. Give them full sun, good drainage, and shelter from strong wind. They like being planted in spring or autumn, and a good mulch at the base helps keep moisture in and weeds out. Most won’t need more than an occasional tidy-up to remove dead or crowded branches.
Want help picking the right cherry for your garden? We can advise on the best fit, plant it properly, and look after it year-round. Whether you’re after something graceful and delicate or bold and blousy, we’ll help you get the spring magic just right. Click the links below to find out how we can help you.
