Cherry plum and Japanese flowering cherry 'Kanzan' are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, flowers). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Prunus cerasifera 4.5 m × 3.5 m after 10 years
In gardens it is grown almost only in its purple-leaved forms: a small ornamental tree with a rounded crown that is covered in pale pink, scented…
Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan' 5 m × 4 m after 10 years
The best known Japanese flowering cherry: in late April and early May it is covered in fully double, vivid pink blossom, on a crown that is…
Cherry plum is hardier: down to -29 °C, against -23 °C for Japanese flowering cherry 'Kanzan'.
|
Feature
|
Cherry plum
|
Japanese flowering cherry 'Kanzan'
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Small tree | Small tree |
| Size after 10 years | 4.5 m × 3.5 m | 5 m × 4 m |
| Ultimate size | 5–9 m × 3–7.5 m | 7–12 m × 8–10 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | March–April, pink, white | April–May, pink |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 500 cm | 600 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic (uncertain) | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic (uncertain) | Toxic |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €26 | approx. €26 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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