Top 10 Ornamental Cherry Trees for UK Spring Blossom
- Kerri Cuthbert
- Jul 2
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Few sights rival a flowering cherry tree in full blossom. From frilly pink clouds to elegant white cascades, ornamental cherry trees (Prunus) deliver one of the UK’s most uplifting spring displays. This guide ranks the top 10 varieties to grow in British gardens — from compact patio trees to commanding lawn centrepieces — and includes a comparison table and seasonal planner to help you choose. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends several varieties ideal for small gardens, including upright and weeping forms that fit even the most compact outdoor spaces.
Why Choose a Flowering Cherry?
Seasonal Impact: Blooms from early March to late May
Fits Any Space: Choose upright, spreading or weeping forms
Pollinator Value: Some varieties support bees and hoverflies
Low Maintenance: Many need only light pruning
Autumn Colour: Foliage often turns vivid red and gold
Expert Insight: Single-flowered cherry trees such as The Bride and Hally Jolivette provide far more pollinator value than double-flowered showpieces like Kanzan. Consider biodiversity when selecting your tree.
Cherry Tree Comparison Table
Variety | Form | Height/Spread | Blossom Time | Colour | Garden Size | Wildlife Friendly |
Prunus ‘Kanzan’ | Spreading | 8m x 8m | April | Double pink | Large | ❌ Dense flowers |
Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ | Upright | 6m x 2m | Late April | Soft pink | Small | ✅ Light access |
Prunus ‘Shirotae’ | Spreading | 5m x 5m | April | White | Medium | ✅ Scented, single |
Prunus ‘Snow Goose’ | Upright | 5m x 2.5m | Mid April | Semi-double white | Small | ✅ Good nectar |
Prunus ‘Shogetsu’ | Rounded | 6m x 5m | May | White frilled | Medium | ❌ Sterile |
Prunus incisa ‘The Bride’ | Compact | 3m x 3m | March | White | Small | ✅ Great for bees |
Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’ | Upright | 6m x 4m | April | Double pink | Medium | ❌ Ornamental only |
Prunus ‘Kiku-shidare-zakura’ | Weeping | 4m x 3m | Late April | Deep pink | Small–medium | ❌ Dense blossom |
Prunus ‘Tai-haku’ | Spreading | 8m x 8m | Early April | Large white | Large | ✅ Big open blooms |
Prunus ‘Hally Jolivette’ | Rounded | 4m x 3m | March–April | Light pink | Small–medium | ✅ Early nectar |
Top Tip: Choose at least one early and one late-flowering variety to extend your blossom season from March to May.
The Prunus genus is rich in ornamental and native species. According to Kew Science, species like Prunus padus thrive in a wide range of environments, showcasing the adaptability and diversity of this much-loved tree family.
Double Pink Perfection | Best for Bold Impact
One of the most widely planted flowering cherries in the UK, Prunus ‘Kanzan’ is beloved for its large clusters of double pink blossoms. Each flower resembles a frilly rosette, and when in full bloom, the tree appears entirely covered in pink.
Height & Spread: Up to 8m tall and wide
Blossom: Bright double pink
Best for: Large gardens, lawns, avenues
Bonus: Rich autumn foliage in bronze and orange tones
Tip: Plant as a standalone tree to let its shape shine, or line a driveway for breathtaking seasonal effect.
Upright Columnar Beauty | Ideal for Small Spaces
Perfect for patios, narrow borders, or tight front gardens, Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ has a naturally upright habit that makes it incredibly space-efficient. Despite its slim form, it produces masses of semi-double pale pink flowers with a subtle fragrance.
Height: 5–7m
Spread: 1.5–2m
Blossom: Soft pink, mid to late April
Best for: Compact urban gardens, formal planting
Bonus: Bronze-tinged young leaves that turn green
Top Tip: Use in pairs to frame pathways or entrances with spring blossom.
Elegant White Blossom | Spreading Form
Prunus ‘Shirotae’, also known as the Mount Fuji cherry, features elegant, cascading white blossoms with a light almond scent. Its wide, spreading form offers superb structural presence in lawn settings.
Height & Spread: 4–5m
Blossom: Fragrant pure white, early to mid-April
Best for: Japanese gardens, lawns, underplanted borders
Bonus: Red-orange autumn colour
Tip: Use uplighting beneath the canopy to enjoy its silhouette in the evening.
Slim, Hardy Performer | Excellent for Windy Sites
This upright flowering cherry suits formal gardens and exposed locations. Prunus ‘Snow Goose’ blooms with heavy clusters of clean white flowers and has excellent disease resistance.
Height: 5–6m
Spread: 2–3m
Blossom: White, mid-spring
Best for: Driveways, courtyards, coastal gardens
Bonus: Attractive bronze new foliage
Tip: Plant in a row for a narrow screen or upright accent in a sunny location.
Late-Blooming Drama | Frilled White Flowers
A spectacular finish to the cherry blossom season, Prunus ‘Shogetsu’ unfurls large clusters of white double flowers from blush-pink buds, offering bicolour appeal as they mature.
