PlantFun
Plant Needs
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to lanceolate with serrated margins; bronze when young, maturing to deep green, turning yellow-orange in autumn
- Flower: Pale pink to white 5-petaled blooms, clustered in umbels, with a mild sweet fragrance
- Stem/Bark: Smooth gray-brown bark with horizontal lenticels; young twigs have a reddish-brown hue
Care Guide
Water deeply once weekly during active growth; increase frequency to twice weekly during extreme heatwaves
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before bud break. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to prioritize flower production over excessive foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the tree’s drip line in early spring, then water thoroughly to integrate into the soil- Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter before bud break to improve air circulation
- Thin crowded inner branches to allow light to reach lower canopy layers and promote even flowering
- Trim back overly long shoots to maintain a rounded canopy shape; avoid heavy pruning that reduces next year’s bloom potential
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion of plant material can induce cyanide poisoning, leading to vomiting, difficulty breathing, and collapse
Humans: Contains cyanogenic glycosides; ingestion of leaves, seeds, or stems can release toxic cyanide, causing respiratory distress and systemic poisoning
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes spring renewal in Japanese gardens; often planted in temple and park landscapes to mark the start of the season
Usage: Ornamental flowering tree for residential yards, streetscapes, and public green spaces
