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Description
Prunus Serrulata Ukon, also known as the Japanese flowering cherry, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Japan, but it is widely cultivated in many parts of the world for its ornamental purposes. The tree can grow up to 10-15 meters tall and has a spreading canopy. It blooms in the spring season, producing stunning pink flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers are followed by small, black fruits that are not edible.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
Appearance
The Prunus Serrulata Ukon tree has a dense, spreading canopy that becomes broader with age. It has an upright growth habit and can reach a height of 10-15 meters. The leaves of the tree are oval-shaped, about 5-10cm long, and are dark green in color. In the spring season, the tree produces stunning pink flowers that are about 3-5cm in diameter. The flowers have five petals and a pleasant fragrance. The tree’s bark is brownish-gray and has a smooth texture.
Care Guide
Prunus Serrulata Ukon is a relatively low-maintenance tree. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:
Water: The tree requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the tree deeply once a week to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the roots and inhibit growth.
Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils.
Sunlight: The tree requires full sun exposure to thrive. Plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
Hardiness Zones: Prunus Serrulata Ukon is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Prunus Serrulata Ukon is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
Aphids: These insects feed on the sap of the tree, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
Cherry Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots to appear on the leaves of the tree. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide to control the disease.
Cytospora Canker: This fungal disease causes sunken cankers to form on the branches of the tree. Prune infected branches and use a fungicide to prevent further spread of the disease.
Habitat
Prunus Serrulata Ukon is native to Japan and is widely cultivated in many parts of the world for its ornamental purposes. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. The tree is commonly used in landscaping and as a specimen plant in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Prunus Serrulata Ukon drought-tolerant?
A: No, the tree requires regular watering and is not drought-tolerant.
Q: Can Prunus Serrulata Ukon be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in a container, but it may not grow as large as it would in the ground.
Q: Does Prunus Serrulata Ukon attract bees?
A: Yes, the tree’s pink flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should I fertilize Prunus Serrulata Ukon?
A: Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Prunus Serrulata Ukon:
- Prunus Serrulata ‘Kanzan’
- Prunus Serrulata ‘Shirotae’
- Prunus Serrulata ‘Amanogawa’
- Prunus Serrulata ‘Kiku-shidare-zakura’
References
- “Prunus serrulata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c436
- “Prunus serrulata ‘Ukon’.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/86261/i-Prunus-serrulata-i-Ukon/Details
- “Japanese Flowering Cherry.” The Morton Arboretum. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/japanese-flowering-cherry