Height: 5–6m
Spread: 4–5m
Blossom: White frilled petals with pink buds
Best for: Mid-size gardens, extending the blossom season
Bonus: Deep red autumn foliage
Tip: Mix with early bloomers like 'Hally Jolivette' to create a longer flowering season.
Weeping Pink Wonder | Great for Smaller Lawns
This dramatic weeping cherry forms a cascading dome of rich pink pompom-like double flowers. It’s one of the best ornamental cherries for compact spaces and instant impact.
Height: 3–5m
Spread: 3–4m
Blossom: Dense double pink flowers
Best for: Feature tree in small gardens
Bonus: Highly decorative even out of flower
Tip: Underplant with low spring bulbs to amplify the floral effect.
Foliage and Flowers | Burgundy Leaves All Season
If you want multi-season appeal, Prunus ‘Royal Burgundy’ offers rich pink blossoms in spring and holds its striking deep purple foliage throughout summer.
Height & Spread: 5–6m
Blossom: Rose-pink, double
Best for: Colourful planting schemes, contrast against green backdrops
Bonus: Bold architectural leaf colour
Tip: Position near silver-foliaged or variegated plants for a designer look.
Petite and Early | Delicate Simplicity
A compact and early-flowering cherry, ‘The Bride’ offers pale pink buds that open into crisp white single flowers, often by March. Perfect for pots and patio beds.
Height: 2.5–3m
Spread: 2–2.5m
Blossom: White with pink tint
Best for: Small gardens, containers
Bonus: Very early bloom
Tip: Use near entrances or windows to enjoy early blossom close up.
The Great White Cherry | Huge Flowers
This dramatic cherry is known for its exceptionally large single white blooms, sometimes up to 5cm across. Tai-haku makes a magnificent lawn or parkland tree.
Height & Spread: Up to 8m
Blossom: Giant white single flowers
Best for: Larger gardens, open spaces
Bonus: Golden autumn foliage
Tip: Allow room for its wide canopy and plant in full sun for best display.
Extended Season Starter | Semi-Double Blush Flowers
Hally Jolivette blooms earlier than most, often starting in March with pale pink semi-double flowers on graceful arching branches.
Height: 3–4m
Spread: 2–3m
Blossom: Pale blush pink
Best for: Seasonal interest from early spring
Bonus: Hardy and tolerant of various soils
Tip: Ideal for extending blossom displays when paired with mid or late-season varieties.
Bloom Timeline
Wildlife Considerations
Not all cherry trees are equal for biodiversity. If you want to support wildlife:
Choose single-flowered types like Hally Jolivette or The Bride
Avoid heavy double flowers that block access to pollen/nectar
Plant alongside other spring wildlife plants like Pulmonaria or native hawthorn
A recent study from the British Ecological Society confirms that pollinators overwhelmingly prefer single-flowered trees like Prunus padus, due to their accessible pollen and nectar.
For a broader look at how your garden can support biodiversity, Buglife’s Gardening for Bugs offers practical advice on nurturing pollinators year-round.
Related Posts
To experience ornamental cherry trees in full bloom, Kew Gardens' blossom trail offers one of the most celebrated cherry walks in the country — ideal for inspiration.
Shop Our Cherry Tree Range
Every tree in this list is available from Bowhayes Trees as a pot-grown plant, ready for year-round delivery across the UK.
From compact patio trees to dramatic lawn centrepieces, flowering cherries offer something for every UK garden. When choosing your tree, consider not just the blossom colour, but also the shape, timing, and overall scale of the variety. With thoughtful selection, your cherry tree will delight for decades to come.
FAQs
When is the best time to plant an ornamental cherry tree in the UK?
The ideal time to plant a cherry tree in the UK is during the autumn or early spring, when the ground is workable and not frozen. Container-grown trees can technically be planted year-round, but avoiding extremes of cold or drought will help young trees establish faster.
How long do cherry trees bloom in the UK?
Most ornamental cherry trees bloom for 2 to 3 weeks, though this varies by variety and weather. Early bloomers like ‘The Bride’ can begin in March, while late bloomers like ‘Shogetsu’ may flower well into May. Choosing a mix of early, mid, and late varieties extends the blossom season in your garden.
Do flowering cherry trees produce fruit?
Some ornamental cherries do produce small fruit, but it’s typically non-edible and not grown for consumption. These fruits are often enjoyed by birds. If you're looking specifically for fruiting cherry trees, opt for culinary varieties like Prunus avium or Prunus cerasus instead.Why is my magnolia not flowering?
Are ornamental cherry trees messy or high-maintenance?
Not at all. Most flowering cherries are low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to shape or remove dead wood. While petals and some fruit may drop, they usually decompose quickly and don’t cause significant mess compared to other flowering trees.
Which flowering cherry trees are best for supporting pollinators?
Single-flowered varieties such as Prunus incisa ‘The Bride’, Prunus padus, and Prunus ‘Hally Jolivette’ are the most beneficial to bees and hoverflies. Heavily double-flowered types can be less accessible to insects. For wildlife-friendly gardening, always check blossom type and pair trees with nectar-rich underplanting.
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