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Description
Prunus Kiku, also known as the Japanese flowering cherry tree, is a deciduous tree that is native to Japan, Korea, and China. It is a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its stunning display of pink or white flowers in early spring. The tree typically grows to a height of 20 to 40 feet and has a spread of 25 to 35 feet. The leaves of the Prunus Kiku are green and ovate with serrated edges. The bark of the tree is reddish-brown and has a distinctive horizontal lenticel pattern.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
Appearance
The Prunus Kiku is a beautiful flowering tree that produces a stunning display of pink or white flowers in early spring. The tree typically grows to a height of 20 to 40 feet and has a spread of 25 to 35 feet. The leaves of the Prunus Kiku are green and ovate with serrated edges. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow, orange, or red before falling off. The bark of the tree is reddish-brown and has a distinctive horizontal lenticel pattern. The tree produces small, red or black fruit that is not typically consumed by humans.
Care Guide
To care for your Prunus Kiku, it is important to provide it with the proper water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones. The tree prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months. The tree should be fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The Prunus Kiku prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Prunus Kiku is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, scale insects, and borers. Additionally, the tree may develop fungal diseases such as black knot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. It is important to regularly inspect your Prunus Kiku for signs of pests and diseases, and to treat any issues promptly.
Habitat
The Prunus Kiku is native to Japan, Korea, and China, where it grows in a variety of habitats including forests, mountains, and riverbanks. In cultivation, the tree is typically grown in gardens and parks as an ornamental tree.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the fruit of the Prunus Kiku be consumed?
A: While the fruit of the Prunus Kiku is not typically consumed by humans, it is a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Q: What is the best time to prune a Prunus Kiku?
A: The best time to prune a Prunus Kiku is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: Does the Prunus Kiku require a lot of maintenance?
A: While the Prunus Kiku does require some maintenance, such as regular watering and fertilization, it is generally a low-maintenance tree.
Q: How long do the flowers of the Prunus Kiku last?
A: The flowers of the Prunus Kiku typically last for about two weeks.
Related Plants
- Prunus serrulata – Japanese Cherry
- Prunus avium – Sweet Cherry
- Prunus cerasus – Sour Cherry
- Prunus persica – Peach Tree
References
- “Prunus Kiku.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b364.
- “Prunus Kiku – Japanese Flowering Cherry.” Gardenerdy. Accessed 15 July 2021. https://gardenerdy.com/prunus-kiku-japanese-flowering-cherry/.
- “Prunus Kiku.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 15 July 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/23183/Prunus-Kiku/Details.
