Cherry flower trees and cherry fruit trees belong to the same genus, Prunus, and are related. Other edible fruit trees, such as plums, peaches, apricots, and almonds, are also included in this genus.
Cherry blossom trees and cherry fruit trees yield comparable flowers and fruits; however, cherry fruit trees are planted and developed for their delicious fruits, whereas cherry blossom trees are grown and cultivated for their exquisite blooms.
You don’t know what makes cherry flowers or cherry trees different or alike. The other tree is only ornamental, but it yields edible fruit. Compare and contrast these two trees in this article.
Tree Comparison
| Specifications | Cherry Tree | Cherry Blooms |
| Tree Type | Fruit | Flowering |
| Hardiness Zone | 4-7 | 5-8 |
| Size at Maturity | Up to 25 Feet | Up to 40 Feet |
| Sun Preference | Full Sun | Partial Shade |
| Soil Preference | Any | Loamy, Moist |
First of all, because they belong to the same genus—Prunus—cherries and cherry Blooms share a portion of their names. This genus includes not just these two trees but also trees that bear plums, peaches, apricots, and even almonds.
Therefore, there is a close relationship between cherries and cherry Blooms. Despite belonging to the same genus, they differ in terms of cultivars and variations. For instance, P. cerasus is the sour cherry, while P. avium is the sweet cherry. Several different types of cherries produce cherry flowers, such as decorative cherries.
Cherries are grown and crossed for their edible parts. Yield, flavour, disease resistance, and other elements that affect the development of edible plants are the main points of interest. Put differently, the Prunus trees that are referred to as “cherry trees” prioritize the production of tasty fruits over attractive features like Blooms.
Cherry Blooms are the exact opposite. Small fruits are still produced by these trees, but the blooms are the main attraction. They are grown for their aesthetic value and hybridized to yield the longest-lasting, most beautiful Blooms. The fruits are edible, but because the blooms have taken center stage, they don’t taste very good and are typically not eaten.
Appearance
Over most of the year, both trees have a similar appearance. They have roughly the same branch structure and leaf forms. Depending on the variety, they do vary slightly in size. Cherry trees are typically only ten to fifteen feet tall, but cherry blossom trees can grow to heights of over thirty feet. Their crown spread is comparable, at about 20 feet, despite this height disparity.
It’s easiest to distinguish between these trees in the blossoming season. Cherries yield fleeting blooms that give way to juicy fruits. Usually pink or white, these flowers have one or two petals. Groups of deep red or purple cherries that are sliced off at the stem for harvesting will blanket the tree after it has fully grown.
Cherry Blooms have a few weeks longer to bloom and have an amazing range of bloom types. To create the most attractive Blooms, each tree is crossed and chosen; some are unlike the usual pink; some are yellow or green.
Growing Conditions
Even though the names of these two trees might not sound alike, they do have certain things in common, such as a comparable climate and an ideal growing environment. Let’s examine these two trees to find out what characteristics they have in common and how they differ.
Climate
These trees thrive in similar moderate climates, favouring chilly temperatures over intense heat. Sour cherries do well in USDA Zones 4-6, whereas sweet cherries do best in Zones 5-8. USDA Zones 5-8 are generally the best for growing cherry flowers; these zones nearly correspond to those of cherry trees.
But temperature is a more significant factor for cherries than cherry Blooms. Cherry trees need a specific number of hours of cold weather before they begin to bear fruit. The variety determines how long it will take.
Trees with cherry Blooms are a little more understanding. Although they grow in the same zones, the conditions are more flexible because the fruits are not the main focus. Strict guidelines are needed for fruit production, although decorative trees can still be valuable throughout the year even under less-than-ideal circumstances.
Also Read : Red Flowers
Sunlight
The amount of lighting that each of these trees needs varies slightly. For the cherry tree to have the energy to bear fruits and bloom, it needs to get full sun for most of the day. Your yield may suffer even if you plant in the incorrect location and it is occasionally shaded by a wall or another tree.
On the other hand, cherry blossom trees are far more adaptable. Full sun is ideal if you want your decorative tree to produce the maximum amount of Blooms. Cherry blossom trees can, nevertheless, grow and thrive in situations with some shade. If you need to brighten a partially shaded area, you might not receive as many flowers as you would have preferred, but you will still have a beautiful display.
Soil
Prunus trees, especially cherry, are prone to developing root rot. For their soil to avoid any possible harm, it must drain exceptionally effectively. To help with nutrition and water retention, the soil should also be rich in compost and fertilizer.
Both trees don’t care too much about pH, but they do favour acidic soil. Different soil types can be tolerated by different kinds. While certain plants can flourish in sandy or clayey soils, others require the ideal conditions of rich, loamy soil.
Whichever tree you select, make sure it is planted in the proper soil from the beginning to guarantee a robust establishment and future growth.
Water
Cherry trees and cherry blossom trees demand similar amounts of watering. In regions with higher-than-average rainfall, these trees typically thrive on rainwater alone because they are not very thirsty.
They may require an additional deep watering or two during drier seasons, but they prefer the opposite of continuously moist soil. Certain types are even thought to be resistant to drought, requiring less water than others. Try to match the circumstances to the rainfall in your area to minimize water usage, and check the specific variety to find out how much water they require.
Apply a heavy layer of mulch around your tree’s base if you reside in a dry climate. Compost, leaves, or straw are excellent options that gradually increase the nutritional density of the soil as it decomposes. By keeping the soil moist, the mulch will reduce the amount of water you need to use. Moreover, it will suppress weeds simultaneously, sparing you time and subsequent work.
Ease of Growth
This is most likely the location where these two trees diverge most. While neither tree is more difficult to maintain than any other edible tree, one is more particular than the other.
Cherry trees need occasional care to guarantee a good crop. Initially, to guarantee fruiting, you must create and maintain the ideal development circumstances. Second, to safeguard your crop, you must keep an eye out for problems like bloom drop or deal with obnoxious birds that think your fruits are as tasty as you do.
Furthermore, cherry trees are vulnerable to several pests and illnesses that could destroy the tree as a whole or wreak havoc on your crop. It is known that a variety of mites, beetles, and caterpillars target cherry plants. Similar to this, diseases like brown rot, canker, and leaf spot are rather frequent and require close observation and management.
Any old plan for managing pests and diseases won’t work because the fruits are grown for human use. Each substance you use needs to be safe for food and support the health of the tree for the upcoming growing seasons.
Also Read : Purple Flowers
Life Span
These two trees are thought to be short-lived. This varies depending on the variety, just like most other factors do. The average lifespan of a cherry is 20 years, while ornamental cherries have a somewhat longer lifespan. The life span of a tree can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as pests, diseases, and growing circumstances.
Whether you’re looking for an ornamental or edible tree that will last for a long time, choose a long-living type and make sure you give it the proper care to keep it healthy for as long as possible.
Conclusion
There is a difference between cherry trees and cherry blossom trees. Nor are they entirely dissimilar. Everybody focuses on what they do best, whether it’s fruiting or Blooming. Cherry trees require more maintenance as well, but in exchange, they will produce mouth-watering fruits.
Despite their beauty, cherry Blooms are nothing like the meticulously chosen and crossbred blooms of the cherry blossom tree. Plant both trees in your garden for beautiful flower displays and delicious fruits to get the best of both worlds.