What are the new cherry blossom varieties, and where are they suitable for planting?
Cherry blossom is an ornamental flowering plant whose flowers are mostly white or pink, and it is cultivated all over the world. Cherry blossoms generally bloom in March, and they display different “charm” as the seasons change; they are usually planted in gardens for visitors to admire. So what new varieties of cherry blossom are there? Where are they generally suitable for planting?
1. What new varieties of cherry blossom are there?
1. Zhongguohong
Among cherry blossom varieties, the 'Zhongguohong' variety is especially precious, and it is named 'Zhongguohong' for its crimson flowers and outstanding flower form. It is one of the earlier-flowering cherry blossom varieties, and its flowering period falls right around the Spring Festival, making it an excellent flowering tree for setting off the Spring Festival atmosphere. ‘Zhongguohong’ has a very wide range of applications in landscaping; it can be planted in groups, and can also be planted in courtyards, along roads, on hillsides, in parks and other places. When in full bloom, the flowers are brilliant and gorgeous, and the whole tree is splendid, like clouds and rosy clouds, extremely spectacular. In our country, every March, when the grass grows and the orioles fly and all things revive, it is exactly when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and it is the best viewing period for cherry blossoms. They can be planted in large patches to create a "sea of flowers" landscape, can be dotted in groups of three or five on green spaces to form brocade-like clusters, and can also be planted singly to create the pictorial effect of "a touch of red among a mass of green". Cherry blossoms can also be used as hedges or made into bonsai.
2. Yangguang cherry blossom
Yangguang cherry blossom is currently one of the few single-petaled cherry blossoms with pink flowers that can adapt to the climate of both northern and southern China. Because its pink color and heat tolerance come from the genes of the cold cherry blossom (Prunus campanulata) from the tropical and subtropical regions of China, Yangguang cherry blossom also has heat tolerance and can be planted and grown in hot places. At the same time, since the theoretical lifespan of Somei Yoshino is 60 years, Yangguang cherry blossom is one of the best varieties to pair with or even replace Somei Yoshino.
3. Weeping cherry blossom
Weeping cherry blossom is a rare type of cherry blossom with very good ornamental value in itself. At present, it is planted relatively little in nurseries, and the market for weeping cherry blossom is quite good. In the current market, there are very few finished weeping cherry blossom saplings of 10 cm or more with ornamental effect, and there are not many good-quality weeping cherry blossom seedlings, so supply falls short of demand. Its output and application volume may usher in an explosive period in the future.
Weeping cherry blossom has won the favor of the public with its own ornamental characteristics. Foreign countries have a history of planting weeping cherry blossom for hundreds of years, and the United States, Japan and other countries have very beautiful finished weeping cherry blossom specimens, but domestic cultivation is relatively limited and is still in its initial stage.
2. Where are cherry blossoms generally suitable for planting?
Cherry blossoms like to grow in cool environments, and Japan's temperatures are very suitable for the growth of cherry blossoms, so Japan's cherry blossoms not only have many varieties and colors, but their flowers also bloom more abundantly and beautifully. Cherry blossoms can grow well in sandy loam and clay loam rich in humus (pH 5.5 to 6.5). In places in the south where the soil is heavy clay, generally mix in homemade leaf mold (soil made by composting collected leaves, acidic soil, chicken manure and charcoal powder). Note that before mixing, all the original clay clods must be broken up, otherwise it will not improve the soil. In places where the groundwater level is less than 1 m, use the raised planting method, that is, level the entire planting hole and then pile soil on top to plant the seedlings. For alkaline soil in the north, sulfur powder or ferrous sulfate, etc. need to be applied to adjust the pH value to about 6. Apply 2 grams of sulfur powder per sq m, with a valid period of 1 to 2 years, and measure it every year so that the pH value does not exceed 7. Varieties such as mountain cherry and Somei Yoshino have straight trunks and larger tree bodies; they are strongly sun-loving tree species and require shelter from wind and sun, as well as ventilation and light transmission. When planting in patches, every tree should be able to receive sunlight.