Cherry blossom tree?

Question

How many years will it take for a cherry blossom tree to become the right lengh & will i be able to grow it in australia,nsw?

Answer 1

How long it will take to flower well will depend on the variety.  Most will have some flowers from a young tree stage.

A previous answer was correct regarding cold.  They do like a temperate climate, coastal areas are usually not that successful.  It seems to be the winter climate that is most important as i grow mine in inland NSW quite successfully.

I originally grew Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan' in a very hot spot in my garden and it hasn't looked back.  what a surprise for me to read that they don't grow where I live at all!  Now I know more I would pick a morning sun postion which is well watered and fertilized.

Don't be put off if you live in a hot or cold temperate climate and I have even seen them growing in North Sydney gardens.  some varieties are more robust to heat than others.  Pick the toughest variety you can and give it a go unless you live on the seaboard.  Choose your position carefully and look after it.  If it dies its still worth a try.

Answer 2

I'd love to answer the part about how long it takes to grow but the one I had didn't really grow much at all, and it didn't get many flowers. So as for whether it will grow in NSW - I can guarantee that if you're in a coastal area no. It's just not cold enough for it. But if you're in a cold area it should do quite well.

Answer 3

Just like any other plant in the garden a lot depends on the soil, the location and the amount of water it gets. To get the best out of a cherry blossom make sure the soil is free draining as it does not do well in clay and mix in some compost before planting. If you are buying it bare rooted make sure you cut it back by about a third, this seems pain full at the time but you are guaranteed that it will spend most of its energy into making roots and give you a stronger tree in the long run. Make sure it gets plenty of sun and is sheltered from strong winds as the blossoms are quite delicate.